Behind the Cause

In 2011, mental health advocate and fashion model Carmen Martinez tragically lost her best 

friend, Latrece Bell, to suicide. In her journey of healing, she found solace in fashion and fitness activities. To honor her friend’s memory and raise awareness, she partnered with

attorney & community leader Kevin Murray to create Fashion, Fitness,

In 2011, mental health advocate and fashion model Carmen Martinez tragically lost her best 

friend, Latrece Bell, to suicide. In her journey of healing, she found solace in fashion and fitness activities. To honor her friend’s memory and raise awareness, she partnered with

attorney & community leader Kevin Murray to create Fashion, Fitness, Swim- an annual fundraising event designed to unite Houston’s diverse community. The event highlights the importance of health and wellness while celebrating the positive impact of the summer season.  Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Southeast Texas Chapter.

 Our event is innovative because we will bridge cultural gaps on mental health conversations through art, food, fitness, swimwear and fashion while celebrating Houston local fashion cultures, highlighting small businesses in our black and brown communities and giving an honor to men’s health month. Diversity is key to Houston’s identity. 

 Our event is innovative because we will bridge cultural gaps on mental health conversations through art, food, fitness, swimwear and fashion while celebrating Houston local fashion cultures, highlighting small businesses in our black and brown communities and giving an honor to men’s health month. Diversity is key to Houston’s identity. FFS believes in being agents of change through awareness, exposure and conversations while bringing the community together in our inspirational event.

Fashion Fitness Swim’s mission is to build a community of empowered individuals through promoting health and wellness in this yearly event. The main objective of our fashion show is to showcase that beauty comes in all shapes with our multicultural and diverse models, highlight the positivity of summer fashion and staying active! Our event brings people together to generate awareness for the cause, along with raising funds for suicide prevention in our local community while fostering connection and generating important conversations. We provide on site resources and we want this evening to bringing inspiration, make self-care a priority in one’s life, and encourage a joyful state of mind in regard for one’s own well-being and happiness. When we talk about health, we have to remember that“health” goes much, much further beyond how our body looks and feels. Health means taking care of our minds too.

One of the many benefits of the summer is the positive effect that it has on many people’s mental health. The sun gives us more vitamin D, which raises energy levels and just simply makes us feel happier. More than just getting Vitamin D, sunny weather can have a positive impact on mental health and mood. By getting out, for at least 30 m

One of the many benefits of the summer is the positive effect that it has on many people’s mental health. The sun gives us more vitamin D, which raises energy levels and just simply makes us feel happier. More than just getting Vitamin D, sunny weather can have a positive impact on mental health and mood. By getting out, for at least 30 minutes, the positive impact of warm, sunny weather can have on mental health and mood is real. This type of weather opens the doors to countless ways of being active, while enjoying the great outdoors.  From walks and jogs, to hikes, bike rides, swimming, Frisbee throwing, outdoor yoga, badminton, soccer and the list goes on and on!  There are numerous ways to get more active on a daily basis in the summer months. Health wise you strengthen your bones through physical activity, your heart, your immune system, muscles and more!  With the ease of the summer months, take some time out for yourself. Take a calming walk by yourself, and use that time to meditate or reflect.

 During The Month Of June Celebrated each year, Men’s Health Month brings awareness to the health issues all men face. Hosted by Men’s Health Network since 1992, the month is dedicated to enriching men’s health and wellness through a broad spectrum of national screening and educational campaigns. Did you know that men, on average, die alm

 During The Month Of June Celebrated each year, Men’s Health Month brings awareness to the health issues all men face. Hosted by Men’s Health Network since 1992, the month is dedicated to enriching men’s health and wellness through a broad spectrum of national screening and educational campaigns. Did you know that men, on average, die almost five years earlier than women? Part of the reason is that men are more reluctant to go to the doctor, according to menshealthmonth.org.  In fact, studies show that women go to the doctor twice as much as men.  Additionally, Men’s Health Network notes that certain conditions are more prevalent in men, which patients and their doctors should keep an eye on through regular appointments.  Thus, the purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men. It brings awareness to the health issues all men face. It gives the healthcare community the enhanced opportunity to enrich men’s health and wellness through a broad spectrum of national screening and educational campaigns.

Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Being physically active can improve your brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities. Understanding the benefits of physical fitness and knowing how ac

Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Being physically active can improve your brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities. Understanding the benefits of physical fitness and knowing how active you should be can help you maintain good health and improve your overall quality of life.  There are numerous health advantages to physical fitness. Regular exercise and physical activity promotes strong muscles and bones. It improves respiratory, cardiovascular health, and overall health. Staying active can also help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and reduce your risk for some cancers.  In other words, staying active is a crucial part of maintaining good health and wellness.

Fashion is not something that can be defined by one specific definition. The industry is often portrayed as a world of extravagance, excess, glitz and glamour, and endless excitement. However, fashion designers, models, and professionals are subject to a side of the industry that can result in serious damage to mental health. Still a

Fashion is not something that can be defined by one specific definition. The industry is often portrayed as a world of extravagance, excess, glitz and glamour, and endless excitement. However, fashion designers, models, and professionals are subject to a side of the industry that can result in serious damage to mental health. Still a somewhat taboo topic, mental health issues are becoming increasingly harder to ignore, especially in the wake of tragic deaths that include Kate Spade, Alexander Mcqueen, and Miss Universe Cheslie Kryst leading to the unveiling of topics such as depression, and anxiety.  

Physical health is one thing, but mental health, despite being something which can dramatically impact and affect someone’s life, is an often-overlooked component of a person’s wellbeing. In fitness, many get so caught up talking about body fat levels, body weight, aerobic fitness abilities, and food choices, that we neglect to address hugely important factors that affect our mental health.