As an 18-year-old living in Melbourne, Australia, Kestenberg was addicted to Project Runway. The show inspired her to create in New York City and to research Parsons as a place to pursue her passion. “I realized that Parsons was where I needed to be,” she says. In the BFA Integrated Design program, she zeroed in on the skills she needed to combine product design and fashion.

After 18 months of working with various luxury design houses, Kestenberg launched her namesake collection. “I thought that once I was up and running, everything would be smooth sailing,” she says, “but that was far from the case.” Her nonstop workload requires a round-the-clock commitment, but Kestenberg wouldn’t have it any other way. “I live and breathe my business.”

The youngest board member of the High School of Fashion Industries, Kestenberg raises funds to help talented young designers gain exposure. She inspires students everywhere to stay true to themselves. “It’s important to maintain a point of view, but also to be yourself,” Kestenberg says. “Be open-minded, and remember that true beauty is in the flaws.”