About Willows

When I was a little girl growing up in New York City, my mom would sometimes dress up just to make me laugh. She had a way of turning everyday moments into something theatrical - throwing on a scarf, putting on lipstick, and slipping into unforgettable red sunglasses she’d bought on the streets of Manhattan in the late '70s. They were fire-engine red, with oversized round lenses and soft chain temples that ended in bold red discs, swaying like earrings. I’d watch, completely mesmerized. And when she wasn’t looking, I’d sneak into her dresser, pull them out, and try them on. Just like that, I felt transformed - glamorous, playful, powerful. Years later, as we packed to move overseas, I saw those same sunglasses tossed in a donation box. My heart dropped. I couldn’t let them go. I quietly tucked them away like a secret - a little piece of magic I wasn’t ready to lose. After my marriage ended, while raising a toddler and rebuilding my life, I found those glasses again. This time, I understood. They weren’t just a memory. They were a spark - a reminder of creativity, self-expression, joy. The name Willows came to me in a dream. The soft chain temples reminded me of willow branches - graceful, flowing, resilient. Willows bend with the wind, but never break. And somehow, that felt like me. From my corner of Los Angeles to faces around the world - thank you for making Willows part of your story too. xo, SashaRead their story