Curating Modest Fashion

Chavie and Michal compare notes on growing up outside mainstream religious communities, and speaking Yiddish and Hebrew, respectively, as their first languages. Michal shares how she developed a passion for education early on and always knew she wanted to be a teacher. Chavie and Michal then discuss how although teaching might not be the most glamorous career, it is such a powerful position and should only be pursued by those who are truly passionate and qualified. Michal shares how she realized that "what she does" is not "who she is" which helped her navigate launching her online fashion business while also running a Chabad House and being a full-time mom. Michal and Chavie discuss the unique needs of the modest consumer, sharing tips and best practices for looking your best while shopping smart and spending wisely.

Michal was born and raised in Long Beach, California. She is a devoted mother, business owner, and educator who leads Chabad House in Toluca Lake together with her husband. After spending a decade teaching middle school in Los Angeles and running a homeschool in The Valley, Michal transitioned to entrepreneurship, creating a unique, quality-driven modest fashion brand. Her deep appreciation for fashion is matched by her lifelong passion for education. Known for curating designs from around the world, Michal caters to the modern, modest, and fashion-forward woman. She loves inspiring women to care for themselves at every stage of life, empowering them to embrace their creativity and express their individuality through clothing.

This Week's Q&A’s

1. Was the yoga retreat you attended a Jewish program?
2. Are your kids resentful when you travel?
3. Did you stay at the retreat for Shabbos or at the local Chabad House?

Referenced on the Pod

• Child Development Specialist, Dr. Siggie

Stay in touch with Michal!

www.instagram.com/shopmoddo

www.shopmoddo.com

Stay in touch with Chavie!

www.instagram.com/chaviebruk

www.totallyunexpected.blog

This week's episode is dedicated by Rabbi Shneur Zalman and Mimi Felig of Miami in loving memory of their son, Boruch Sholom Dovber ben Shenur Zalman. Also in honor of the Bruk family and the entire team at Chabad-Lubavitch of Montana, with blessings for continued success in their holy work, including this podcast, Totally Unexpected!

For dedications, sponsorships, or advertising opportunities reach out to Chavie on Instagram or at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

Hashem, Challenge Accepted!

Sheva and Chavie begin by discussing the value of dark humor as a coping mechanism for navigating life’s painful moments. Sheva reflects on her childhood, growing up in the desert of Tucson, Arizona, on a beautiful 10-acre property raised by her hippie parents. After being expelled from high school, she attended a school for troubled youth. At 15, she found a job and eventually left home at 16. Sheva shares with Chavie how the challenges she faced as a teenager helped her identify with her daughter, Rozie, who was born with Down syndrome. Labeled by society as "high functioning," Rozie doesn’t fit neatly into societal categories—neither fully part of the special needs community nor the "normal" world. Sheva also talks about her journey to becoming frum, finding structure while striving to maintain her individuality. In addition to her spiritual journey, Sheva shares about studying fine arts with a focus on illustration, becoming an EMT, and taking pride in raising a creative family.

Sheva Givre was born and raised in the beautiful desert of Arizona, lived in Baltimore, Maryland and recently moved to Parkland, Florida. She used to be the author and photographer of the inspiration blog, My Shtub. In recent years she changed her advocacy from blog writing to social media where she shares the joys and challenges of family, motherhood, and raising her four children including a child with special needs.

This Week's Q&A’s

1. I recently got married and moved across the world to a new country and it's been really hard to start from scratch without knowing anyone. Any tips?
2. I just lost my son in the summer and I’m having a hard time coping with lifecycle and seasonal transitions. Any advice?
3. What’s your ideal travel to at-home ratio where everything feels balanced?

Referenced on the Pod

• “Ace’s” Trauma Evaluation Screening

Stay in touch with Sheva!

www.instagram.com/pearlyluart

Stay in touch with Chavie!

www.instagram.com/chaviebruk

www.totallyunexpected.blog

This week's episode is sponsored by East Side Kosher Deli in Denver, Colorado, a one stop kosher concierge for your vacation anywhere out West. For more information please visit www.eastsidekosherdeli.com or chat with a representative on WhatsApp at 747-243 -1683.

For sponsorship or advertising opportunities reach out to Chavie on Instagram or at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

Parenting Teens & Ourselves

Shaina and Chavie start off by reflecting on Shaina’s upbringing on Shlichus (Chabad outreach) in 1970s Los Angeles. They explore how the unique challenges of her childhood and teenage years pushed her to grow up before she had the tools to manage her emotional and mental health. As a young parent, Shaina was determined to break the cycle, so she sought help to equip herself with the skills to raise her children differently. Chavie and Shaina discuss somatic techniques for regulating conflict and challenges with children and teens, emphasizing the importance of managing our body’s responses. Shaina also highlights the need to shed shame and stigma in our communities around issues like infertility and teenage struggles while respecting boundaries and privacy.

Shaina lives in Los Angeles and is a certified parent and life coach specializing in working with and supporting parents of teens. Her journey began–like that of many parents—navigating the uncharted waters of raising children without a guidebook. She immersed herself in countless parenting resources, often second-guessing her decisions along the way. This experience inspired her to pursue professional certification, with a focus on the transformative approach of “parenting from the inside out.”

This Week's Q&A’s

1. Where was your dress from that you wore at the Chai Lifeline Dinner?
2. When does ski season start in Montana?
3. What does Chai Lifeline do for you in Montana?

Referenced on the Pod

• Avi Fishoff, Twisted Parenting
• Michal Carlebach, Shop Moddo

Stay in touch with Shaina! www.instagram.com/parenteen_coach

www.parenteencoach.com

Stay in touch with Chavie!

www.instagram.com/chaviebruk

www.totallyunexpected.blog

For sponsorship or advertising opportunities reach out to Chavie on Instagram or at chaviebruk@gmail.com.