She’s EmPOWERed: Meet Dalise and Dalia – Sisters on a Mission with a Passion for Fashion

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Picture this: two sisters who dream big, help each other, and love to create. That’s Dalise and Dalia – better known as the Real Fashion Sisters. Their adventure started with an idea, a pen, and a passion for fashion.

 

The duo first made their mark as co-authors of The Fashion Sisters: A Fashion Dream, a children’s book that quickly captured the hearts of young readers. Their debut was followed by a second title, The Fashion Sisters: Birthday Bash, and soon after, a clothing line created especially for girls and a fashion consulting venture.

 

For Dalise, 15, and Dalia, 11, the impact of their work is most visible in the joy they bring to young girls. “We see that our books are making a difference every time a girl comes up to our table and excitedly wants to get the book,” they shared. One of their most rewarding experiences has been seeing readers dress up as characters from their stories for school character days – a moment that affirmed just how meaningful their creations have become.

 

The sisters’ author journey is just beginning. With college on the horizon, they are committed to balancing their education with entrepreneurship. Their vision for the future includes exploring new ways to grow the Real Fashion Sisters brand.

 

Dalise and Dalia are trailblazers showing girls everywhere that dreams are worth pursuing and that sisterhood, creativity, and determination can turn those dreams into reality.

 

Learn more about the Real Fashion Sisters and purchase their book at https://realfashionsisters.com. Follow them on Instagram. 

T. Rose Foundation to Host 6th Annual Girlpreneur Expo in Detroit

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Empowered Flower Girl is thrilled to support the T. Rose Foundation as it celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of young innovators at the 6th annual Girlpreneur Expo! On Saturday, October 26, girls from across Detroit and the Midwest will gather to showcase their businesses and talents, creating a powerful platform for youth entrepreneurship.

The expo provides an incredible opportunity for young business owners to network with peers, meet experienced entrepreneurs, and present their products to the public. From jewelry and fashion to baked goods, skincare, and books, these girls are turning their passions into thriving businesses. The event is not just about sales—it’s about fostering creativity, building confidence, and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

A highlight of the day will be performances by talented young women, including She’s EmPOWERed alumna Kaci the Model—an anti-bullying advocate, rapper, and social media influencer. Kaci will bring her dynamic energy to the stage, alongside other amazing performers. Additionally, the foundation has some incredible prizes to give away, like tickets to the UniverSoul Circus.

Empowered Flower Girl will be at the expo, ready to connect with attendees and share information about our programs that empower youth and adults alike. Stop by our table to learn more!

Vendor spots are still available, and girls from all over the Midwest are encouraged to participate. For more details, visit https://www.t-rosefoundation.org/girlpreneur. Don’t miss this chance to support young girlpreneurs and celebrate their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit!

Saturday, October 26

Noon to 3 p.m.

Durfee Innovation Society, 2470 Collingwood St., Detroit

FREE to attend

Girlpreneur Expo Flyer Updated

EmPOWERing Events & Opportunities

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Workshop flyer 2 (3)This fall, Empowered Flower Girl is gearing up for a season of powerful events and opportunities!

In September, we’re supporting Attendance Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of students being present and engaged in school.

As we transition into October, we’ll join the movement for Bullying Prevention Month, raising awareness about the impact of bullying and empowering young people to stand up for themselves and others.

October also brings the International Day of the Girl, a global celebration dedicated to uplifting girls and gender-expansive youth, aligning with our mission to foster sisterhood and self-empowerment.

We invite you to get involved and make a difference! Keep an eye on our social media channels for updates, events, and other opportunities to connect with us.

 NATIONAL

September

  • Attendance Awareness Month – Every September, Attendance Awareness Month is observed to encourage regular school attendance which essential for academic success. Show up. Be present and have a great year!

DETROIT AREA

Friday, September 27

Empower Her Shine Gala  – Presented by Me, Myself, and I Teen Organization. Learn more and get tickets here.

NATIONAL

October

Bullying Prevention Month – A month-long event, Bullying Prevention Month aims to prevent childhood bullying and promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.

Friday, October 11

International Day of the Girl – Observed annually on October 11, International Day of the Girl is a key global moment on which to celebrate girls everywhere, amplifying their voices, actions and leadership.

DETROIT AREA

Saturday, October 12

All Girls Matter Conference – Presented by America’s Big Sisters Foundation. Learn more about the AGM conference tour at www.americasbigsisters.com.

Sunday, October 13

Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards  – Presented by 3 Phases School of Etiquette. Learn more and get tickets here.

Saturday, October 26

Girlpreneur Expo – Presented by the T. Rose Foundation. The event is free to attend. Girl bosses under 18 can register for vendor tables for only $30. Learn more here.

