Until Today...

Until today, neither my name nor my photo have appeared on the OneBrownGirl.com Web site or blog. As the creator and founder of OneBrownGirl.com, my goal was - and continues to be - to focus on the brand's mission: to celebrate culture, diversity and strong self image amongst Brown Girls across the globe; to create apparel that boasts positive images and messages; and, to ultimately relay stories about Brown Girls all over the world that speak to our similarities. My role, as I see it, is to gather and disseminate information and make my best efforts to not only live up to the empowerment messages that I've created, but to grow the brand to the best of my ability. It has never ever been about me. In early March, I saw an advertisement in Black Enterprise Magazine for its Entrepreneur's Conference held in Charlotte, North Carolina May 14-17. I signed up as an attendee right away! More importantly, I saw that the Conference had an Elevator Pitch Competition that - were I selected to participate - would allow me to promote the brand in front of one of OBG's many global target markets - African American consumers. Winning the competition was not the reason I chose to participate; spreading the OBG message was what it was all about. It was a tough decision for me to "put my face to the brand" when submitting the videotape entry, and then ultimately when I was chosen as a finalist to participate. Because the brand message promotes the empowerment of Brown Girls of any and all cultural backgrounds, I didn't want consumers to see me and decide that this very important message was geared towards any one particular race or cultural group. Instead, I wanted to remain anonymous. I am, however, no longer anonymous. I participated (and was lucky enough to win) Black Enterprise Magazine's Elevator Pitch Competition (trust me, it was close and a huge surprise)! In fact, a large number of people can now associate my face with the OneBrownGirl brand, and as the winner of this fabulous competition, I will be fortunate enough to pitch the brand message yet again on MSNBC's "Your Business." (How cool (and un-anonymous) is that?!?!?!?) Until today, I thought that showing myself wasn't the best way to make this brand work. What I have come to realize, however, is that it is absolutely and positively okay for me to let you know who I am. I am an American of Bajan (and thereby African) and European descent. I, like you, am One (terribly proud) Brown Girl. Thank you for loving me the way I am. As you may well know, I love you too...like crazy. Sincerely, Tracey Friley Creator OneBrownGirl.com P.S. The office is closed until June 2. I look forward to reading your comments once we re-open.