Zhanna Kens.

A Personal Story

My name is Zhanna Kens.

I am a fashion designer and multimedia artist… and a woman who has lived through love, loss, and the kind of moments that change you forever.

In April 2023, I suddenly lost my husband, Nicholas — my partner, my love, my home.

Not long after, on the evening of September 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene — a Category 4 storm — tore through my life and destroyed my home. In one devastating night, the water rose, my world shifted, and everything I had built within those walls was taken from me.

And it was never just a house. It was my sanctuary. It was the place where I created my national and international couture business — where, for two decades, I designed and made one-of-a-kind couture dresses, wearable art, and pieces born from prayer, imagination, love, and devotion.

That home held my memories, my work, my dreams, and the beauty I had poured my life into. And then, almost overnight, it was gone.

In a very short time, I lost everything that once felt certain. I found myself homeless — not alone, but with my three cats… my family.

I remember searching for a place to live and hearing “no” again and again… simply because I had them. And I was faced with something that, for me, was never truly a choice.

Give them up… or keep them… and figure it out.

I chose love.

For a period of time, I slept at my friend’s store, Coastal Market 607 — on a mattress on the floor — while my cats lived in the bathroom. That was my reality. It was not comfortable. It was not easy. But it was love.

And in that moment… I did not yet know what it would become. I only knew what I had lived through. I knew what it felt like to refuse to leave my animals behind. I knew the fear, the uncertainty, and the deep, unbreakable bond that kept us together.

It wasn’t until later, when I felt called to create something meaningful — a fashion event that would support a cause involving animals — that the deeper connection revealed itself.

Through my friend Jane Morse-Swett with Women With Purpose / Royal Neighbors, I was introduced to IgniteHer’s Purple Paws Initiative. And when I learned what they stand for… it felt like everything aligned.

I realized that what I had experienced was not just my story. There are women who stay in painful, even dangerous situations — not because they are weak, but because they cannot imagine losing the animals they love. The bond is real. The love is real. And the fear of losing that love is real.

In my own way, I experienced being displaced by forces beyond my control — what felt like being abused by nature. And even then, I held onto my three beautiful kitties, because life without them was not an option.

And I understood something I will never forget:

No one should ever have to leave love behind.

From that truth… BOUND BY LOVE was born.

This is more than a fashion event. It is a movement of compassion in action. It is a space where creativity becomes contribution… where beauty carries purpose… and where we come together to stand for something greater than ourselves.

Nearly half of survivors delay leaving dangerous situations simply because they cannot take their pets with them. This is not just a statistic. This is real life. This is someone’s heart. Someone’s family. Someone’s chance to be free.

I am creating this experience — and this movement — to make a difference. And I am inviting you to be part of it.

Whether you choose to attend, to contribute, or to partner with us as a sponsor… your involvement directly supports women and animals in need of safety, care, and a future together.

Because love… when protected… has the power to heal everything.

With heart,
Zhanna Kens
Founder & Designer, ZKoriginal · Creator of Bound by Love