The presents are wrapped, the cookies are baked, and the tree is trimmed.  We now have a brief second to breathe and reflect. Reflect on what an incredible year it's been.  I wanted to take a moment from the hustle and bustle of this holiday season and thank you personally for supporting our little photography studio.  As I write this, I look around our new space, and I am reminded of how my dreams of a space like this were just that—dreams.  I'm looking forward to welcoming many beautiful women through the doors and having them exit feeling beautiful, confident and empowered.

I've had the fortune to fulfill many of my dreams, and I recognize that not every girl who enters this world is given the same chance.

That's why our studio has begun fundraising for the Because I am a Girl  (BIAAG) program.  Our goal is to raise $5,000 for this valuable charity.  BIAAG outreach is a multi-faceted program that will directly improve the lives of 4 million girls in the developing world by 2015. Based on decades of experience and in-depth research, they know that changing the lives of girls changes the world. Community-driven projects will address the areas most critical to women and girls: clean water, food security, healthcare, education, microfinance, and protection from violence and exploitation.

Donate Today & Help Us Reach our Fundraising Goal of $5,000

So, what's the problem?

Girls in developing countries face overwhelming odds from the moment they are born. Because she is a girl, she’s more likely to suffer from malnutrition, be forced into an early marriage, be subjected to violence, be sold into the sex trade, or become infected with HIV. Because she is a girl, she faces discrimination in her own home. Because she is a girl, she’ll have limited access to a doctor or even a primary education (if she’s able to go to school at all). But this program is here to change all that. Because being a girl should always be a positive, empowering experience.

What's BIAAG doing?

Through their sustainable development projects, they reach out to the most marginalized and vulnerable populations of girls around the world, rigorously measuring their impact every step of the way. However, its not just a girl thing. BIAAG actively and strategically engages men and boys to take an active role in all of their initiatives because real change can’t happen without the support of the entire community.

The long term impact

Experience and research consistently show that improving the lives of girls also lifts the condition of their families and their communities. Quite simply, investing in girls is the key to breaking the cycle of global poverty. Girls can change the world. But they can't do it without your support.

What can you do?

I've actively set up a a donate page here, and through March 2015 the studio will be donating $100 of any session fee directly to Because I am a Girl. Plus, each month, one lucky client will randomly chosen to receive a beautiful Alex+Ani Because I am a Girl Charm Bangle.

Thank you for your continued support of the empowerment of women and celebrating girls everywhere.  Let's do great things to affect our world this 2015!

Wishing you great joy this holiday and the year ahead!

XOXO,
Danielle, Rob, Sawyer + DTP Team