Ubah Hassan’s latest modeling gig is giving back in ways The Real Housewives of New York star tells PEOPLE she feels “beyond rewarding.”
For the 10th year in a row, beloved fashion retailer Talbots has partnered with Dress for Success to help raise money for the nonprofit organization that provides unemployed and underemployed women with the tools to achieve economic independence. And for the third time, they hired Hassan to lead the campaign.
“Talbots is such an amazing company,” says Hassan, 40. “I’ve been working with them for the past 13 years, in one form or another, and they’re all about inspiring women to look and feel their best so they can reach their full potential. They’ve already have raised more than $10 million for Dress for Success over the years, and to be working with them on something I feel strongly about — women helping other women achieve economic independence — fills me with pride. I’m so honored to be a part of it ”
For the campaign, Hassan models Talbots’ limited edition “Empower Suit”, sold in all Talbots stores and online. From now until March 3rd, 30% of the net proceeds from the garment will go directly to Dress for Success. The company is also collecting cash donations for Dress for Success in all stores until March 17.
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Crafted from polished denim, the two-piece “Empower Suit” is both modern and chic, with a tailored blazer ($179-$199) and wide-leg pants ($129-$149) creating a timeless and versatile silhouette.
“It’s a very powerful look, but it’s also so comfortable to wear because the material is very soft,” says Hassan. “And I just love that you can wear it so many different ways—like, just pants with a nice belt and a turtleneck, or a blazer with a silk top and a skirt, or pants with just a t-shirt. There are so many options.”
“When I was younger, I was very stupid and bought things that I could only wear once and that would fall apart after a few washes,” adds Hassan. “Now I try to only buy things that I can wear many times and that are good quality. This is a piece that will last.”
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Ubah Hassan at the premiere of ‘The Real Housewives of New York City’ in July 2023.
Cindy Ord/Bravo via Getty
Hassan also knows a thing or two about empowerment. The Somali-Canadian reality star is also a powerful entrepreneur, having launched her own personal hot sauce brand called Ubah Hot in 2021. In the same year, it was chosen as one of Oprah’s favorite things.
“Being an entrepreneur is such a powerful thing,” reflects Hassan. “You’re going into the unknown. You’re not sure that your investment will return, but you believe so much in these ideas and you’re so passionate about what you’re doing that you just go full force. So it shows that you’re ready to take on everything and work for your success. ”
But empowerment means more to Hassan than success. “I have very strong willpower and have overcome so many things in my life through sheer determination and drive. To many, that might seem like the definition of ’empowering,’ but for me, I really feel empowered when I’m with a community,” she says.
“In life, you need the support of the people you love,” Hassan continues. “I’m someone who relies on those around me. I’ll turn to a friend and say, ‘I’m having a hard time dealing with this, what should I do?’ Or, ‘I’m trying to make a decision, what do you think?’ And I’ll listen to my friends when they come to me with the same questions and I’ll help guide them. It’s empowering. You can empower yourself, but when you’re empowered by others and you empower others, that’s when you really understand the importance of words.”
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Brynn Whitfield, Erin Lichy, Sai De Silva, Jenna Lyons, Jessel Taank and Ubah Hassan.
Gavin Bond/Bravo via Getty Images
Hassan tells PEOPLE that she certainly feels empowered by her RHONY actresses Brynn Whitfield, Erin Lichy, Sai De Silva, Jenna Lyons and Jessel Tank.
Bravo viewers got to know the six on the show’s much-hyped Season 14, which premieres in July 2023. And while Hassan is playing coy about when the cameras will roll back on for Season 15 — and if they’ll be back — she says that a the others spent a lot of time together away from the reality TV lens.
“I love my girls, I really do, and their support means everything to me,” says Hassan. “We see each other all the time. And we’re all so different, but I feel very, very close to them. I think it’s because we’ve been through this thing, all of us, which was so new. We didn’t come from television and the experience of us has really brought us closer. I’ve learned so much from all of them. And no matter what happens — even if we fight or have disagreements — I know we’ll always come together at the end of the day and strengthen each other.”
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“I just really, really love my world,” exclaims Hassan. “I’m very, very grateful to have stumbled upon this path in life.”
The Real Housewives of New York currently streaming on Peacock.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education