By: Lizzy Lankford
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Popular clothing boutique, Riff Raff celebrated their tenth anniversary in February of 2019 and has grown from a local boutique to a national brand.
With the increase of racial injustice last summer, riff raff made a promise to increase and promote diversity in the store.
In an email sent to clients titled “we see you, we hear you, we stand with you”, Riff Raff pledged to work toward being more inclusive.
Having models is one way the store is attempting to reach a diverse clientele.
Jasmine Bruce, a model and sales associate for Riff Raff, has been with the boutique for more than 3 years.
“to see other boutiques as well as the one that I’m working really try to be more inclusive and show off models that are not a size zero” said Bruce, “it really makes me feel more comfortable shopping anywhere.”
When looking at the website, there’s now a section specifically for plus sized women called “Curves” and a “Black Lives Matter” tab.
As a bi-racial woman, promoting diversity is important to Bruce.
“people want to like they belong somewhere” said Bruce, “they want to feel like there’s a place for them to shop, to eat and feel comfortable in their own skin and not feel judged”
Riff raff is working with influencers to ensure that their brand is representative and inclusive to everyone.
Bruce is hopeful that people can learn to truly listen and see how to create and promote change within a community.