Lo Williams, a graphic designer from Dudley, started her own business at just 13 years old with the goal of making young black girls feel beautiful and represented. Williams was inspired to print her own designs when she couldn’t find images of herself represented on everyday items. Her brand, Lo Designz, has now achieved global recognition, featured on everything from mugs to T-shirts.
Williams’ designs feature black women with different skin tones and hairstyles, with a focus on representation. “Representation is very important, if you don’t see yourself you don’t know yourself,” Williams stated. Her impact has also inspired the next generation, and she now works as a creative arts coach to children aged four to 16 years old.
Despite building a successful brand and network at a young age, Williams has faced her share of barriers, including not being taken seriously due to her age and people assuming her business is her mother’s. She has also faced criticism regarding her light skin tone and the assumption that it diminishes her blackness.
However, social media platforms and initiatives like Black Pound Day markets have helped Williams grow her brand and reach new audiences. These events showcase businesses run by people from black backgrounds and offer a place for celebration and promotion. Birmingham has become a hub for black-owned businesses, with a support network of over 20,000 people forming on Facebook.
Williams’ ultimate goal is to build an empire for her family and young black girls, promoting representation and providing an impact. “It’s about building an empire for my family and for young black girls, that’s all I want to do, make an impact,” she said. Despite the disproportionate challenges faced by people from ethnic minority backgrounds in Birmingham during the pandemic, Williams continues to inspire and build her brand
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More