#BDGivesBack: Blended Designs donated backpacks to help influencer Taylor Richardson surpass her goal of ensuring that 1,000 students received backpacks and school supplies to start school off in Duval County, Fl. Backpacks were stuffed during an event that was held at the Emmett Reed Community Center on Sunday. 

"We also were able to send backpacks and supplies to seven local schools and one shelter!" said Richardson, "I’m beyond grateful to you all and hope I will have your support to do it again next year!" 

8 Amazing Black Women that Changed History

Here at BD, we know a thing or two about the importance of raising strong black women. As a female and black-owned business, we know just how far a little #BlackGirlMagic can bring you in life. This is why we are delighted to celebrate Women's History Month in March, following Black History Month. This month, first established in 1987, is dedicated to the commemoration, encouragement, student, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history. To celebrate this month, we have decided to highlight 8 black women of women's history month that inspire us to #BeDifferent.

1. Michelle Obama

It'd be difficult to discuss the importance of black women throughout history without mentioning the ultimate first lady, Michelle Obama. Born Michelle LaVaughn Robinson in Chicago, Illinois, Michelle wasted no time reaching her #SquadGoals. When she was just a child, Michelle skipped the second grade and was later accepted into the gifted student program at her school. This allowed her to study French and to take advanced biology courses. Michelle's thirst for knowledge took her to Princeton University, where she established a reading program for the children of the school's manual laborers. After becoming first lady with 44th president Barack Obama's inauguration, she went to work improving education and health opportunities for students in America. In an effort to combat the childhood obesity epidemic, she revamped the education system's food program and instated programs like the Let's Move! initiative. Michelle also began the Reach Higher initiative, which works to inspire young people to explore higher education and career development opportunities. Overall, this first lady took her knowledge and skill to change the lives of other American girls and boys forever. Now that's what we call #BlackGirlMagic!

2. Harris County Judges

Okay, so we may have cheated on this pick a little bit considering this group consists of 17 remarkable women. This group of women made history in 2018 after being elected to Texas' most populated county, Harris County. With over 200 years of combined experience, this group ran a campaign with the slogan "Black Girl Magic Texas" which let them run away to victory. This team of outstanding, educated women will go on to represent the interests and needs of one of the most ethnically and racially diverse metropolitan areas in the country. Because when they win, we all win!

3. Angela Davis

Having grown up in Alabama as a young girl, Angela Davis knows a thing or two about facing prejudice based on her gender and color. A political activist, Davis dedicated her life to fighting for gender equality, prison reform and alliance across color lines. Perhaps best known for her literary works including Women, Race and Class and The Meaning of Freedom, Davis shared her knowledge on the subject with students of the University of California, Santa Cruz until 2008. Most recently, she was a featured speaker and honorary co-chair of the Women's March on Washington in 2017. Davis proves that no matter how young or how old you may feel, there's always time to make a change!

4. Ida B. Wells

Another remarkable black woman that used her voice to incite justice and change, Ida B. Wells is a journalist and civil rights leader. Wells is proof that academic hard work can change the world. A skilled journalist, Wells used her talents to shed light on life in the American south as a black person. Born into slavery during the Civil War, Wells fought against segregation and discrimination while exposing the prevalence of lynching in the south to foreign audiences. She also was one of the founders of the National Association of Color Women's club, creating the group to address issues of civil rights and women's suffrage.

5. Tarana Burke

When it comes to women's rights, movements like the #MeToo movement have taken center stage in recent years. Though this movement may have only gained traction with the media recently, Tarana Burke first coined the phrase in 2006. Burke used the phrase to raise awareness of sexual harassment, abuse and assault in society. As senior director of the Girls for Gender Equality group in Brooklyn, Burke shares her own experiences with abuse to create a safe environment for young women to do the same. Burke is also focused on the overall well-being of women of color. It's women like Burke that can spark a movement that changes the lives of women world-wide.

6. Dr. Rosemarie Allen

When it comes to representation and support of all melanin skin tones in the educational system, Dr. Rosemarie Allen is what we call #Goals. After entering the public school system shortly after the decision of Brown vs. the Board of Education, Allen was subjected to subpar treatment from public school teachers that lacked experience with black children. Based on their biases, these teachers would often discourage Allen, stunting her progress. One teacher event told Allen that she wasn't destined for college, despite her 3.8 GPA average. In a response to these experiences, Allen made it her mission to fight for the elimination of systematic inequality that targets vulnerable and marginalized children in the world of education. Allen works as an educator and public speaker to expose racial biases and to help teachers gain a deeper and more compassionate understand of their students. She helps teachers show children that they can #BeDifferent and #DoAnything!

