After many submissions, we are happy to present to you the finalists for the 2014 BLDG 25 Blog Love Awards! The amount of submissions we received this year was incredible. The people, the charities, the places and the beauty you all introduced us to is warmly appreciated. It’s amazing to get a glimpse into just how magical this world really is, and to learn where the sparks of creativity and love are coming from. It was a hard decision, but we’ve narrowed it down to three finalists in each category. The winners will be determined based on a combination of votes and a Free People committee. Check out the finalists below, and be sure to cast your votes by next Tuesday, November 18th!
Trailblazer
A woman who is paving the way for others through her achievements, creativity, and innovation.
Alexandra Valenti is a fashion and lifestyle photographer and artist. She takes her talents and combines them to create some of the most beautiful images we have ever seen.
Onna Hepner is the founder and head chef at Full & Happy, a beautiful kitchen studio where Onna leads personalized cooking lessons and culinary experiences that delight and empower the home-cook.
The Goddess Project is the story of two woman, Sara Landas and Holli Rae, who are on a journey of self-discovery. They’re setting their fears aside, and finding woman along the way who are doing the same.
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Heart Throb
The man who makes us most weak in the knees.
Luke Ditella, model, professional surfer, and photographer.
Mark Wystrach, model and co-founder of The People’s Movement.
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Girls Best Friend
The most irresistible and heartwarming animal photo.
New tent,submitted by @marleyandalfie
Tub pups,submitted by @caitbarkerr
Pup and shades, submitted by @heathaahnydo
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Song Bird
The breakthrough artist or band we can’t stop listening to.
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Give
The charitable organization that inspires us to give and do more.
Teysha.is: By partnering with communities, Teysha seeks to bring more opportunities to the world, in creative employment for the artisans and in ethically and beautifully handcrafted goods.
Long I Pie Shop not only makes delicious pies, but partners with local non-profits to hire youth at risk of homelessness, exploitation, incarceration, etc. to give them a first chance at employment.
Woodstock Sanctuary provides shelter to animals that have been rescued from abuse, neglect, and abandonment in and around the town that has been made famous for peace and music.
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FP Me Trendsetter
The FP Me user who most inspires us with her styling and creative photography.
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Mover
The wellness leader who best nourishes our mind, body, & spirit.
Amanda Bisk is a former Australian pole vaulter, yoga instructor, exercise physiologist, and all around inspirational beauty.
Fernanda de la Puente is a holistic counselor and natural chef in NYC, and the creator of Peeling In, a health and wellness website.
Sjana Elise Earp is an adventure seeking Australian who lives out a healthy life through yoga, travel and photography, and gives us tips along the way.
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Wanderer
A scenic photo that takes our breath away.
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Inked Work Of Art
Most inspiring tattoo used as a form of self-expression
Dr_woo_ssc : Artist at Shamrock Social Club. Hollywood, CA
Minka Sicklinger: Artist, NYC
1924us (Christian Watson): Branding, illustrated works, photography–the talented man behind 1924us.
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Hideaway
The boutique hotel that gives us a serious case of wanderlust.
Rockwater on the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia.
Urban Cowboy in Brooklyn, New York.
Atlantic Byron Bay in Byron Bay, Australia.
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Fighter
Someone who achieved a challenging goal or survived something magnificent.
Hope For Steve / Hope Dezember is compassionate and determined to make a difference in the world. This FP Me girl has been by her husband’s side through his fight with ALS, and she continues to inspire us each day.
Ruthie Lindsey is one of those souls who has been through it all. She’s broken free from the pain and sadness she once experienced, and now lives a creative life that is overflowing with light, laughter and happiness.
Mary Brooke LaChance is young woman who has been battling stage 5 Melanoma that has spread throughout her body. Her best friend started The Mary B Lucky Foundation in order to help her through her battle with cancer.
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Amazing souls! Inspired.
Warm Regards,
Alexandra
http://www.littlewildheart.com
Thank you so much for introducing me to so many amazing spirits!
http://www.chelseaandthecity.com
@fpjana I previously nominated Teysha and just wanted to let you know that their name is just “Teysha”! The teysha.is is just their website domain. So happy to see them and the rest of these amazing people featured on here <3
What a lovely group of people. Rooting for you, Long I Pie!
Thank you so much for choosing Teysha as a finalist! So honored to be among these amazing brands. Good luck to all.
If you have any questions about Teysha or our handmade custom boots, please email us at village@teysha.is – We’re here to help!
http://www.teysha.is
@teysha_is
http://www.facebook.com/teysha.is
Gracias por todos!
Tessa Sophie Travis Hanna and all the artisans
They are all such great picks!
xoxo Kennedy
Northern Indigo
This whole roundup is lovely
xxLK
http://www.ellekae.com
Would have been cool to see a little more diversity on this list…
I agree with Laura – not that I expect anything better from FP at this point but it’s still disappointing.
Have great admiration for Hope with her upbeat attitude and her love for Steve.
I’m so thrilled to be nominated as a finalist! Thanks, Free People and Full & Happy supporters!
aw, thank you so much for including me in this list! ! This is especially poignant for me as this company started my career. I am forever grateful to everyone at Free People. Much Love, Alexandra Valenti xoxo
Thank you so much for the nomination! I’m overwhelmed with gratitude and so honoured. Love to you all xxxx
over the moon about being nominated, thank you FP girls, Love this community.
Thank you so much for the nomination!
WoW, now that was a hard decision, loved them all!! Thanks for sharing all these lovely people, places, and images! :)
Some amazing souls in this list… much love to everyone! xxxx
Need more people of color! But congratulations to all of you who are finalist!