In a heartwarming twist on the phrase “make the things you wish existed,” a devoted mom from Florida has crafted a stunning collection of party supplies designed to celebrate children of color. Inspired by her daughter’s desires, Emily Richards, the creative mind behind Craft My Occasion based in Miami, faced disappointment while searching for decorations for her daughter, Mia’s, upcoming birthday party. Like many five-year-olds, Mia had her heart set on a mermaid-themed celebration. However, Emily was disheartened to discover a lack of options that reflected her daughter and other kids of color. This experience ignited a spark in her—she knew she had to create a line of diverse party supplies.
Emily’s initial design features a beautiful mermaid of color with curly hair, which holds special significance for her. “Hair is an important topic when discussing people of color,” she explains. “Many mermaids are depicted with long, flowing hair, which is lovely, but I wanted her to have hair that resembles my daughter’s.” Mia was thrilled with the design, repeatedly exclaiming, “She looks like me!” This joyful reaction underscores the importance of representation.
Emily believes in providing children with positive imagery of themselves, which can significantly influence their self-esteem. In a recent video on Facebook, she expressed, “It’s essential to offer young girls characters that mirror their identity; they seek connection and examples they can relate to.” Collaborating with graphic designer Sofia Martinez, the duo is busy bringing their creative visions to life.
Their inaugural mermaid collection includes cups, plates, balloons, and backdrops produced by three different manufacturing companies. Additionally, Emily has initiated a Kickstarter campaign, aiming to raise $20,000 to manufacture the first batch of mermaid supplies. Currently, she has gathered about $3,000, with less than a month remaining to meet her target.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many mothers expressing their excitement about the Mermaid Collection. “Everyone agrees it’s about time,” Emily remarks. “This has been long overdue.” But her ambitions don’t stop there; she has plans for a pirate collection and a superhero series featuring both boys and girls. Understanding the significance of representation, Emily aims to empower children and families through her diverse product offerings.
“My goal is to broaden distribution so that every child of color and their families can easily find party supplies that reflect their identities,” she states with determination. This initiative represents more than just products; it’s a heartfelt commitment to fostering a sense of belonging among children.
As she passionately shares on her Kickstarter page, “I want my daughter and every little brown girl in the world to feel beautiful, valued, and loved each time they encounter our party items and see their own likeness smiling back at them.” This endeavor is not just about party supplies; it’s a movement toward empowerment and inclusivity.
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In summary, Emily Richards is transforming the party supply industry with her inclusive designs that celebrate children of color. By creating products that reflect diverse identities, she is empowering young girls to embrace their uniqueness and fostering a sense of belonging. This venture is not just about decorations; it’s a heartfelt mission to uplift and inspire.