When Aucklander Emma John turned 40, she made the bold decision to leave her corporate career to become a stylist, pursuing her dream to help women reclaim their identity after menopause.
When she created social media page "Sisterhood of Style" (@sisterhoodofstylenz) in 2016, she never anticipated more than 6000 people would follow her humorous videos and colourful fashion advice. Emma also never imagined breast cancer would become a major part of her fashion story.
"I've always loved clothes and am a believer in the power of a good outfit on a bad day," says the Point Chevalier mum, 48, who was diagnosed with cancer last November after a routine mammogram found a hidden tumour near her chest wall.
"Clothing really made a huge difference on my chemotherapy journey because for every round, I wore a really big and bold outfit," she tells.
When Emma started chemotherapy earlier this year, losing her much-loved long blonde locks, she decided against wearing wigs and instead began playing around with scarves. She fell in love with the way they looked.
"My style is maximalist chic with a hint of head librarian on acid," laughs the bubbly wife of business manager Howie, also 48.
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