“When we feel good as women, the world benefits,” said Lisa Crossley.
Growing up, she remembers being picked on by peers. Crossley was bullied about her weight and often felt like the odd one out. As an adult, she’s determined to bring girls together and provide a stronger, more nurturing environment.
From 15 years in the fashion industry to now a full-time fashion philanthropist, Crossley is changing the fitness apparel world through her girl’s empowerment brand for women, built by women. Her apparel line, GIRLSTRONG, believes empowering women of all ages through its clothing and charity work can impact the world at large.
“I hope everyone walks away feeling lit up and excited about the possibility of supporting girls to grow in the world and vice versa,” she said.
Credit: Emma Buker
Credit: Emma Buker
Crossley founded GIRLSTRONG under not only the background of her extensive fashion career, but her dedication to giving back. She commits a portion of her brand’s proceeds to women’s charities, underscoring her commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of others.
Corrine Hein is a part of the GIRLSTRONG team and believes that empowered women empower others. Growing up with 17 foster siblings, Hein developed a passion for empowering girls facing trauma from the foster care system and reassuring them of their worth, love and visibility. Now, modeling for GIRLSTRONG for the past three years, she fully believes in Crossley’s brand.
“She’s just a light within her community … she takes all of the different ideas, opinions, advice, and she creates this vison. It’s a collaborative effort where she listens to the women and what the women want and makes their dreams into reality,” Hein said.
Wearing a piece of GIRLSTRONG apparel has a larger impact. At its most recent community event, GIRLSTRONG hosted women from across the country to support Girls on the Run Georgia, a nonprofit organization designed to help girls navigate life through community service projects. As listed on the website, all proceeds from their ‘Perfect Fit’ tee go toward the nonprofit.
“The positive impact that their valuable programs have on thousands of girls is a perfect complement to our objective of promoting confidence and empowerment,” Crossley said.
While the company started with a simple T-shirt, it’s now crossing over to fitness, philanthropy and inspiration. Lora Sommer, Crossley’s publicist, believes the company to be a platform in amplifying the voices of women and girls, helping them shatter boundaries and lift each other up.
“Once you go on the GIRLSTRONG website and you see all the different dynamics and levels of clothing, giving, community and women empowerment all under one umbrella, I believe everyone will just totally get it,” Sommer said. “Women come together from all backgrounds in full support of her brand. … It’s because she is the root of GIRLSTRONG. You see why people love the company, because it’s her to the core.”
“To me being GIRLSTRONG means embracing my inner power and resilience as a woman,” Crossley said. “You can change the world, girl.”
HOW TO HELP
For more information or to purchase apparel, go to girlstronginc.com.
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