Meet Amira Fruits

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amira Fruits. 

Hi Amira, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Family is everything. More importantly, the relationships we work hard to create and sustain speak most to who we are. My family and my friends who I’ve been fortunate enough to call family as well have always been the driving force to inspire and create in this world. Additionally, my hometown, Cleveland, Ohio was and still is my catalyst for inspiration in style, fashion, wellness, music, and other intense motivations. Grand Girl International was preceded by men’s streetwear and casual wear brand, 49Grand, established in Cleveland in 2017. This up-and-coming brand was created by my two older brothers, and to witness them develop and promote their own brand years before the start of Grand Girl offered me a magnitude of valuable tools. Confidence, charisma, hustle, and integrity to name a few. Watching and working alongside my brothers affords me creative space to design, manage, and maintain my own business without doubt or fear. I believe my mindset and the support of my family catapulted me into a life of entrepreneurship, effortlessly. A life paved with many challenges, yes, but challenges meant to build a legacy of great reward. I developed the works of Grand Girl during my first year of graduate school at the University of California-Irvine in 2019. While living in Irvine, California I was teaching African-American studies to undergraduate students prior to receiving my Master’s degree in Culture & Theory from the university. Although I was satisfied teaching, I was living in a huge melting pot swallowed by even more inspiration than I was used to. The Los Angeles and Inglewood areas, their Art and originality alone gave me the incentive to plant seeds on the Westcoast. As a Cleveland, Midwest native my enthusiasm to dream big has only just begun. Starting my own business means leaving my mark and continuing my family’s heirloom. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’m currently pursuing my Ph.D. at the University of California-Irvine, and it has been by far the most challenging, yet rewarding experience of my life. Black women are trailblazers not only in higher education but in theory and in fashion alike. I’m most proud to be an Alumna of The Ohio State University, where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy. I’ve always been the go-getter within my friend groups and other social spaces. I’ve never shied away from speaking my mind, and I take great pride in going after the things that I desire. My experiences as an undergraduate at Ohio State were fun and spontaneous, but I did have a front-row seat in witnessing the mistreatment most underprivileged, young Black students endure, especially those interested in the Arts. I often channeled the experiences within my childhood and fortunate enough, I did grow up watching strong, powerful women take control of their destinies. I knew speaking up for myself, asking for help, and surrounding myself around great leaders would save me. Regardless of where I had come from, I’ve always known I had it in me to exceed my expectations. I grew up in inner-city Cleveland and found myself living in Orange County California, one of the wealthiest hubs this country has to offer all before the age of 25. That alone makes me smile and pushes me forward every day. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
For the past seven years, I have become well-versed in identifying and supporting the scholastic, academic, and personal achievements of high school and undergraduate students. I have since then dedicated my mission to building teens and young adults as critical thinkers, creative problem-solvers, encouraged readers, and ethical users of information outside of me building my own brand. However, my students come with very strong, confident personalities, and they push me to be as great as I can be. For the past three years, I have been deeply invested in higher education as both a graduate student and instructor at the University of California-Irvine. With an aim to join the professoriate, I utilize the skills I learn daily as a writer, thinker, businesswoman, and creator of Grand Girl International. 

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
It takes a brave heart to be a successful entrepreneur. The best advice I can give is to be yourself! No ifs, and, or buts. I would encourage all creatives just starting out to first develop a routine for self-care and love because this will surely help you navigate thoughts of self-judgment as you continue to create, share, sell, promote, and speak about your brand. Also do just that; speak about your brand or business with great confidence and remove any person, place, or thing that steers you away from being your true, authentic selves. 

Pricing:

• Grand Girl Cosmic Tee, $40
• Grand Girl Unicorn Tee, $40
• Grand Girl Trucker Hats, $40
• Grand Girl Half Angel Sweats, $100 full set
• G.G.I. Boyfriend Denim, $120

Contact Info:

• Website: grandgirlintl.com
• Instagram: grandgirlintl
• Twitter: grandgirlintl