We recently connected with FranCine Gadsden and have shared our conversation below.

FranCine, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

The saying “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is a popular English proverb that conveys the idea that physical injuries caused by sticks and stones (objects) can cause pain and harm, but words, in themselves, cannot inflict the same kind of damage. The phrase is often used as a response to verbal insults or taunts, encouraging individuals to develop resilience and not let hurtful words have a lasting impact on their emotions or well-being. So when I saw bullying growing I have chosen to establish a brand with the mission of inspiring people, particularly children, by transforming negative statements or comments into positive and empowering outcomes.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY during the 60’s when public schools were segregated and I was the only Black student in my class. While attending school I was not welcomed in the community so the name calling was racially motivated so I had to find ways not to allow this to damage my mental being. I was taught to sew at the age of 10 and was very encouraged to become a fashion designer. I then began to work for several top designers in NY after graduating from the International School of Design. Working in the fashion industry allowed me to develop my own line of children’s’ clothing which later I began to create artwork and wearable words and became devoted to developing my Brand. My first wearable artwork is titled Afro Puff Gurl an image of a girl with a part down the middle and two afro puffs on each side. I experienced a little girl (wearing her hair in this hairstyle)being teased by two other girls because her hair was not straight like their. I told her that I was proud of my naturally hair and she responded with “you told me my hair is beautiful”. Afro puff Gurl collection has grown from being printed on tees and hoodies to home accessories and sterling silver jewelry. I would not say I solve my clients problems but I can say that the images and wearable words I created allows both the wearer and the viewer to have a since of empowerment. I am very proud that I was able to take Afro Puff Gurl from a tee and start a non-profit “Afro Puff Grul Prep Academy” for Black and Brown girls ages 6-18 educating them on empowerment by hosting seminars and summits.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What helped me build my reputation is that each design has a back in story so people are not just purchasing a product they are purchasing a vision. One example is I have a design titled “No Hair No Care”. The design came about when two friends were not accepted for shaving their hair. I designed an image of a woman with a shaved head wearing a turtleneck made of pearls and the reason is I want her pearls to help her hold her head of high so if she shaved/loss her hair due to chemo, alopecia, menopause or my choice she can still walk with her head held high. Another thing that contributes to my reputation is my customer service and dedication to Brand.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

I keep in touch with my clients by inviting them to events I will be vending usually 7 social media platforms and the email list from my website. I post the same time everyday so my clients will know what I am working on, new products and accomplishments. I also make sure to thank my followers when they share my post as well as reply to each of them when comment on my social media posts. I also write a post thanking them for supporting and encouraging me. I do not call the followers I call them my encouragers.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sticksandstonest4u.com
• Instagram: sticksandstonest4u
• Facebook: sticksandstonest4u
• Other: Wekinfolk – @FranCine Gadsden Tiktok – @francinegadsden2 Threads- sticksandstonest4u IG – afropuffgurl.prepacademy FB – apgpa Website for Afro Puff Gurl Prep Academy – https://apgpa.org