The inspiration behind our blog and clothing line is an incredible little girl, my little girl, Allie. Allie is our smart, funny and adventurous spirited girl, aka tomboy. Allie chose with confidence that she was tired of wearing girl clothes starting at the age of two-years-old. She wanted other clothing options that tailored to her spirited taste, but we couldn't find anything that suited her spirit in the girls section, so we turned to shopping in the boys section of her favorite stores. We were uncertain at first how to navigate Allie’s desire to wear boy clothes, but then we chose to let her be her own individual and we wanted to empower her to embrace her personality, because after all there is too much gender stereotyping in children's clothing. So, after two and half years of Allie wearing boy clothes and a constant battle to get her in anything girly, I decided to design a clothing line that tailors to the taste of our spirited girls. Our brand encourages girls to take risks, be courageous and to be fearless in the pursuit of what sets their soul on fire.
I am the mother of the amazing little girl above. Allie was given to me through adoption, but not just any adoption, an adoption from my own sister. (Read about the full adoption story here ). I never left the hospital without this little beauty. She was perfect in every imaginable way. Still is, even when faced with her strong-will and defiance; I believe that will serve her well one day soon. Right now, I manage it with breathing techniques, chocolate and wine. :)
Before I launched Crossing Arrows, I served as the Founder and CEO of Elevate Fashions, promoting apparel that gives confidence to tall women through fit and style. Some of my career achievements include receiving an MBA from Stephens College and serving for 10 years in the financial sector, most recently as Nonprofit Specialist at the Commerce Trust Company. Although I left the finance arena to devote full-time attention to Crossing Arrows, I continue to use my experience to help others by teaching financial literacy to women and children.
When not advocating for children, I enjoy traveling, reading, remodeling my home and spending time with my family and friends.