Tuesday, October 29

Giant Step Teen Conference – Presented by Wayne State University’s Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute and brings teenagers together from diverse backgrounds to discover all they have in common. Learn more at www.mpsi.wayne.edu/outreach/teen-conference.

Enrollment Open for Girl World Peace Academy Course + Coaching Program

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Educators, mentors and other purpose-driven professionals encouraged to enroll

Watch this video for a behind-the-scene look at the course

Just ahead of the back-to-school season, Empowered Flower Girl is excited to announce that enrollment for Girl World Peace Academy (GWPA) – our virtual course + coaching program – is currently open. GWPA aims to equip educators, mentors, nonprofit founders and other youth advocates with the necessary tools and resources to create a more empathetic and kind world for youth, especially for our girls, young women and gender expansive tweens/teens.

“In the digital age, girls and young women face unprecedented challenges that demand immediate attention through targeted resources, programs, and initiatives,” said Empowered Flower Girl Founder and Chief Empowering Officer Rasheda Kamaria Williams. “We look forward to working with more educators and advocates who are passionate about making a lasting impact in the lives of young people who need our empathy and support more than ever.”

A 2021 CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey revealed a disheartening reality: nearly 3 in 5 teen girls (57%) reported feeling “persistently sad or hopeless,” marking the highest rate in a decade. This trend underscores the urgent need for schools—where more than 95% of U.S. youth spend their days—to transform into supportive environments that prioritize mental health and social wellness alongside academic achievement. 

Girl World Peace Academy offers practical tools and one-on-one coaching to help adult participants address challenges like digital harassment and social exclusion, which are increasingly prevalent among 21st century teens. The program also offers solutions as well as resources and support for individuals to launch new or elevate existing programs/initiatives.

I found the Girl World Peace Academy very helpful in my process of starting my program for girls” said Chantia Thompson of Good Vibz Yoga and Girlz Empowered. “With the help and information Rasheda provided, I feel more confident and motivated to get started. At first I was unsure of how to get start, how to get the kids engaged and keep them interested in the program. My one-on-one call let me ask questions, get tips and information and discuss possible issues that could come up.

For more information or to enroll, visit www.girlworldpeace.com/info. Receive an additional $50 off enrollment when you schedule a free discovery call.

Empowered Flower Girl Encourages Youth to Embrace Peer Mentoring During National Mentoring Month

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Listen to episode 23 “Teens Mentoring Teens” of the MindShift Power Podcast on January 16, 2024

Empowered Flower Girl, a social enterprise on a mission to transform the way young people relate to one another and themselves, is urging young people to consider the profound impact of peer mentoring as the nation observes National Mentoring Month. Founder and Chief Empowering Officer Rasheda Kamaria Williams encourages both adults and teens to engage in mentoring, emphasizing the transformative power of supportive relationships.

Empowered Flower Girl champions the idea that everyone, regardless of age, can make a meaningful difference as mentors. Peer-to-peer mentoring is a particularly effective way for young people to provide support and guidance to one another.

“Peer mentoring empowers young individuals to share experiences, offer insights, and create a supportive community,” Rasheda said. “It’s a reciprocal relationship that fosters personal growth and resilience, benefiting both the mentor and mentee.”

Empowered Flower Girl invites youth and youth advocates to tune into the MindShift Power podcast with Fatima Bey on January 16, when Rasheda will discuss the vital role of mentors in the lives of 21st century teens. The podcast episode explores the benefits of mentoring relationships, highlighting the positive impact they have on personal development, goal-setting, and navigating challenges.

Interested in adding mentoring to your program offerings? Empowered Flower Girl offers training for organizations and associations as well as individuals who desire to make a difference through mentoring. Email rkamaria@empoweredflowergirl.com for more information.

She’s EmPOWERed: Georgia Teen’s Passion for Positivity Inspires Others 

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With gloomy headlines dominating daily news and social media feeds, it can be a strain on our mental health. The negativity can cast a dark cloud that leads to sadness. 

But 13-year-old Lena Ford is shifting the narrative and focusing on the power of positivity.

As the CEO of Positively Lena, Lena is on a mission to inspire everyone she meets.

“I started Positively Lena (at 9 years old) because I saw so many negative things happening in the world,” she said. “I wanted to find a way to let people stay positive with a small but fashionable item they can always look at when they need a bit of positivity.”

Positively Lena combines Lena’s passions for art, fashion, and positive messages. The company offers a wide range of products including apparel, accessories, and stationery – all featuring positive messages, images and affirmations. These products are designed to remind young people of their worth and encourage them to stay optimistic even in challenging situations.

