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This week on Trauma Behind the Glamor, Rah "MrTraumaTalks" sit down with a woman whose creativity, resilience, and heart have shaped an entire movement in fashion and pet couture — Janelle Funari, the visionary behind Maxine Avenue NYC and Funari New York.

In this intimate conversation, Janelle opens up about navigating deep personal loss during the pandemic, the emotional journey that reshaped her purpose, and the unexpected healing that came from her beloved French bulldog, Maxine. What began as a search for stylish clothing for her curvy pup transformed into a full eco‑friendly, vegan, hypoallergenic fashion line — now worn by pets and their owners across NYC.

Janelle also shares her incredible 20‑year career launching over 100 brands, her CFDA‑accredited consulting work, her global runway presence, and the celebrities who have worn her designs. From couture bridal to children’s wear, from lingerie to sportswear, from Target to Paris Fashion Week — her impact is undeniable.

This episode is a celebration of love, loss, creativity, healing, and the powerful bond between humans and their pets.
A must‑watch for anyone who believes in turning pain into purpose.

This week on Trauma Behind the Glamor, we sit down with powerhouse designer Janelle Funari, the creator of Maxine Avenue NYC — a brand born from love, loss, and the healing magic of her Frenchie, Maxine.

She opens up about losing someone close during the pandemic, rebuilding her life through creativity, and launching one of the most unique eco‑friendly pet couture lines in NYC.
A raw, inspiring, beautiful spotlight.

🎥 Watch the full interview — this one hits the heart.

Janelle shares her emotional journey through loss during the pandemic, the healing she found through her dog Maxine, and how that love inspired a full eco‑friendly, vegan pet couture line — now expanded into a “match your pet” collection.

From NYFW to Paris, from Target to luxury boutiques, from celebrities to everyday families — Janelle’s work has touched the world.
But today, she shares the story behind the glamor… and it’s powerful.

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