Harper+Willoughby Lifestyle Brand for Black Girls

The mission of Harper + Willoughby (H+W) is to empower young, Black girls through our marketplace of socially-conscious, beautifully designed items.  H+W is founded by my 10-year-old daughter Nyah and I. Nyah is the creative brainchild behind the brand. I always encourage her  to be a free thinker. Nyah began to question why she could not find clothing (particularly t-shirts) created for girls who look like her. Being the creative little girl that she is, she told me that she wanted to design shirts herself, and sell them. Over time, the idea evolved from just offering t-shirts, to other items such as pens, pencils, notebooks and stickers, all with the focus on empowering young Black girls to be all they can be. 

The Problem

Central to the founding of H+W, is the criminalization of young, Black girls. A 2015 study of adolescent girls by the Multicultural Journal found that participants believed that Black girlhood is portrayed as being judged by their hair; is seen as angry, loud, and violent; and is sexualized. Black girls experience low self-esteem, especially after watching television. Black female representation, or the lack thereof, leaves Black girls feeling ignored, or unheard. 

Many Black girls, including myself, grow up feeling ugly or unwanted, or less than our non-Black counterparts. Growing up, the message I received was that I should do my best to assimilate.

For as long as I can remember, my ideal of beauty was centered around white women with European features. My nose was too big. My hair, while long, was too thick and coarse. I lost track of how many times I had white people ask to touch my hair only to not wait for permission and run their hands through it anyway.

This feeling of being less than as young, Black girls is something that is carried into adulthood. A  2017 report by Georgetown Law focused on the erasure of Black girls childhood. That report spoke of a phenomenon known as adultification bias in which “Black girls and women are forced to deal with harmful perceptions — like that black girls are more mature and less in need of protection than other students — from a young age.” According to the researchers who compiled the report, the Black women cited in the report stated that they could remember dealing with the same issues in their childhood as they do as Black women. 

One heartbreaking discovery from the report is that Black girls as young as five years old are already seen as less innocent and needing less support than white girls the same age. To state that the erasure of Black girls childhood is a huge problem is an understatement. 

So the question is this: What are we instilling in Black girls to ensure that they reject the notion that they are less than? Where are we celebrating Black girls?  

How Do We Solve the Problem

At H+W, we are intentional about each design that we create. Time is spent really thinking about what elements would make Black girls feel empowered when wearing or using items from our brand. 

 We will help steward the Black women leaders of tomorrow and spotlight young, Black, female activists across the country making changes in their own communities. We will also use our platform to empower Black girls to confidently take up space.

Market Size & Opportunity 

I have done pretty extensive research and have discovered that there are a number of t-shirt companies that make shirts for young Black girls. However, all of these offerings for young Black girls are a part of a larger company that caters to Black men and women (adults) with a section of t-shirts for Black girls. There are virtually no companies in the marketplace with a specific and finite focus on young Black girls.

Why we Are Seeking Funding

We are seeking this funding to complete the launch of the brand and to grow the business. Specifically we need funding to: 

1. Complete the branding process, including designing brand assets and other elements

2. Complete illustration and design of the t-shirts and other items

3. And we need an experienced product manager to help us manage this crucial and much needed brand.

We want to do all we can to ensure  the future success of this brand but we need help from amazing backers like you.

I cannot express how humbled I am to be able to make this brand a reality. I want to thank each and every one of you for your support and your belief in this brand. 

Thank you,

Kratina N. Baker, J.D.

Nyah Naomi