Fall Fashion with Dr. Jasper Bartolome
In this month’s cover story, Culture & Style Editor ANNIE BLOJ interviews Dr. Jasper Bartolome who is not only a practicing dentist but is also well known as a style leader in the community. Dr. Bartolome was photographed at the JW Marriott Denver in Cherry Creek and wears her favorite fall fashion looks.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY ESTHER LEE LEACH // LOCATION: JW MARRIOTT DENVER CHERRY CREEK
HAIR: MACKENZIE DAVIS // MAKEUP: CHANTY VARGAS FOR LIVE LOVE LASH
Alice and Olivia Sweater, Ramy Brook Pants, Chanel Bag, Valentino Heels
Annie Bloj: Jasper, you have had such an exciting life, filled with so much adventure and travel. One of the themes that I’m continually drawn to is the idea of pivoting, and your life is a perfect example of that. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us and living as an example, always to be open to new experiences and opportunities.
You were born in the Philippines but were raised in East Africa. Can you tell us about your childhood and what your memories were of that time?
Dr. Jasper Bartolome: My parents became missionaries, and we moved to Ethiopia when I was 3 years old. We first lived in Gulisso, Wollega where the nearest other "farenji" (what Ethiopians call foreigners) were 3 hours drive away. My father was a nurse, and the only healthcare worker for miles around. One time, he helped rescue a girl who got half-swallowed by a python! This was in the 1980s in rural Africa; we had a mini generator to provide electricity, and water was fetched from a downhill spring and brought back uphill by donkey to fill up a groundwater tank that pumped water into a higher tank which gave us the luxury of a shower and ability to flush the toilet. Quarterly, we took a 16 hour trip along the rugged roads to the city to replenish our necessities and food supplies, although we always had an abundance of local produce, meat, and delicious Ethiopian food, like injera and wot.
We moved after three years to Kuyera, and I attended an overseas school for expatriates with one teacher, Mrs. Burns. We were in a single room with about 15 kids ranging in age from 6 to 16. We had an American based curriculum and could study the material at our own pace; I finished Grades 1 and 2 in one year and was promoted to Grade 3! I remember taking frequent trips to visit Lake Langano where we camped in our tents and fished.
Mrs. Burns left, and my mother homeschooled me for 5th Grade, but my brother had to start school too. So we moved for our education to the capital city, Addis Ababa, where I went to an international school. This was my first experience in a traditional school setting, and initially, it was a little intimidating. I was a shy, quiet child who loved to read, wore thick glasses, and was musically inclined, singing and playing the piano and recorder.
“I was raised with a hard-working ethic, so I’ve always tried to do my best in whatever I apply myself to. However, I did not plan to become pregnant and get married at 18, then a mom by 19. Many girls who end up in a situation like this drop out of school. When this happened to me, I promised myself that no matter what, I would keep my scholarship, finish school, and get my college degree”
AB: You traveled extensively as a child, something that some of us could only wish for our kids. Can you illuminate how those experiences shaped you into the woman you are today?
JB: During the nine years that we were missionaries in Ethiopia, we would go on furlough back to the Philippines every few years. Along the way, we were able to visit other countries, like the USA, India, Singapore, Thailand, the Netherlands, and France. I traveled internationally at a very young age, and back then, it didn't seem out of the ordinary to me, but now I can see how it shaped my view of the world, other people and cultures. Since I had an international childhood, I feel like my identity is not tied to a particular country, and I am more tolerant and open to differences. My personal philosophy is to respect and treat every person well, no matter their background, race, or religion. And I expect to be treated the same way.
Zara Faux Leather Jacket, Alice and Olivia Leather Romper, Valentino Belt and Bag, Stuart Weitzman Boots
AB: You returned to the Philippines permanently when you were 12 and fast-tracked your way through academics. When did you become interested in Dentistry and Fashion?
JB: We returned to the Philippines in 1991 before the rebels took over the government in Ethiopia. Because my prior grade system differed from that in the Philippines, I was fast-tracked straight to my sophomore year of high school, even though I was technically supposed to attend eighth grade! I was the new girl who spoke good English, which gave me some degree of popularity. I also became aware of a "Dean's List" that recognized all the top-performing students. This stoked my competitive drive, as I strove to place consistently on that list.
Next up was college. Going to college immediately after high school is a privilege and a high priority in the Philippines. Initially, I wanted to become a teacher. My dad reminded me that it would mean I'd be in a school my whole life, and that didn't seem so appealing then, so I decided I wanted to become a doctor. My options were Medicine, Optometry, or Dentistry. Medicine seemed like it would take forever, and Optometry didn't seem like the best fit for my highly myopic self, so I decided to become a Dentist. At that time, the fashion industry was barely even on my radar, growing up far away from secular influences and coming from a religious conservative background. In terms of fashion, I'm actually a late bloomer!
AB: While you were studying for your degree in Dentistry (which you started early at 15), you were chosen as “Miss Dentistry” by the College of Dentistry and competed in the Miss Southwestern University (SWU) beauty pageant. You placed first runner up against the other 12 candidates. What about this experience was pivotal for you?
JB: I had never thought of myself as "beauty pageant material" and was pleasantly surprised when I was asked to represent my college in the university-wide beauty pageant. I was also a bit hesitant since my religious background predominantly stressed inward, not outward beauty. However, I thought, "How often does one get this opportunity, and why not"? So I decided to do it, and my mom was very encouraging and supportive the entire time. I had a few weeks to prepare for it; one of my dental school instructors who groomed our college contestants for these pageants gave me crash courses on how to carry myself with poise, pose, walk, smile (practiced this in a mirror: the trick is making sure your eyes smile too), and even do a dance number (I had never danced before). I made new friends who were confident and owned their beauty, and that gave me the confidence to own my own. With no prior beauty pageant experience, I placed in the Top 2 out of 13 candidates. This experience made me believe that I could be beautiful, both inside and out. It made me understand that there is power in how you present and carry yourself. It also did wonders for my confidence level, as I suddenly became the object of multiple suitors. My husband-to-be who was in medical school at that time was actually one of them, and he said he didn't know I was a "beauty queen," but he noticed me right away when I walked by, so I guess those pageant lessons worked!
