Designing Confidence: FranCine Gadsden on Afro Puff Gurl and Empowering the Next Generation

FranCine Gadsden was born in Brooklyn, New York, the third youngest of fourteen children. Her introduction to fashion began at the age of ten when she completed her first sewing project—an apron. That early experience sparked a passion that would shape her future as a designer.After graduating from the International School of Design in Manhattan, FranCine was given the opportunity to work with Audrey Smaltz Inc. (ASI/Ground Crew), a fashion company known for coordinating backstage services and fashion editorials for major designers. Through this work, she gained invaluable industry experience and worked alongside renowned designers including Donna Karan, Adrienne Vittadini, Calvin Klein, Gucci, and Givenchy.FranCine later relocated to Northern California, where she launched FranCine’s Fashions 4 Children, a clothing line that quickly gained recognition. Her designs were featured on Pacific Bell Message Center commercials, Mornings on 2 (KTVU), The Wall Street Journal, Essence Magazine, Black Child Magazine, The San Francisco Examiner, The Oakland Tribune, the Wee Poets Television Show, and Barney & Friends. Her collection was also featured and sold in Nordstrom and Macy’s stores across Northern California during Black History Month, and year-round in several specialty children’s boutiques nationwide.In 2015, FranCine expanded her creative vision by launching Sticks and Stones Tees & More, a brand that showcases her original artwork and thought-provoking messages on apparel and accessories designed to inspire both the wearer and the viewer. One of the brand’s most recognized images is Afro Puff Gurl © 2015.Inspired by the powerful response she witnessed from young girls who saw themselves reflected in the Afro Puff Gurl image, in 2023 FranCine founded Afro Puff Gurl Prep Academy (APGPA). The organization was born from a place of love and a desire to do more—creating opportunities that empower girls to recognize their potential and pursue their dreams.FranCine believes that investing in the education, confidence, and leadership of Black and Brown girls is essential to building strong, resilient communities. Through her work as a designer, entrepreneur, and nonprofit founder, she continues to foster a culture of self-love, creativity, and empowerment that will positively impact girls for generations to come.https://sticksandstonest4u.comhttps://apgpa.orgWant to be a guest on Voices That Propel Us: Stories of Justice, Action, and Community? Send Danise Sugita a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1763751693205864f9876416e