The Girl Who Healed in Heels
Because sometimes the best revenge is glowing, growing, and never shrinking again.
I didn’t just survive breast cancer, I reinvented myself in lipstick and heels.
When people talk about healing, they often picture quiet reflection, yoga mats, herbal tea, and soft piano music in the background. And sure, I had those moments. But I also had days when healing looked like walking into Hudson Valley Beauty Lab and saying,
“Randi, let’s get my skin glowing like I never missed a beat.” Ps I didn’t have to say it she knew what to do I just had to show up !
Because healing isn’t one-size-fits-all. For me, it came with a flat iron in one hand and hope in the other.
I made a decision early on: I wasn’t going to disappear just because life knocked me off my feet. I was going to show up better. Braver. Bolder. Not because I had something to prove, but because I had someone to reclaim me.
Let’s talk about it.
I found my glow, literally and figuratively.
The cancer treatments did a number on my skin. Radiation, stress, and the general trauma of it all left me looking at someone I didn’t recognize.
Enter the room Nurse Randi and the Queen of many miracle workers at Hudson Valley Beauty Lab.
From my full-face tox (hallelujah) to the Procell microneedling treatments with the Toskani serum, to the nano microblading that brought my brows back to life,I didn’t just get my skin back, I got my confidence back.
Seeing Kristina and having several Glo2Facials was like a religious experience. If you’re not seeing her at Hudson Valley Beauty Lab, you’re seriously missing out.
SkinBetter Science products? I’m in a committed relationship with them, thank you, Randi at HVBL. You can still get on board; just Google it. It has truly transformed my skin. And yes, I’ve even got TK on the men’s line now.
That new HVBL location? You’ll catch me there, glowing and grinning. I can’t wait for my appointment this week and I’m beyond thrilled for everyone at HVBL and their brand-new building!
Fashion was my therapy.
Some women meditate. I put on a dress with pockets and a pair of Gucci heels and remember who I am.
Fashion became my armor. It helped me walk into rooms that felt too big for my fear. It gave me a sense of control when everything else felt wildly out of my hands.
Every outfit was a declaration: I’m still here. I’m still fabulous. And I’m not going anywhere.
Healing isn’t linear, but it can be stylish.
I won’t lie and tell you there weren’t days I cried in the shower or curled up in bed unsure of what came next. But those moments didn’t define me. They reminded me how human I am.
And so did the women who cheered me on. The friends who reminded me I could still sparkle. The mirror that slowly began to reflect someone who felt whole again.
To every woman reclaiming herself:
You don’t have to wait for someone to hand you permission.
You are the permission.
You can cry and contour. Heal and hustle. Rest and rise.
You can be vulnerable and still show up looking like a damn runway show.
Because healing is hard. But hiding? That’s no longer on the menu.
So here’s to the girl who healed in heels.
And to the women who are still learning how.
You’re not just coming back
You’re coming back with style.