Khaite Cape Dress, Paris Texas Boots, Dior Belt Bag
AB: After a whirlwind 6-month courtship, marriage, and a baby all by the age of 20, you graduated Magna Cum Laude as a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). You then went on to take additional courses to receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing-Registered Nurse. Where does this drive come from?
JB: I was raised with a hard-working ethic, so I've always tried to do my best in whatever I apply myself to. However, I did not plan to become pregnant and get married at 18, then a mom by 19. Many girls who end up in a situation like this drop out of school. When this happened to me, I promised myself that no matter what, I would keep my scholarship, finish school, and get my college degree. I barely missed a day of school during my pregnancy, and I actually had my baby on a Friday and was back in school the next week! I wanted to prove that despite these early challenges, it is possible to rise above your situation and become a success.
AB: You then moved to the states in 2005, where you went on to add another degree to your credentials, Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). What prompted this move for you and your family?
We had a very comfortable life in the Philippines, but we wanted to have our own independence and give our daughter access to more opportunities. I also wanted to practice Dentistry in the USA. We first moved to Texas, where I worked as a Registered Nurse for 2 years. I then applied to the International Student Program at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and got accepted into the program, so we moved to Colorado in 2008. We loved it here so much that we decided to settle down and call it home. I have been practicing general dentistry in Denver since getting my 2nd Dental degree in 2010. Currently, I'm the Associate Director of Oral Health at Stride Community Health Center.
AB: In addition to being the Associate Director of Oral Health at a local non-profit community health organization, many Cherry Creek Fashion readers might recognize you from your Instagram account, @bfabnposh. What prompted you to start the account and share all your fabulous ensembles with us?
JB: I purchased my first pair of classic Valentino rockstud heels on Valentine's Day, 2018. A month after, on my 39th birthday, I added a Gucci, Chanel, and another pair of Valentino shoes to my collection. Thus began my love for designer shoes, and this style change gradually evolved into other areas of my wardrobe. Mid-2018, I decided it was time to clear out some items from my closet and started selling them online on Poshmark; my user name was BFabnPosh. In Sept. 2018, I started an Instagram account with the same name to support my Poshmark account. I was not very active on Instagram, but my followers did grow to around 800 in the first year. Then in Nov. 2019, I decided to become more engaged in Instagram and focused more on the designer/luxe community, as I was becoming less active on Poshmark. Around that time, I also attended the Garbarini fashion show during Denver Fashion Week. A few months after, I received an email about open call modeling auditions for 2020 Denver Fashion week. It stated no age, height, or weight requirements, so a friend and I decided to audition, just for fun and the experience. Long story short, this led to me eventually signing a modeling contract with Goldie Mae Productions, LLC, and also Lincoln Talent in March 2020, just a few days before my 40th birthday. Then COVID-19 happened, so I decided to use my Instagram to model my own outfits and showcase my personal style even more. This was a good decision as it attracted more followers and improved engagement.
I'm so grateful for my Instagram community and happy to have reached over 2K loyal followers. I plan to continue having fun with it and use my platform to share my love for fab fashion and posh style while supporting my favorite brands & businesses.
See by Chloe Silk Blouse, Alice and Olivia Leather Pants, Aquazzura Shoes, Dior Belt. ALC Blazer (above)
AB: Who are your biggest inspirations in the fashion world? What are you drawn to these days?
JB: Coco Chanel is such a fashion icon and I quote her frequently in my Instagram captions. I also love Dior, Valentino, and Gucci. My current favorite contemporary brands are Alice and Olivia, Tibi, and L'Agence. I'm drawn mostly to timeless pieces with classic clean and elegant lines, but I also like to spice things up with pretty prints or pops of color. I also like a bit of edge here and there with leather or a cool graphic. For me, it's about balancing opposites and dressing for my mood and who I want to be that day. I am learning to trust my gut more and go with what feels right for me in the moment. Style is personal and should be fun!
AB: Your Instagram often highlights local boutiques along with your interpretation of the latest trends, where do you like to shop around town, and what are you looking forward to wearing this fall?
JB: I love shopping at A Line Boutique and usually go to the Cherry Creek North location. I have shopped with A Line since 2018, and they always have a great selection of the latest designs in fashion. Their stores are beautiful and the customer service is excellent. I also like shopping at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and sometimes Zara and Anthropologie. For fall, I'm looking forward to wearing capes, leather jackets and pants, tall boots, sweaters, and blazers. I love the many styling and layering options that fall brings!
AB: Based on your experiences this year, what changes do you hope will remain, and what are you looking forward to returning?
JB: 2020 has been largely defined by the pandemic and the BLM movement. I hope that the efforts to improve tolerance and inclusivity remain and that they only get better. I am looking forward to hopefully being able to travel freely and socialize/gather in public without restrictions. It would be so nice to be able to travel to Europe again or attend a concert. No matter what the future holds, I hope we move forward with grace, kindness, and optimism, and always in style!
Dr. Jasper Bartolome: @bfabnposh
Photography: @estherleeleach
Production Assistant: @aladyberry
Hair: @kenzehair_studio
Makeup: @chanty_livelovelash for @livelovelash
Location: @jwmarriottden