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I am woman, HEAR ME ROAR :).

Okay, that's pretty dramatic...but really do mean it!  Hayley here, founder of MADI Apparel and president of our non-profit MADI Donations!  I began laying the foundation for MADI Apparel in 2012 after learning that underwear is the most needed and under-donated item of clothing in women's organizations globally.  Additionally, this statistic hit hard when my family member revealed that she's a survivor of domestic violence.  Our beginnings were rooted in empowering women, through encouraging donations of this very basic intimate need.  We've always been a brand that truly cares about the dignity of our women -  through employment of women-owned cut and sew facilities and offering seamstress skills-training courses.

We're all about that girl power, ya hear?

Now, I'm not saying - okay ready, set, go start a business that empowers women - TODAY!  But, I am saying you can do little things to encourage and empower yourself and other women around you.  Why not start with International Women's Day???  We're a primarily female-run team, and I + some of our team members came up with a few ideas!

1.  Surprise your co-worker with coffee

2.  Treat your lady bartender or server with a fatty tip

The service industry is NOT for the weak of hearts.  Some of our gal tribe will work their butts off in this industry forever - and do an amazing job - and some are saving for a life goal.  Why not show some major love and leave 30 or 40% on the tip receipt with a note telling her she rocks?

3.  Take your mom or grandma on a date

These are the women who made us - literally and symbolically.  They shaped us, sacrificed, put us first, taught us all the things...don't they deserve our time and attention, at the very least?  Aunts, grandmas and godmothers make the perfect dates, too, if your mama isn't near.

4.  Write down 20 things you love about being a woman

This is an amazing exercise to practice thankfulness and personal reflection on a regular basis, if you'd like. But, it's also a way to celebrate being a woman - even if you only do it one day a year as a rule of thumb.  Notebook writing party of one, please :)!

5.  Shop or eat at a woman-owned business in your city

Ahem... :)

Yes, please add us to your list!  But in case you'd like more recommendations - here are a few of our faves owned by women with big hearts in the city we're headquartered, Kansas City!

Lady Bye in Brookside, Kansas City

Skin KC in Brookside, Kansas City

Hand and Land in Park Place, Leawood Kansas

Seven Swans Creperie food truck

Wild Way Coffee trailer

Chez Elle in Westside Kansas City

BRIDE.KC (for those looking for a dress!)

We recommend a quick google search for women-owned restaurants, gyms, shops in your city!

6.  Volunteer at an organization that supports women

We would encourage doing this on a regular basis.  You never know - you might make a friend and become a mentor in the process!

7.  Sign up to attend a conference with female keynote speaker

The percentage of women invited to lend expertise as a keynote speaker is much lower than that of our male counterparts.  Let's encourage the women in our local areas who ARE getting up on stage by signing up for these events and sitting in the front row!

8.  Gather a girl squad and cheers!

Make this your first annual International Women's Day party and gather your tribe of women!  Cheers to yet another year of being badass together as women!

 Ready...set...GO LADIES!

There’s nothing better than a good old-fashioned bachelorette slumber party with a group of your best girlfriends. Here's how to throw the best bachelorette party sleepover in Kansas City, including movies, face masks, and matching bridesmaids pajama sets.

BLUSH HAS FINALLY ARRIVED AND WE'RE JUMPING FOR JOY!

Hey guys, founder+designer Hayley here! 

I'm so proud of our team for the creativity, the grind, the development behind this new collection.  I just want to take a moment to give each of them a shout out for their hard work. 

1.  First, the dye artist.

Thank you, Alyx!  We contracted this Kansas City maker babe for the SECOND time to hand dye a new collection.  Last time was hand dyed indigo, this time - BLUSH.  She literally used pits and skins from REAL AVOCADOS to make the must beautiful neutral, pinky peach shade.

Next, the production team

Thank you to Laura of KC Sewing Co and Miranda of Wheelhouse Manufacturing - two of our contracted women-owned Kansas City cut and sew production teams.  They - and we - believe sewing isn't just a skill, but a true artistry.  All of our garments are made in Kansas City.  Once the fabric hits our door, the design, cut, sew and sometimes dye process is all done in the city we're headquartered.

Our internal social media, marketing, retail team

Thank you to Alesha, Laney, Mary, Lauren, my mom Pam for all you do to promote our brand and cause, for the care you put into treating our clients so well, for working extra hours, for keeping our cause so close to your heart - and letting that be your motivation.

Videography

Thank you to Michael Saldivar.  Your incredible heart to do everything in your power to push our cause forward is refreshing!  There aren't many people who match your character.  Thank you for many hours of pro-bono work, all of your creativity, catching our vision 100% and your willingness to continuously collaborate.

Photography and Models

Ali Happer. You, my love, are a wonderful friend and a light in my life.  Thanks for being one of my favorite photographers to work with.  Your photos capture the true intimacy and transparency we work so hard to create.  Sometimes I look at your photos over and over, in such awe. 

Addy Harris and Dieynaba Diop.  Hi pretties!  Thanks for your patience, your willingness to try new things, your "chillness".  I love hanging out with you. Thanks for sharing your beauty (inside and out) with us to showcase our new collection.

It takes a village to create something magical.  And my village is pretty top notch.  Hope you'll enjoy our blush collection.  Hope this gives you some insight into the very detailed details behind this new color.

XO!!!