“We also offer workshops and events focused on building self-esteem and fostering a positive mindset,” Lena noted. “These workshops are tailored to different age groups and cover topics such as entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship, creative writing, journaling, and positive self-talk.”

In addition to Positively Lena, Lena is also the co-founder of a non-profit, Kinship Family Initiative. The organization helps children in foster care or experiencing homelessness. Other programs that support youth in foster care include Arting 4 You, where Lena donates art kits and Embracing Their Roots, where she donates hair supplies.

“My plans for the future are to continue to grow Positively Lena and Kinship Family Initiative. I want to inspire others to give back to their communities and teach youth about entrepreneurship,” Lena said.

Support Positivity

When you purchase an item from Positively Lena, you’re not only getting a fashionable item, but you’re also helping a child have access to art supplies.

Connect with Positively Lena:

Instagram

Facebook

Positive thinking has a number of benefits for mental health and happiness. Empowered Flower Girl offers these tips on how to incorporate positive thinking into everyday life:

1. Make a point to notice the good things that happen each day, no matter how small. A simple “thank you” can go a long way in helping to shift your focus from the negative to the positive.

2. When you catch yourself having negative thoughts, make a conscious effort to reframe them in a more positive light. For example, instead of “I’m such a failure,” try telling yourself “I’m doing my best and I will get better with practice.”

3. Spend time with people who make you feel good about yourself and who have a positive outlook on life. These people will help “feed” your positive mindset and make it easier for you to maintain it.

4. Take care of your physical well-being by getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and eating healthy foods. When your body feels good, it’s much easier for your mind to follow suit!

5. Practice gratitude by keeping a gratitude journal or simply taking a few moments each day to think about what you’re thankful for in your life.

Rasheda Kamaria Williams Named “Empowerment Enterprise Founder of the Year” by Acquisition International Magazine 

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Acquisition International Magazine (AI) has announced the winners of the eighth Influential Businesswoman Awards, which shine a light upon women who are a driving force for innovation, change, and empowerment. 

From interior design to holistic arts education, marketing specialists to business coaching, and much more, this year’s program is home to a fantastic number of women guiding and elevating their industries – for the sake of progression, efficiency, and equality.

Among the winners is Empowered Flower Girl Founder and Chief Empowering Officer Rasheda Kamaria Williams who received AI’s Social & Business Impact Award. She was also recognized as the 2023 Empowerment Enterprise Founder of the Year.

Awards Coordinator Jessie Wilson took a moment to comment on the success of the winners: “I applaud our winners for their tenacity, sincerity, and passion for their respective businesses and fellow human beings. Regardless of the challenges faced as women, these individuals have worked hard and risen to the top – so that they may influence and aid the rest of the world. Congratulations.”

Acquisition International prides itself on the validity of its awards and winners. The awards are given solely on merit and are awarded to commend those most deserving for their ingenuity and hard work, distinguishing them from their competitors and proving them worthy of recognition.

“It is an honor to be awarded alongside so many accomplished, powerful and talented women,” Rasheda said. “I will continue to uplift and support youth and youth advocates throughout North America and beyond so that they also have the tools and strategies to reach their full potential.”

To learn more about the award winners and to gain insight into the working practices of the “best of the best”, please visit the Acquisition International website where you can access the winners supplement.

Tips and Tricks for Students Who Want to Start a Business but Have Limited Funds

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Starting a business as a student can be a great way to get a head start on your career. The one drawback of being a young entrepreneur is that you may lack capital or startup funds. Don’t stress. Business ownership isn’t out of reach, even if you aren’t rolling in cash. Here are some tips and tools to help you start a business with little financial resources.

Explore Low-Cost Businesses

Research cost-efficient business models to minimize your need for startup capital.

  • Check out business ideas that don’t require a lot of cash, like web development or travel planning.
  • Skip the cost of hiring people by pursuing solopreneurship. Possible ideas range from freelance writing to coaching.
  • Avoid paying commercial rent with a home-based business model, like personal training or fixing broken electronics.

Get Creative When Finding Ways to Cut Startup Costs

Try these hacks for minimizing your financial needs as a young business owner.

Try a Diversity of Funding Options

Traditional bank loans are just one of the many options available when it comes to financing your business. Here are some alternatives.

Embrace Free and Low-Cost Promotional Tools

You don’t have to spend big bucks on fancy ads and marketing. Here are some affordable tools to help raise your business’s profile.

If you’re a cash-strapped student with limited capital, starting a business might seem out of reach. It doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re using royalty-free videos to market your business or planning a fundraising event, the above guide provides some pointers to help you get your entrepreneurial journey off on the right foot, even if you aren’t rich.

Empowered Flower Girl offers youth tools to live more powerfully. Be sure to follow our social media channels for positive news, funding opportunities and empowering events.

