Coming Soon!
The mainstream market often lacks diversity in its representation, particularly regarding black characters and sustainable clothing options. Black girls frequently encounter merchandise that predominantly features white characters, with BAME characters, if present, relegated to the background. This lack of representation can negatively impact the self-esteem and mental health of BAME children, contributing to a broader issue of racial and environmental insensitivity in consumer products.
In the fashion and consumer goods sectors, synthetic materials, which are non-biodegradable, dominate, contributing to over 92 million tonnes of waste annually worldwide (Global Fashion Agenda & The Boston Consulting Group). Moreover, a study by the Cooperative Children's Book Centre found that only a small fraction of children's books feature BAME characters, highlighting a broader issue of underrepresentation in children’s media and products.
Hephzibah Workshop, under the visionary leadership of its young founder, Hephzibah who started the company at just 10 years old and is now 11, directly addresses these challenges. Hephzibah Workshop aims to address these issues by increasing the diversity and sustainability of its product range. We intend to feature more products that showcase girls from BAME communities, promoting inclusivity and representation. Simultaneously, by embracing sustainable practices in producing our creative sustainable products, such as crafts, t-shirts, stationery, mugs, and cards, we aim to reduce the environmental impact traditionally associated with such goods.
Our ‘No Approval Needed’ collection celebrates diversity and sustainability. Each item, whether it be a mug with an inspirational message, or a t-shirt featuring diverse characters, is crafted from sustainable materials and designed to make every BAME girl feel represented and valued. Furthermore, our approach extends beyond the products themselves; we engage in practices that minimize environmental impact, such as using eco-friendly materials and supporting local artisans, to ensure that our brand stands for diversity in representation and a commitment to the planet.