7. Dr. Mae Jemison

Dr. Mae Jemison is an example of #BlackExcellence that is just out of this world. In 1992, she made history by becoming the first black woman to travel to space. Jemison was born in Alabama, where she went on to pursue further education in 1977 at Standford University. But she didn't stop there. Jemison then went on to receive her medical degree in 1981 from Cornell. At this time, Jemison used her degree to practice medicine, carry out medical research and to aid the world with her knowledge by joining the Peace Corps. But, again, she didn't stop there. Jemison then became the first black woman ever to the accepted into NASA's training program. She later made history as a member of the Endeavor flight team.

8. Dorothy Height

Named the "unsung heroine" of the civil rights era by the New York Times, Dorothy Height is a name that is inseparable from our nation's past. An advocate for improving the lives of black women and women's rights as a whole, Height used her #BlackGirlMagic to incite change. She began her career following college as a social worker in Harlem, NY and later moved on to work with the National Council of Negro Women. Here, she focused on ending lynching and worked to reconstruct the criminal justice system. Height's work could not be ignored, as she later had names the likes of Eleanor Roosevelt, Eisenhower, and Lyndon B. Johnson seek her council on racial issues. Her hard work earned her a Congressional Gold Medal in 2004, signifying the lasting impact she has made on our society.

Women's History Month also marks the turn of the seasons! Gear up for summertime and spring break fun with our fanny packs and travel bags perfect for any sister.

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Tote Trends for 2019

There is no time like the present to show off your swag and #BeDifferent in this new year. Your personal style can say a lot: where you shop, what brands you support, what you read, what music you're into...the opportunities are endless. By simply accessorizing, you can set yourself apart from the crowd with a functional twist. So what's in store for accessory trends in 2019? The tote bag take over! While tote bags have been a staple for students and commuters alike, these chic, sturdy bags have made their way to the mainstream. It's time to find out what bag you love best to keep up to date with the tote trends for 2019!

Why the Tote Has Taken Over

Next time you hit the town or are strolling the mall, take a moment to notice the bags that other shoppers are wearing. More times than not, you'll spot a sea of tote bags making their way through the crowds. So why did this trend take hold? The origins of the tote bag's status quo were prescribed back in the mid-1990's. In this era, tote bags were given away as swag bags filled with goodies for attendees of fashionable parties. Not soon after, other brands began following suit, creating their own bags to show off their goods and services.

Not only have spacious tote bags become fashionable, they are also functional! Sturdy, chic and minimalist, totes serve as a sleek alternative to your average briefcase or computer bag. Whether you're headed to the class, your next big meeting, or the grocery store, your favorite tote has got you covered. These spacious bags carry all your necessities with ease, while conveying cultural signifies in a less serious manner than a handbag does.

What Your 1954 Tote Says About You

As you probably already know, your personal style and fashion can say a lot about you as a person. Clothing and accessories communicate to those around you important cultural values as well as what your interests are. So what does wearing 1954 say about you?

First off, it says that you are proud to support a black-owned business. When Casey Kelley founded Blended Designs, she joined the 2.6 million black-owned businesses in America today. It was her mission to create a line of products that empower persons of a wide variety of melanin skin tones. Her business is part of an inspiring growing group of African American female-owned businesses in the United States, as this demographic has grown 322% since 1997! By purchasing 1954 goods, you communicate to others that you are a mindful consumer, taking care to put your money back into black-owned businesses while simultaneously supporting the black community.

Find Your Perfect Tote

Now that we know the tote is the perfect fashion statement for the new year, it's time to find your perfect bag! Our 1954 tote bags have something for everyone, from the dedicated student working hard to reach their #SquadGoals, to the fashion diva looking for the final touch for her outfit. All of our totes are made in the United States and are available in a variety of sizes and colors.

