As most of you know I am a finance major focusing on Corporate Finance. Are you judging me? Yes, I think you are.
What is this girl doing with a Blog?! Why are you “trying” to be a blogger? She can’t be a finance major? She’s too pretty to be smart?
I get these questions all the time, the looks also.
Looks from my professors when they see a full face of makeup, hair and fashionable outfits that sits in the front row and that shows up to every class. I prove them wrong every semester and all they can do now is admire an “all put together girl” that can do it all and also pass their class with A’s.
This girl might be dumb because she’s all that! I get it all the time, to the point that it doesn’t bother me anymore. “Their opinion is none of my business”- Rachel Hollis
ThAT is exactly why I support Babes for Books!
Babes for Books is a fashion brand that promotes education and encourages the embrace of brains over beauty!
ALSO 10% of all proceeds are used to purchase books and school supplies for underprivileged children across the globe.
I came across Babes for Books on Instagram. It caught my attention because I saw so many beautiful smart females with the cutests T-shirts, Sweaters and so much more. Here are some of their products.
“I started BabesForBooks with the intent of creating a brand that represented my core values. I wanted people to realize they truly are more than a pretty face. I wanted them to recognize that though the cover of a book may catch your eye, it is the content inside that makes it worth reading. By donating a percentage of proceeds towards education and contributing to these organizations that improve the academic lives of underprivileged children across the globe, we endorse our message of brains over beauty and the consumer becomes apart of something bigger. They become more than a pretty face. They become more than just a “babe.” They become a babe… for books.”
“This brand embodies the person who acknowledges their physical appearances but does not define themselves by it. They are confident in themselves and their multifaceted traits. They find the compliment “gorgeous” to be lousy and prefer appreciation of their skill set and character. They are committed to bettering society and genuinely believe they are able to help create change.”
These were a few words of the CEO stated on her website, but we got an exclusive interview.
Interviewer: Romina Bojaxhi
Interviewee: Ardita Hashani
Tell us a little bit about yourself; family background, the way you were raised.
I was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin. I am Albanian, from Ferizaj, Kosovo.
How did the idea of creating Babes for Books came to be?
Growing up, I always heard “Dita you’re going to do big things when you’re older, Dita you’re going to be successful, Dita you’re going to-” and I believed them. I grew up in a family of resilient entrepreneurs and I’ve always wanted to follow in their footsteps. I knew I could amount to something great if I just put my mind to it. However, up until creating Babesforbooks, I wasn’t actively pursuing any of my goals in order to prove those people, and myself, right. Then one day, a friend and I were catching up between classes and they mentioned they ran a small business of their own over the summer; I was beyond inspired. Entrepreneurship wasn’t their passion, yet they had buckled down and did it. I knew I had what it took to do the same; Knowing I wasn’t reaching my full potential was driving me crazy. I am creative and have always had different, quirky, business ideas, but I knew that this time I needed one that would put me on the map. I knew that in order to be passionate about a company it needed to hit home, I wanted to be my own muse. So as I was doodling in class, I asked myself: What do YOU embody Dita? What makes you, YOU? What makes you different? And then it hit me. It wasn’t what made me different that was going to inspire Babesforbooks, it was what I and thousands of other men and women shared being more than just a pretty face.
So many people, especially women, ignore their other multifaceted traits because of their reliance on looks. I wanted strong, intimidating, beautiful AND smart women to have a brand represent them; Babesforbooks was going to be that. I was going to use the fashion industry to bring and spread awareness to this idea that substance was important.
Furthermore, I needed a “so what?” So what I was encouraging brains over beauty, how else was I going to contribute to society. Sure, I was excited to create a business of my own, be my own boss, but ultimately I knew that wasn’t all I wanted. I needed to make philanthropy a staple in the business concept. The value of selflessness was reiterated in my house constantly, achieving the “American Dream” meant nothing without giving back. My family taught me that success not shared was useless. I’ve dedicated my life to this mindset and is why channeling my entrepreneurial spirit was the first part of my success, but not the most important. Teaching me the value of philanthropy was the best thing my family could ever have done for me and although I knew there was no way to repay them, I could pay it forward. So I decided to do so by donating 10% of all proceeds to purchase books and school supplies for underprivileged children. BabesForBooks began with the simple idea of educating children across the world.
Who is behind the Babes for Books? (your team)
Right now it is a one-woman show. However, we are looking to expand the team this summer.
Why did you think of donating a part of the purchases to education?
Because I grew up very blessed, I wanted to give back. I lucked out in my childhood and especially in my education, so I wanted to help the children who weren’t quite as lucky anyway I could. I knew that Babes for Books would help me do that.
Your proceeds go to Room to Read. What spoke out about this organization?
Well for one, Room to Read invests in the future of nearly one million children each year. They transform the lives of millions of children in low-income communities by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education. They work in collaboration with local communities, partner organizations, and governments, and develop literacy skills and a habit of reading among primary school children. They also support girls to complete secondary school with the relevant life skills to succeed in school and beyond.
Where do think the company is headed in the next 5 years?
I think the brand will be recognized. Much like “Love Your Melon” which started similar to Babes For Books. It started on a college campus by students wanted to make a change. They wanted to raise awareness for cancer prevention so they sold hats to spread the word. The company thrives today, however, their success does not intimidate us. We are each advocating for different things. If anything, this company and its story only inspire us.
Some Kind Words for the CEO of Babes for Books
One thing Ardita, you will succeed! I know it because of your determination and willingness to change the world. I know we do not know each other well, but I am proud of you. I know how scary it is to start something new and continue to persevere on the way to the top. As you said a one-woman show, same here! We will get there and it starts with people like you, bringing beautiful, smart women to participate in a great cause and also being friends with one another because we all have something in common.
Thank you again for giving me the chance to interview a woman like you!
Guess What?!
This brand has really opened my eyes on what a strong woman can create and accomplish for themselves. What’s truly amazing is that this brand is built upon helping
lift others higher as well. So many characteristics of Babes for Books resonates with who i am as an individual and inspires me to do even more for myself and others.
I love this idea so much that I personally applied to become a member of the crew to give my support on a more honest and personal level. I want to share what I
whole-heartedly support and love. Just for you lovely readers of my content I have a discount code for these fantastic products: Romina10. I hope Ardita’s continuing
story inspires and motivates you as much as it has me!
I hope you guys enjoyed another Blog Post and I hope you support a brand that represents women like you, smart and beautiful. “More than just a pretty face.” Go purchase your favorite T-shirt and tag us @rominabojaxhi and @babesforbooks on Instagram.
ROMINA'S LIFE 