Celebrating IWD: A Push for Progress and a Call for Transformation

Ever since the inauguration I’ve been getting asked about what I think will happen with my gender-inclusive fashion brand and will I continue with my business. This question was first asked of me when I was in Japan and a reporter came by my booth at the FAW Tokyo trade show from the Chinese business council to interview me about my brand. The questions were mostly design and business focused, but then he hit me with this question “What if Kamala Harris doesn’t win the presidency? What will you do then?” I was taken by surprise with this question, but my response was immediate: 'I hadn’t considered that, but I will continue,' I said. I’ll admit that there was a bit of hesitancy, mainly because that question hadn’t been posed to me before. After he left, I began to wonder if I gave the right response. Should I have been more forthright in my reply, “I will continue the fight for inclusivity, of course!” but in retrospect, I gave the response I knew to be true in my heart at that moment.

Although my hope of Kamala Harris becoming the first female president has since been dashed, my commitment to inclusivity and individuality has only grown stronger since starting my business. Now more than ever, my vision is clear: StereoType is and will continue to be a brand with a purpose, dedicated to creating a community that champions equality and inspires authenticity. My vision goes beyond viewing monetary gain as a measure of success, instead I’m centered on supporting the collective need to inspire authenticity and encourage individuals to be true to themselves. An alignment that feels not only significant but also deeply meaningful.

As I reflect on International Women's Day this year, my calling feels more powerful than ever, especially as we navigate what feels like perilous times. The world seems to be at a crossroads, and this moment has deepened my understanding of both myself and my business—reminding me that fashion isn’t just about what we wear, but about how it can serve as a tool for meaningful change. That reporter’s question in Tokyo perfectly echoed this idea, noting how my brand was cool and also could be considered controversial. But rather than shy away from that, I see it as a reflection of our times—when conformity feels 'safe,' but transformation is what is truly needed.

My brand is a response to the societal pressures women often face to fit into predefined roles. From a young age, women are conditioned to adhere to a specific path—one that compels us to meet societal expectations imposed on us. We are taught to morph into a system that was never designed for us to flourish, but instead to suppress our true potential for expansion. This is why my mission, and the purpose behind my brand, feels so urgent. It's not just about offering a product—it’s about offering inspiration while creating space where we can break free from constraints, embrace our individuality, and challenge the status quo.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, Accelerating Action, resonates deeply with me. Now is not the time for hesitation—it’s the time for transformation. My commitment to inclusivity and individuality remains unwavering. The journey I’ve started with StereoType isn’t just about fashion—it’s a movement that encourages people to be authentic, break free from societal norms, and embrace their unique identities. Change doesn’t happen by waiting—it happens when we actively push forward. Although the world may feel uncertain, I am optimistic about the future and the transformative times we are living through. My mission is clear: to build a community where everyone can feel seen, supported, and empowered to be themselves. Let’s not wait—let’s accelerate the change we want to see. Who’s with me?

With Love,