STUK Team Story- Brette Sims
The story of STUK Designs is my story, but it is also many women’s story. I created STUK for the women who do not speak, for those who do not have a voice because they were so terrified, because we are taught to respect fear more than theirselves. We’ve been taught that silence would save us, but it won’t. I was one of these women. Being silent is not in my nature, but I was raised to believe it should be. So, here is me speaking, sharing my voice and connecting with other women all over the world, because I decided to take such a risk.
So now, I speak for all the little black and brown girls who feel the discomfort of being “the only” in their art classes. I speak for the girls of color who don’t even know what it would feel like to have an art class, but who have a soul deep desire for creativity. I speak for the girls who feel like they are drowning due to lack of resources and support. And for the girls who feel so terribly insecure and alone and are just hoping and wishing someone would throw them a lifeline.
I am here to create opportunities. I am here to create space in the art world for the girls who have been unjustly excluded. Because girls who lack art education often mature into women who can’t sustain focus, sit in the stillness of their own being or women who have no outlet from external circumstances or virtual world. Art in itself is an outlet and an oasis away from the physical world. It brings you back to yourself. This is why our tagline is “self love first”. We want girls to know that everything they need is already within. But often guidance is needed for girls to come to that knowing. STUK is here to guide, guard and cultivate self love and creativity for girls of color. We provide such guidance through our programs, merch, Academy and more!
So this is my story, the story I have in the past shied away from. And I have decided to no longer run from the parts of me that are uncomfortable, but instead to share them so other women can learn and grow from my experiences. I hope by me and the STUK team sharing our stories, that you will be inspired to share your own and also join us in our mission.
Remember: you are so Loved.
xo
Founder & Creative Director