LFC x @thecut April 2022 For years I’ve followed the careers if twin sisters @tk_wonder + @ciprianaquann, and I’ve had the pleasure of meeting them a few times through our work in fashion. I knew that the artists, models and activists were kind and smart and stunning; that they have gorgeous hair, great style, and share an incredibly close bond. I did not, however, know that their childhood was rife with physical and mental abuse, and that among the many traumas they suffered as a result of it was severe damage to their teeth. After years of avoiding the dentist — and not showing their teeth in photos — they found one they could connect with in @stephaniedumanian of @parklex60dental. TK and Cipriana graciously shared this part of their lives’ story with me, and while reporting I was able to observe Dr. Dumanian’s compassionate, judgement-free approach to her work. There can be so much shame in having an abusive past. And in a world where we can all curate our lives for social media, sharing only what’s pretty and fun and aspirational, that shame can feel very isolating. I have endless respect and admiration for TK and Cipriana’s willingness to open up about this — for the sake of their own healing and the healing of those who’ve been dealt a similar hand and feel alone. Thank you to the Quann sisters and Dr. Dumanian for trusting me with this story; to @kpatmc for bringing it to my attention; and to @lrpeoples + @joannanikasnyc for the opportunity to share it on @thecut. Link in bio.