As a kid, I was a tomboy through and through. Dresses, skirts, and heavy makeup felt like foreign concepts to me. I found my comfort and confidence in sneakers, jeans, and oversized shirts. However, societal norms whispered in my ear that I was only pretty if I wore dresses, had a tiny waist, and flaunted perky boobs. It was a message I internalized deeply, shaping my self-image and fashion choices for years.
When I started Jamison & Bexley, I unconsciously carried these stereotypes into my designs. Boys' clothing was blue and rugged, while girls' clothing was pink, frilly, and adorned with tulle. It felt like I was repeating a cycle I desperately wanted to break free from.
The Turning Point
Something changed in 2021. After running the company full-time for a year and a half, I finally had the clarity and confidence to steer it in a direction that felt true to me. I found myself gravitating towards designs that didn't conform to traditional gender norms. The clothes I created were simple, neutral, and could be worn by any child, regardless of gender.
This shift wasn't just a business decision; it was deeply personal. It felt like I was healing the inner child who had been told she was only pretty if she looked girly. Designing and curating gender-neutral clothing became a way to tell that little girl—and every child—that they are beautiful just the way they are.
The Impact of Gender Norms on Children's Confidence
Research shows that gender norms can significantly impact a child's confidence from a young age. According to a study by the Journal of Adolescent Health, children as young as five years old begin to associate certain activities and behaviors with gender, which can limit their interests and self-expression. Another study by Common Sense Media found that 78% of boys and 80% of girls feel societal pressure to conform to gender norms, which can lead to decreased self-esteem and increased anxiety.
By stepping away from these restrictive norms, we give children the freedom to explore and express themselves authentically. When kids wear clothes that make them feel comfortable and confident, they are more likely to develop a positive self-image and a strong sense of identity.
Creating a Brand for Every Child
At Jamison & Bexley, our mission is to create clothing that every child can feel good in. Our designs are simple, stylish, and free from gender-specific constraints. We believe that fashion should be a form of self-expression, not a box to fit into.
As we continue to grow and evolve, we're committed to championing gender neutrality in children's clothing. We're not just designing for today's kids; we're also designing for the inner children in all of us who needed to hear that they were beautiful, no matter what they wore.
Looking Ahead
So here we are, creating a line of infant and toddler clothing that celebrates individuality and shatters stereotypes. This is for the kid I was and for every child out there who just wants to feel comfortable and confident. At Jamison & Bexley, we believe every child is pretty amazing, just as they are.
This journey towards gender neutrality is ongoing. We're excited to continue creating collections that celebrate individuality and confidence, free from the constraints of traditional gender norms. We hope that our clothes inspire children to be themselves and remind them that they are perfect just the way they are.
Join us in redefining children's fashion, one outfit at a time. Because at the end of the day, it's not about fitting into a mold—it's about breaking free and being unapologetically ourselves.
