It’s your time to shine! Which is why, in celebration of today’s International Day of the Girl, we’re excited to share our latest collaboration with the AExME Council – feminist tees in support of getting out the vote. These tees feature hand-drawn graphics inspired by the Council, with ALL sales benefiting HeadCount.
Read on to learn more about how these AExME Council members collaborated with the AE design team, what girl power means to them, and why voting is the ultimate way to build a better future.
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Saaneah Jamison
R&B Artist & Body Positive Activist, @saaneah
Q: What was your inspiration?
“Bloom where you are” is a saying my mom would tell us as kids that encouraged us to know that no matter what place you are in and no matter where you are in life, you can blossom, you can shine. And you deserve to!
Q: How did you collaborate with the AE design team?
I designed the shirts along with the designers at AE in the AE headquarters in New York. They had us send a list of empowering phrases that resonated with our spirits and we sent words of encouragement we thought would be helpful to customers. Out of the phrases I sent, “Bloom where you are,” and “Love yourself” were chosen. It was fun and the design team really listened to all of our ideas. They used the colors I love and even added the flower I felt was needed on the “Bloom where you” are tee.
Q: Why does voter registration matter?
It matters because voting is our power to determine who runs the nation. Youth voices deserve to be heard because our voices are not represented in office with leadership roles. Voting is a way to put the right people in office who care about our future.
Q: What words do you wish you heard as a little girl?
Your voice deserves to be heard in all spaces and places in time. You can go after whatever career path you desire and are passionate about, no matter the color of your skin, your size, or background. Being you is enough. Your hair and your culture are beautiful and deserve to be honored and respected everywhere. Girls can do anything, and have any job with equal pay. You have a voice. Speak your truth loud and proud!
Gabby Frost
Buddy Project Founder, @gabbyfrost
When we were designing this, I felt that it was important we had a shirt in the collection that said “feminist” on it. I think it’s important to talk about intersectionality and inclusion and to fight for that. A lot of times people feel afraid to call themselves a feminist because of the negative connotations that people associate with it. And it’s important to just say you’re a fearless feminist and that you stand for equality and intersectionality.
Delaney Tarr
March for Our Lives Co-Founder, @delaneytarr
This tee says, “Love yourself,” which is a really important message to share and internalize. Because really, who are we if we don’t love ourselves as we are? No changes necessary. I think we’re good enough. Don’t you?
Imani Jai Chisom
Faith-Based Activist, @imanijai
My inspiration draws from the same place as my blog. I want young women to be reminded that who they are is enough. My blog’s name is “Honestly, Imani Jai” and that name came from me trying to find my authentic self on my college campus. I wanted to create a shirt that embodies that same spirit of “self-discovery” that I think all young women go through.
I want girls to be able to have a shirt that reminds them it’s okay to be honestly who they are. Women, especially young girls, are constantly being told you have to be this way or that way or this kind of girl for you to be recognized and seen as worthy by their peers, men, and even adults. So when I received the opportunity to design and collaborate with the other young women on the AExME Council, I thought it would be so amazing to create a BOLD shirt that allows young women to affirm themselves loudly and proudly.
This shirt is a good reminder that being your true self, your most authentic self, is honestly your best self.
These AExME Council members are changing the world, and so are YOU. Tag #AExME @americaneagle to share how you’re using your voice to inspire change.
