Pretty Brown Girl Brand Created by Metro Detroit Couple

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WJBK) -- Lifting girls up in spirit and giving them confidence. That's what we're talking about in this story. Many girls have a tough time with self esteem, especially when they don't look like everyone else. FOX 2's Andrea Isom explains how one local couple is helping.

Seven-year-old Laila was always a bubbly, outgoing and energetic little girl, but one day her parents noticed a big difference in their daughter and they were concerned.

"She never wanted me to leave when I dropped her off," said Sheri Crawley.

"She was outside the circles and she was trying to fit in," said Corey Crawley.

"She was very withdrawn during school, and she's a very bright girl and very excited about learning new things," Sheri Crawley explained. "She started making comments that she wanted her hair to be like other classmates of hers, and immediately then I got it. I knew what that was about."

"I was put in the same situation growing up, so I know what it feels to be the only African-American in my class," Corey Crawley told us.

So, mom and dad decided to do something about it in a really big way by showing both Laila and her sister Aliya just how wonderful and worthy pretty brown girls are.

"Really send a very simple, yet powerful message to the world that brown is definitely beautiful with Pretty Brown Girl," Sheri Crawley said.

"We wanted to do something proactive, and we thought that this was the best way because we don't see enough positive images, especially for young girls," Corey Crawley explained.

"We're celebrating all the shades of brown all over the world," Sheri Crawley told us.

The entire collection can be found on prettybrowngirl.com and it is also on display inside the bookstore at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. They are so excited and honored to have it.

"I have a young daughter, so for her to be able to see a doll like this or a backpack or something else that shows pride ... to be able to see that and the pledge that's associated with it," said Darius Smith with the museum.

"To always love your shade of brown," said Laila Crawley.

Pretty Brown Girls everywhere should always pledge to dream big. Remember that you are beautiful inside and out. Enjoy learning and laughing. Always believe in yourself and make healthy choices, and remember you are a winner no matter what.

"They can do and be anything that is in their heart," Sheri Crawley said.

"It's hard to embrace your light if you think someone else's light is brighter, and so that's what Pretty Brown Girl is about and especially during ... African American History Month," Corey Crawley told us.
"We wanted to show that and put it on display that we are great."

We asked Aliya to tell us what being a pretty brown girl means.

"It means that all brown girls are beautiful in the shade of brown that God created them," she said.

You are pretty. You are important, so be proud.