Charles Samson has no problem with Chicago's often-brutal winter weather.
"Coming from Hawaii, I think of the snow and cold weather as entertainment and [an] adventure," he said. "I've always preferred the cold because I can layer my favorite outfits, [whereas] I can only take so much clothes off [in the heat]."
Samson moved from Oahu and the shores of Waikiki Beach two years ago with his partner and a friend, along with their pets. After a brief time living in Old Town, he now calls Joliet home.
"Since I lost my dear mother to cancer, I decided to move to Chicago to explore a big city and also to be closer to my mother-in-law," Samson said. "The difference between Hawaii and Chicago is, I miss is the ocean compared to the freezing cold lake.
"But what I love about Chicago is how diverse and colorful it is. From the weather changing on a drop of a dime to the many different types of people I come across."
Samson works at a casual dining restaurant now, yet his true passion is fashion.
"My career goal is to open my own boutique in the city, selling my unique and special creations," he said. "Right now, my basement is where all the magic happens."
Samson was actively involved from a fashion front in pageants held in Honolulu, most benefiting LGBT causes.
"One of the biggest obstacles I've overcome is finding out my mother had stage-four lung cancer," he said. "Without hesitation I put everything to the side, moved in with my mother and cared for her night and day till she took her last breath. I never knew how strong I was till cancer came into my life.
"The hardest thing was watching mom deteriorate in front of my very eyes, but the positive thing that came from that was I had the quality time to say goodbye which most people don't get the chance to do.
-Age: 37
-Born & raised: On the Hawaiian island of Oahu
-Relationship status: A boyfriend of 14 years
-Hobbies: Singing, volleyball and family time
-Career: A clothing and tailoring business called Raqicouture for men's and women's unique apparel.
-Favorite drink: Budweiser, or Seagrams and 7-Up
-Favorite movie: The Fifth Element
-Favorite TV shows: "Anything on The Science Channel, Discovery Channel and The History Channel."
-Favorite pro sports team: Seattle Seahawks