Orinda Intermediate student, Sierra Caragol, selling her handmade soaps to schoolmates and fellow Girls Crushing It entrepreneurs, Chole Chung and Chelsea Dao, at the 2021 Girls Crushing It Pop-up in Moraga.
“Girls Crushing It” is a non-profit based in Orinda, with a mission to empower girls through entrepreneurship and to increase their confidence through entrepreneurial experiences.
It offers a wide range of courses that prepare young entrepreneurs while promoting self-confidence, leadership skills, financial acumen and communication skills. The program culminates with a pop-up shop showcasing each entrepreneur’s business and products.
“’Girls Crushing It’ has taught me how to be prepared to talk to people about my business. It has helped me grow my confidence in my business, showing me to be proud of making my own money,” said Sierra Caragol, “Girls Crushing It” entrepreneur and owner of Amethyst Soap Company.
After two years of having to switch to all online businesses since COVID-19, the pop-up shop is back in person.
Just in time for Mother’s Day, the fourth Annual “Girls Crushing It Pop-Up Shop” is Sunday, May 1, from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m., at the Library Plaza, 26 Orinda Way.
The spring pop-up features 50 entrepreneurs, ages seven to 17, selling products, including everything from pet supplies to housewares, fashion accessories and one-of-a-kind works of arts.
Special guest Diana Kapp, journalist and award-winning author, will sign copies of her new book, Girls Who Green The World: Thirty-Four Rebel Woman Out to Save Our World at the event. Her book relates stories of CEOs who have launched sustainable business ideas which empower females of all ages.
Founder and CEO Roxanne Christophe thanks her two children for the inspiration to start “Girls Crushing It.” The two youngsters pitched the idea of taking the products they made and sold at school to a bigger audience and “Girls Crushing It” was born.
It blossomed into a non-profit that has educated over 2,000 girls in entrepreneurship with more than 10,000 people having shopped at the pop-up shops since 2018.
Christophe knows the gaps and barriers girls can face in their professional journey and wants to help eliminate that gap.
“Research has shown between the ages of 8-14, girls can lose up to as much as 30% of their confidence. Our program organically reaches girls at that age when they are susceptible to losing confidence,” she said. “When girls lose confidence, it can really impact their academic and career trajectory. We want to help give them a safe place to take risks which, will help them build confidence and pursue their aspirations.”
Annabella Booth can be reached at annabellabooth@gmail.com.
