We met Esther Marlin a 16 year-old student in high school in a program we did for our Boy Meets Girl® University initiatives.
After our meeting, she asked us if she could be part of our #IMMIGRANTSAREUS campaign. Boy Meets Girl® University was created in 2011 as a hands-on learning experience for students who aspire to work in the fashion industry and who want to learn about the creative business side of building a brand. Stacy noted, “I wanted to bring my brand to major campuses and classrooms throughout the country because I felt Boy Meets Girl® could be a positive influence for college and high- school girls.” We give first-hand experience and mentorship. Therefore, when Esther asked Stacy how she could be involved, Stacy told her, “I will help you achieve what you need to by giving you access to Boy Meets Girl®, but I want you to take your eye and creative vision to put together a powerful story together.”
Esther Marlin (@chopoli) is a student and 16 year founder & CEO of @marnumagazine. In collaboration with BOY MEETS GIRL® X HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH, Esther put this campaign together with eight students to share their #IMMIGRANTSAREUS stories.
Why did you collaborate with Boy Meets Girl® on this initiative?
"I collaborated with BMG for this project because I thought that the Immigrants Are US line needed more than just pictures on Instagram. It needed real people advocating for the phrase, to show people it's a reality. The reality is that in America we are all immigrants and we make this country great. I don't regret collaborating with the team at BMG because they genuinely care about the advocacy and it isn't just for marketing and publicity like most brands do campaigns for."
Tell us more about your magazine?
"My online magazine is called MarNu Magazine and I created it because I needed to take control of my dreams. I've always wanted to work for a magazine and pitch my ideas, but one day I was just like: “I need to make this happen on my own!” From that day forward I've been creating, collaborating, and producing quality content for the youth. The magazine is aimed towards youth empowerment through the arts, fashion, and social and political issues. I’m currently working with a web designer to make the website according to my vision. I'm a firm believer of good things take time, so for right now the Instagram page is up but the website will be launched soon!"
What does the Boy Meets Girl® brand mean to you?
"The Boy Meets Girl®brand is more of a humanitarian brand than a clothing brand to me. The creator, Stacy Igel, has been such an inspiration. I think she knows that the world needs more people like her so she doesn't give up and keeps up the advocacy throughout all her pieces. The brand does a great job at being empowering for all people and I love that. I want to thank Stacy and her team for being so resourceful and believing in my creative direction."
Do you hope this campaign can make a change?
"I don't think this campaign can change anyone's perception of immigrants but I do think it can bring awareness and inspire many. I want this campaign to provide insight for those that don't understand why immigrants are important in America, and to be a prime inspiration for those who can relate with the stories shared by each individual. I want for other immigrants and people coming from immigrant families to see this campaign and feel represented, as well as know that they are not lonely in their struggles pertaining to race and immigration in the U.S."
