A Life Stitched Together — Revised Edition
From the housing projects of Newark to the glamour of the catwalk — a raw, inspiring memoir of a fashion designer who dared to be different, survived the unthinkable, and stitched together a life of purpose, passion, and power.
"What we focus our attention on, grows. And grow it shall, whether for good or not! The seeds we plant in our minds today will sprout and live in the world, starting immediately."— Missouri
About the Book
My Journey to STYLETAINMENT: A Life Stitched Together is the remarkable memoir of Missouri — a woman who transformed a childhood passion for style, sparked by a Barbie doll in 1965, into a three-decade career in fashion, image consulting, and entertainment design.
Born Cynthia Ann Hood in 1956 in Newark, New Jersey, Missouri's journey takes readers from the housing projects where she grew up, through teenage motherhood, to winning the Designer of the Year Award in 1984. She shares how she created her iconic "7 Cape Ensembles" that brought the WOW factor to stages across America — from MetLife Stadium to the historic Howard Theater.
But this is more than a fashion story. It is a testament to the power of a mother's love, the healing found in creativity, and the courage to rise after a devastating Stage 2 Breast Cancer diagnosis. Missouri's story will move you, challenge you, and inspire you to stitch together your own masterpiece.
"You see, people can only do to you what you allow. I had the power all along; I've had it since birth. It took trials and tribulations for me to own my power."— Missouri
"I am not just a survivor, I am a CHILD of the most HIGH. I am a true WARRIOR, cut from the royal cloth of Queen Ada Ann Hood-Watson."— Missouri
Early Praise
"Missouri's story is a story of passion, trials, tribulations, and triumph! This story will touch the depths of your emotions and leave you wanting more."
"My Mom is the perfect example of a strong black woman… She is my Super HERO!"
"She has been the most influential person in my life, and I draw all my strength from her."
"Missouri, you help people become, on the outside, what they already are, on the inside. You showed me how to translate who I am into an image that is enormously more effective than anything I could have imagined."
"What a treasure you are! I never realized that by changing my image I could get a job on one interview, get upgraded to First Class on a flight and attract people to me in such a positive fashion."
"Working with Missouri transformed not just my business, but my entire outlook on legacy and impact… I now have a clear vision of the generational wealth I'm building—not just in assets, but in impact."
Get Your Copy
Available in multiple formats. Choose the one that speaks to you.
Also available for bulk orders and speaking engagements. Contact for bulk pricing.
"Life is like a disco, no matter how the music changes, you just keep on dancing."— Missouri
Get in Touch
For speaking engagements, image consulting, media inquiries, or to learn more about the GLI Experience™.
Reach out and receive Missouri's signature journal — an interactive guide built on the H.E.R. Framework (Hallowed · Embodied · Resplendent) with soul-stirring prompts, rituals, and legacy-mapping exercises to help you unlock your purpose, own your presence, and stitch together your own masterpiece.
📧 Email: info@gliexp.com
📧 Email: styletainment@gmail.com
📞 Phone: 732.419.7812
🌐 GLI Experience: gliexp.com