Photo via Mashable; courtesy of Flexin' In My Complexion
Last year, after being severely bullied for her skin tone by her classmates, then 10-year-old Kheris Rogers launched an empowering t-shirt line called "Flexin' In My Complexion." The powerful phrase is a reference to the hashtag Rogers' old sister Taylor Pollard used in now a viral tweet of her little sister.
My sister is only 10, but already royalty 👸🏾 #FlexinInHerComplexion pic.twitter.com/pfKeHyNXCx
— Boss Babe✨ (@TaylorAndrea_) March 26, 2017
Since then, Kheris has inspired the entire internet, including Oscar-winning actress and advocate of Black beauty, Lupita Nyong'o, who posted a photo of herself in the t-shirt. The young designer's inspiring message also made its way to New York Fashion Week, where Rogers became one of the youngest fashion designers to present a clothing line. Now, the 11-year-old has landed her first Nike ad.
"My first Nike ad," Rogers wrote on Instagram.
"Let's all make 2018 the year of 'doing.' In less than a year, I went from feeling bad about myself because I was being bullied for how I looked to loving myself completely and following my dreams. I encourage you all to 'do' what makes you happy and believe in yourself that you can make your dream a reality!"
We second that. Congratulations, Kheris!