In 2020, Mestiza New York co-founders Louisa and Alessandra launched the Mestiza Heirloom Project to celebrate and empower communities of women creating meaningful legacies. Rooted in the belief that what we wear can carry confidence, memories, and stories, the project honors women navigating life’s most defining chapters with remarkable strength and grace.

This July, we had the privilege of meeting 15 inspiring women from the Pink Ribbon Good community, formerly known as Pink Ribbon Girls. Each woman selected a Mestiza piece to accompany her into the next chapter of her journey, whether worn to mark a meaningful milestone, celebrate a special occasion, or simply feel like herself again.

Pink Ribbon Good is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by breast and gynecological cancers. By providing free healthy meals, transportation to treatment, housecleaning essentials, and peer support, the organization helps ease the everyday burdens of cancer and ensures that no one faces the fight alone.

Today, we are honored to share a few of these women’s stories, and the meaningful moments where they have worn their Mestiza pieces: 

Valerie - St. Louis, MO

"During treatment, I often talked about “collecting normals”—finding small ways to feel like myself again. Recovering from a double mastectomy while preparing for radiation and hormone suppression changed both my body and my confidence. Wearing my Mestiza dress felt like a deep breath of fresh air.

The dress helped me recognize and celebrate the woman looking back at me in the mirror. It restored a piece of the confidence cancer had chipped away and reminded me that doing the things that make you feel like yourself can be a powerful part of healing."

Sylvia - San Fransisco, CA 

"After two years filled with diagnosis, treatment, loss, and uncertainty, receiving my Mestiza piece felt like a much-needed bright light. Wearing something so feminine and beautiful helped me reconnect with a part of myself that had felt distant throughout my journey. It gave me an opportunity to feel seen, celebrated, and confident again."

Jodi - Cincinnati, OH

"Receiving my Mestiza dress felt like a meaningful celebration of reaching five years cancer-free—a milestone that once felt uncertain. Wearing something so elegant, vibrant, and joyful helped me reclaim an identity beyond “survivor” and honor this chapter with confidence and intention.

Cancer changed the relationship I had with my body, but this experience reminded me that I am strong, feminine, and deserving of beautiful moments. The dress became a celebration of choosing to show up, be seen, and embrace joy again."

Katie - Columbus, OH

"My cancer journey taught me to be fearless, embrace new possibilities, and try things outside my comfort zone. After undergoing a double mastectomy without reconstruction, I had to navigate a new relationship with my body and sense of self. Wearing my Mestiza dress made me feel feminine, beautiful, comfortable, and completely authentic—a combination I had struggled to find in a dress before." 

Anastacia - St. Louis, MO

"Wearing my Mestiza dress allowed me to feel elegant and confident while honoring the strength of everyone affected by cancer. The piece carries a story and a purpose that extend far beyond fashion. Each time I wear it, I am reminded that beauty and resilience can exist side by side."

Audra - Columbus, OH 

"Receiving my Mestiza piece reminded me that even during one of the darkest chapters of my life, there can still be moments of beauty and joy. My body changed throughout my cancer journey, but wearing this piece helped me recognize that I am still me—and I am still worthy of feeling beautiful. It now serves as a symbol of my strength, self-worth, and everything I have learned about accepting support from others."