Hi! My name is Lehonani (pronounced Lehho-nah-knee) and I’m a mother of two adult children, one of whom I am caregiver of. I’m a South Sea Polynesian Islander Cherokee /Shawnee who loves music, art, design, baking and cooking and spending time with family and friends. I’m a very down to earth person who had the best of both worlds growing up in both the city and the country, yet has a country heart and would gladly live on a farm surrounded by nature, white picket fences, animals and sustainable living any day.

I hadn’t heard of the series prior to seeing a short on TikTok, so knew absolutely nothing about “A new kind of beautiful” until then. I believe a TV show such as this is perfect in terms of the show’s exposure worldwide along with showcasing normal everyday people without any stereotyping. The show is a fantastic way for the people of the world to know they are loved and accepted just the way they are.

When inspiring people as the new face of “A new kind of beautiful” - especially on a TV series such as “The Fashion Hero,” a role model should shine from within and be chosen for their inner beauty because that is where true beauty lies. We are all perfectly imperfect, with flaws and scars that should be celebrated, so future generations also feel confident enough as they are. The idea is to simply be yourself.