She’s Empowered: Young author offers support to siblings with “I’m a Big Sister Now, Lucky Me” book

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It’s common for children to experience different emotions – from jealousy and nervousness to excitement – when a new baby arrives. For 12-year-old Aubrey Holly, a big sister to three siblings, her experience was all of the above.

“Though some days are challenging, I love being a big sister and I love my sisters,” said the author and self-professed big sister expert. “They are my friends. As a big sister, the responsibility to be a good example, be the bigger person (all the time), and share literally almost everything can be overwhelming and sometimes feel like too much to deal with. That’s why I decided to share my story.”

When she was seven, Aubrey told her mother she wanted to start a business. At the time, Aubrey’s little sister was four years old. She knew she wanted to write and decided that becoming an author would be a way to make a difference. 

“Becoming a big sister was one of the biggest changes that she experienced in her life at the time,” said Aubrey’s mom, Queala Holly. She said I’m going to write on Tuesdays and she did – every Tuesday for a month.”

Aubrey turned those words into the book “I’m a Big Sister Now, Lucky Me,” available at www.aubreykam.com.

“She would write her thoughts down and I would review,” mom said. “She has three younger sisters now. And thinking about the impact big sisters have on the younger siblings, we’re working on developing a community for big sisters.” 

In addition to the big sister book, Aubrey has published the “Be Yourself___You’re Amazing Notebook” and the “Goal Writing and Productivity Planner.”

When Aubrey grows up, she would like to be an orthodontist. 

We know Aubrey will be successful in whatever she puts her mind to. She’s emPOWERed!

Connect with Aubrey:
Instagram
Facebook

She’s EmPOWERed: Calgary student’s gesture to help friends grows into nonprofit providing essential support to the community

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When times get hard, people often find themselves in need of help. Sometimes, that help comes from strangers but other times it comes from supportive friends.

Meet Deep Braich – a friend on a mission to help those in need.

Deep, a 20-year-old university student from Calgary, Alberta, is the founder of Youth Helping Youth YYC. She started the organization at the height of the pandemic to provide much needed hygiene supplies to young people in her community.

“When the Covid lockdown was first announced, my classmates and I were doing our best to stay in touch with one another through social media because we all felt the drastic toll it had on our relationships with one another,” she said. “We shared with one another the problems we were having with families losing jobs, having an increase in financial difficulty because the university was going to start in the fall, and my female friends being unable to access feminine hygiene products because of financial difficulty, the inability to leave the home, and many more concerns.”

After hearing about the issues her friends and other associates were facing, Deep wanted to do her best to help. She started looking for any extra hygiene products like shampoos, pads, and tampons that she had at home and started packaging them up into brown paper lunch bags to keep them discrete.

“I would leave the package outside my front door and my friends would come to pick it up to take home,” she added. “The number of friends I was helping started to increase when those I had helped started telling their friends that this was something I was doing. Slowly people from all over Calgary – teenage and adult women – reached out because they were in need.”

Deep was initially funding the project with her own savings and the money she earned from babysitting and a summer job. But she needed more resources to meet the need in her community.

After receiving some local and even international media coverage about the project and the selfless work she was doing, Deep started receiving messages from people asking how they could donate. “Suddenly the project I had started to create a difference amongst my friends became a project to create a difference amongst my city,” she said. “ When organizations like the Women’s Shelter began to reach out to access feminine hygiene kits, I became more aware of the structure of our society and the people at the bottom of the economic triangle who are in need of hygiene products year-round, even more now because of Covid.”

Youth Helping Youth YYC was founded as a result.

What started as a thoughtful gesture to help friends has become an official nonprofit operating under Youth Helping Youth Alberta, an umbrella organization for Youth Helping Youth YYC.

“We started local with the YYC title and we wanted to provide support to more youth communities, therefore we registered ourselves as Youth Helping Youth Alberta Foundation to provide opportunities to establish smaller umbrella organizations in other cities,” Deep said.

To date, the organization has provided over 2,075 feminine hygiene kits to women in Calgary and parts of Alberta. The organization works with local emergency shelters as well as housing and youth organizations. It also offers mental health, anti-bullying and anti-racism workshops.

Youth Helping Youth is youth-run in all facets – from projects, ideas and planning to communications, social media and networking.

“We work together to build solutions to youth social issues and advocate for our fellow youth,” Deep noted. “We find that youth issues are often put aside and we want to bring the spotlight back on this community for politicians to recognize the support and resources our youth need.”

Deep is a true advocate with big aspirations. After completing her undergraduate studies, she plans to go to law school and become a lawyer while also continuing her work in the community.

Connect with Youth Helping Youth YYC:

Instagram

Facebook

Email: calgaryyouthhelp@gmail.com