“I honestly lost hope several times as many others I’m sure, but there is something about this city — the joie-de-vivre and positivity of its people, despite all the misery, that inspires me. I didn’t think I missed it this much, the comfort of having a home to my brand. Comfort which was taken away from me and many by force,” she continued, referring to the Aug. 4 blast that shook Beirut, and which forced Wazen to shut shop after damage to her wares.

Since launching her eponymous label in Beirut in 2013, Wazen has gone on to become one of the biggest names in footwear design, grabbing the attention of celebrities such as Kylie Jenner, Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez.