We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful FranCine Gadsden. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with FranCine below.
FranCine, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I found my purpose at the early age of 10 years old when I was part of integration in the public school system in Brooklyn, NY during the 60’s. I was taking the school bus from the section of Bedford Stuyvesant (all Black neighborhood) to Bensonhurst (all white neighborhood) and there was defined racial divide. At an early age I wanted everyone to be treated fairly and respected. I spoke up against unfair treatment and stereotypes not knowing that later in life my efforts would form into an art form to bring awareness to injustice and stereotypes, which I now call changing the narrative.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a different type of visionary. I see or hear things that people say or do in a negative undertone and I take those same words and/or imagines and change the narrative from negative to positive. I created a collection of wearable words and thought provoking images starting on tees and hoodies and now place those same images and/or words on to home accessories and products. My Brand is best know for its Afro Puff Gurl image, allowing girls with natural, curly and/or textured hair to celebrate their hair and see an image that “look like them”.
Effective Jan 1, 2023 Afro Puff Gurl Prep Academy became a 501 (c) non-profit and the goal is to host a summit for Black and Brown girls ages 6-18. The reason we are calling it a summit and not a conference is because a summit is the highest peak you can reach. The summit will consist of speakers/presenter that look like the girls attending the event. The program and speakers will share information on protecting the minds (mental health) encourage the girls to love the skin they are in as well as loving and maintaining their hair texture, higher education is for girls, starting a business and the art of journaling. The purpose for the summit is to prep Black and Brown girls to build themselves from the inside out mind, body and soul. The first event will be held Spring 2023 in Northern California and our dream is to take the summit on the road (nationwide).
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three most important areas of knowledge for me: 1. Experiencing first hand breaking racial division first hand. This was not something I read in a book, I actually lived it.
2. Seeing family members and people in the Black community owning and operating a business (living their dream).
3. Studying Black history, working for Black business owners and working for the top designers in the fashion industry.
The best advice that I can give to anyone is learn from those that went before you, work or volunteer under someone that has a background in the field you are desiring. Trust me you can prevent a lot of pitfalls from listening, learning and being open to direction.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me is have me be part of the bussing/integration, as a child I hated it and now as an adult I realized it was part of my shaping process. The other thing my parents did was to believe in my creativity and my dreams. My mother did not sew but she did everything to make sure I had the tools and supplies to fulfill me goals. When I was in high school and gave my first fashion show my mother made sure all the clothes were pressed and presentable, my father purchased and delivered the food and drinks for the events, My 11 older bothers and sisters helped to sell tickets, help print the programs, help with the purchasing of fabric, one of my brothers was the photographer, my two younger sisters modeled and invited their friends to take part as well. The fashion show became an annual event for 4 years.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sticksandstonest4u.com
- Instagram: sticksandstonest4u
- Facebook: sticksandstonest4u
- Twitter: SandSt4u
- Other: Tiktok sticksandstonest4u
