A New ‘Boss’ is in the House

Clothes are not “just clothes” if you ask Lisa Crossley, CEO of GIRLSTRONG, where empowerment is the key. She declared, “Fashion plays a significant role in shaping our perceptions of ourselves and the world around us. It has been a powerful tool for female empowerment throughout history, allowing women to express themselves authentically, challenge stereotypes, and redefine what it means to be both feminine and empowered … If you wear anything from my GIRLSTRONG collections, people will stop you and make comments all day long. Love that. I challenge you to wear it and someone doesn’t stop and compliment you.”

GIRLSTRONG garments are manufactured in the U.S., South America, Europe and Asia, are competitively and priced with similar quality to Athleta, Lululemon, Alo Yoga, and Fabletics. Their tees are $33-$38, leggings $83-$87, Hoodies $55-$89.

This clever design is “tongue and cheek” and full of fun

Other than all the trimmings about female empowerment, what makes the clothes themselves special, per Crossley, “Our leggings, sports bras, rash guards are all buttery soft, second skin, very flattering, holds you in all the right places, super sexy, because we all want to feel strong and sexy, and we have all the colors and designs that everyone else offers as well as designs you won’t find anywhere else. We have these beautiful avatars, inspired by the runway. One of our designers is a fashion SCAD grad and designed a line of these gorgeous runway avatars — they are on several hoodies and tees.”

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Crossley has experience in the beauty and fashion industry, working with brands and iconic designers and their fragrances, like Gucci, YSL, Dior, Chanel, and Givenchy while working at Belk’s in Florida as a teen. She grew in the industry, advancing in sales and marketing, traveling, working with some of the largest U.S. retailers, like Neiman’s, Saks, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom and for some of the biggest designers in the world: Calvin Klein, Vera Wang, LVMH.

She recalled, “Over the years I naturally developed an eye and vision for design and fashion, how can you not after being inspired and surrounded by it your entire life? I treasure a photo of me with Bob Mackie.”

GIRLSTRONG deals in E-commerce, focusing on a website that ships globally, and plans to work its way into retail stores very soon. They have ambassadors around the country who promote their clothing and employ freelance designers, website, marketing, and social media experts. They also have an advisory board of influential women, like Mrs. Tennessee USA Whitney Reynolds.

This two-piece outfit by GIRLSTRONG feels buttery and “holds in all the right places.”

In terms of tikkun olam and giving back to the community, Crossley said, “Even as a kid, with great, supportive, loving parents, my Jewish mama, Gloria, still makes me cry because she passed a few years ago, she was my biggest cheerleader; and how can you fail with so much love and support? My mother was passionate about giving back to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, so on the website, GIRLSTRONG gives back as a legacy in her honor.”

Crossley concluded by quoting Vogue Magazine, “It’s hard not to attach meaning and emotional weight to clothing; what you wear not only reflects who you are and how you carry yourself, but also who you want to be. Few people are as attuned to this nuance as women’s designers, who draw on deeply personal experiences—individually but also collectively—to imbue their work with an acknowledgment of a woman’s unique perspective navigating the world.”

“When we feel good as women, the world benefits,” says Crossley. “The lifestyle brand, GIRLSTRONG, is all about showing up in our best capacity. Fashion can empower women in many ways, including as a tool for activism, a way to express identity, and a way to feel confident. Every woman deserves to feel empowered, strong, and confident in every facet of life.”

Crossley announced GIRLSTRONG’s partnership benefiting Girls on the Run Georgia, set for 1 to 3 p.m., Oct. 15, at Stellar Bodies Buckhead Court. Tickets are $35 and include a T-shirt. Light bites and drinks will be served. TV personality Whitney Reynolds will be the featured guest.