Today marks the beginning of my journey, my first 90 days diving headfirst into this new chapter. I made the bold decision to leave my job behind, with my sights set on nurturing my business, nurturing my personal growth, and nurturing my happiness.
– Prais’Jah, CEO & Founder
Softness is a revolution. In a world that constantly demands resilience, asserting one’s right to be tender, delicate, and affectionate is a powerful act. For many, the ‘Soft Girl’ aesthetic — a trend that encapsulates pastel colors, frilly outfits, and an overall gentle demeanor — has become synonymous with embracing such softness. However, for a Black woman like me, living the Soft Girl era means navigating a complex intersection of identity, stereotypes, and personal expression.
The Weight of Stereotypes
Historically, Black women have been perceived and portrayed through a narrow lens — strong, unyielding, and invincible. The “Strong Black Woman” archetype, while seemingly positive, has often been a double-edged sword. On one side, it’s a testament to our strength in facing adversities, but on the other, it denies us the space to be vulnerable, to break, to cry, or to simply be ‘soft’.
When I drape myself in pastel hues, pin my hair with flower clips, and adopt a demeanor that is traditionally associated with the Soft Girl aesthetic, I’m not just embracing a trend; I’m also challenging deep-seated narratives about what it means to be a Black woman.
Embracing Complexity
Living the Soft Girl era is a reminder that Black women are multifaceted. We can be strong and delicate, fierce and gentle, bold and bashful. Our identities are not monolithic; they are rich tapestries woven from a myriad of experiences and feelings.
Every time I step out, swathed in my Soft Girl attire, I make a statement: Black women can be as soft as they are resilient. Our strength doesn’t negate our tenderness.
The Power of Aesthetic Choices
For many, adopting the Soft Girl aesthetic might be a mere matter of fashion preference. For me, it’s a personal and political choice. It’s about asserting that I, a Black woman, have the agency to define who I am, irrespective of societal expectations or historical narratives.
My aesthetic choices are an affirmation of my identity — a melding of my Blackness with the Soft Girl era. It’s a beautiful juxtaposition that allows me to celebrate my individuality while also being part of a larger cultural movement.
Beyond the Aesthetic
While the Soft Girl trend may eventually fade, the essence of what it represents — the right to softness, vulnerability, and gentleness — will always remain relevant to Black women like me. It’s a continuous journey of self-acceptance, challenging stereotypes, and embracing the fullness of our identities.
Living the Soft Girl era is a testament to our versatility, our capacity to evolve and redefine ourselves on our terms. It’s a heartfelt celebration of the Black woman’s right to be both soft and strong, and everything in between.
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