Sorority Inspired Totes

Looking for a way to show off your sisterhood pride? Then these sorority inspired totes are the perfect accessory for you! Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) began being established as early as the 1830s, as a way for black students to take charge of their education and gain a collective experience of what it means to be black in America. Soon after, sisters from these collages began to ban together in the name of sisterhood, academic excellence and volunteerism.

HBCU Inspired Totes

HBCUs work to empower students of a wide variety of melanin skin tones, just like our products do! This is why our designs and HBCU products blend so perfectly. Whether you're an alumni or aspiring to attend one day, these totes are the perfect way to show off your pride for your school of choice. These bags are available either with or without each school's founding year.

Soul Sister Totes

With bold lines and colorful backgrounds, you can match your mood while on the go with our Soul Sister collection of totes. Choose from our "flawless,", "devastating divas" or "finer women" bags to showcase your style in the streets.

BD Squad Totes

By creating Blended Designs, Casey Kelley had a clear goal in mind: to improve a dismal display of representation in the character backpack market. Before the creation of BD, only 2% of all backpacks available on the market represented people of color. These totes serve as a perfect backpack alternative for your student on the run, while empowering them and showing students how they can #BeDifferent. Better yet, stuff these bags with some of our favorite inspiring books! 

A Lil Bougie Totes

If you're looking for the perfect gift for your sister that is anything but basic, the Lil Bougie tote line is just what you're looking for. Personalize this tote further by blending your bag with your HBCU's founding year to showcase your pride year round! 

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New Blankets Available in 2019

As we make our way through the beginning weeks of the new year, winter is still ready to rear it’s ugly head. While temperatures drop in the South (to what we call “cold”) the North is facing winter storm after winter storm. As temperatures drop, there’s no need to reach for your thermostat just yet…Blended Designs has got you covered! We are proud to announce that we are dropping a new line of 100 percent fleece blankets to help you beat the cold this season! Check out some of our new items available in our online store.

Personalize like a Boss

Here at Blended Designs, we recognize the importance of you being able to #BeDifferent. It is our unique experiences, appearances, skills and talents that give us our black girl and black boy magic. This is why our new line of fleece blankets can be personalized with your favorite's names! These new throws feature each member of the #BDSquad. Just like our totes, bags, backpacks and accessories, these blankets feature characters that represent a wide variety of melanin skin tones.

Are you an animal lover that aspires to be a vet one day? Then the Riley™ line of products is perfect for you! Is your child a star athlete with a propensity for leadership? Then he or she will fall in love with our Langston™ products! Not sure what #BDSquad member that you are? Head over to our quiz to find out what character has #SquadGoals most like your own! Next, it’s time to personalize your favorite character’s blanket, pick out your favorite color from our extensive selection and add your name for some extra flair!

Representation = Inspiration

Blended Designs was founded in response to a startling fact discovered by founder Casey Kelley: only 2 percent of all backpacks available on the market represent characters of color. This dismal representation of a wide variety of melanin skin tones inspired Kelley to begin her 100 percent black-owned business back in 2014. Since then, Kelley has dedicated herself to providing children with high-quality products that inspire confidence and greatness, both in and out of the classroom.

By purchasing 1954 products, you are providing bags and accessories with characters that your children can identify with. You are providing consumers with an opportunity to #BuyBlack. When you support a black-owned business, you are investing your hard-earned money back into our community, making it possible for a black-owned business to succeed. These success stories will, in turn, serve as inspiration for your children that they can do anything when they decide to pursue and achieve their goals.

Beat the Winter Blues With a Good Book

As parents, we adore when our children find a sport that they love. The skills that our kids learn and the relationships that they form with coaches and teammates can help to promote excellence both in and out of the classroom. However, winter storms and months of cold and hinder our children's abilities to go outside and perform. This can mean hours on end spent inside waiting for the weather to improve. Our new fleece blankets serve as the perfect excuse to get your little one to cuddle up and read a good book.

The Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) released its findings on the number of children's books either by or about people of color published in 2017. Not surprisingly, only 31 percent of children's books published in this year were by or concerning characters of diversity. Although this number had been steadily increasing over the years and is at an all time high since 1994, these statistics are still concerning when it comes to proper representation of characters of a wide variety of melanin skin tones. Give your child the gift on confidence this winter season by pairing their new customized blanket with one of our favorite inspiring books.

Choose From a Variety of Backgrounds!