Shanna Forrestall, a local creative and founder of Chattanooga Fashion Expo, knows too well the benefits that come with having strong women in your life.
"If you ask me to think of the powerful women I know that I could depend on in a difficult circumstance, I'd pause not because I can't think of any, but because I finally have a list," Forrestall says.
Originally from Louisiana, Forrestall's life has centered around music, fashion and film, a journey that has ultimately led her to calling Chattanooga home. Her most recent creation, a special line of jewelry called Wing Woman, is inspired by the women she has come across throughout her artistic path.
"Wingman is a term that is often used in the military and literally means a pilot who helps the leading aircraft man," Forrestall says. "So I thought, well, a wing woman is someone who saves you in the same way. They support you in the ways that are unique to women and so that was where the name originated."
The concept for the jewelry came to Forrestall in a dream after seeing someone wearing one half of an angel wing meant to be connected to another wing. After consulting with Los Angeles-based designer Gayl Pinnock of Vintage and Divinity, the two worked to create a special edition necklace that comes in a variety of colors.
"When Shanna called me, I knew right away I wanted to help her vision come to life," Pinnock said in a release. "Just like our friendship, I've come to appreciate the role of mature and supportive women in my life."
Contributed photo by David Tedder / The two-piece Wing Woman necklace can be worn as a single or double chain, or can be split in two pieces to share with a friend.The two-piece necklace, a detached design of angel wings connected to a heart, can be worn as a single or double chain, or can be split in two pieces to share with your favorite "Wing Woman," according to Vintage and Divinity's website. Ten percent of proceeds from the necklace will be donated to Girls Inc. of Chattanooga, an organization that Forrestall says represents everything her jewelry design encompasses.
"I have a lot of experience working with nonprofit organizations, and I was really impressed with how Girls Inc. functions and what they are actually doing in the community," Forrestall says. "They are impacting 600 girls in our community directly, and they're an established program with solid initiatives. Gayl and I both understand what it's like not to have a good support system, and so we chose this organization to help further the importance of girls and women having access to resources that benefit our autonomy."
Forrestall says she ultimately chose Pinnock to help develop her vision because of their similar backgrounds and allegiance to uplifting women.
"Gayl is such a generous and kind person and has overcome a lot of adversity in her life to become the incredible artist that she is today," says Forrestall. "Through love and professionalism, she really took the time to make sure we created a powerful piece that would make an impact and be worth the money."
Wing Woman is currently priced at $59 and can be purchased online at vintageanddivinity.com.