Chic Vendor Spotlight: "Headbands of Hope" Offers More Than Just Adorable Flower GIrl Accessories

Earlier this week, we had the pleasure of chatting with Jessica Ekstrom, the Founder and President of Headbands of Hope. At just 21 years old, Jessica's accomplishments are nothing short of inspiring!  As a product and cause rolled into one, Headbands of Hope serves as a physical reminder to girls fighting cancer that they will always be beautiful. Here at Merci New York, we just adore the idea and think Headbands of Hope serves as the perfect way to add a philanthropic cause to your stylish wedding!

 

Merci: We absolutely love the idea behind your company! Could you tell us a little bit about it?

Jessica: I started to build Headbands of Hope at the beginning of my junior year at NC State University. After months of planning and preparation, I launched www.headbandsofhope.org on April 25, 2012.

At Headbands of Hope, for every headband purchased, one is given to a girl with cancer and $1 is donated to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation to fund life-saving childhood cancer research. 

Merci: That's amazing! What inspired you to develop this philanthropy concept?

Jessica: I became inspired to start Headbands of Hope after my internship with the Make-A-Wish Foundation last summer. I found that many girls fighting childhood cancer lose their hair to rigorous chemotherapy treatments. For girls and women everywhere, their hair is a part of their feminine identity. Wigs can be uncomfortable and unappealing, especially for younger girls. Headbands are the perfect way for these girls to keep their feminine identity and have a constant reminder that they’re not alone.

 

Merci: Besides the INCREDIBLE opportunity to give back, what else sets your brand apart?

Jessica: One of the great parts about Headbands of Hope is the variety. There are always new collections and styles coming to the storefront. Customers can purchase headbands online, but also women’s, children’s, and bridal boutiques and even running shops. Also, our headbands are manufactured in the USA, which was very important to me.
There are also many aspects of Headbands of Hope that makes us unique. One in particular is that I started it when I was 20 years old {now I'm 21}. Therefore, not only are we a unique headband company, but hopefully my story shows people that it's never too early to follow your dreams. Yes, it's challenging to do while I'm still in college and I try to focus on schoolwork and keep a social life. But at the same time, I wouldn't have wanted to start it any other way. I can say I've helped hundreds of girls and started a fashion trend that makes a difference, all before I get my diploma. We also have a “Hope Club” where girls who are in treatment and have received a headband can post their picture and bio. That way, customers can see the difference their purchase makes. 

Merci: We are certainly sold on Headbands of Hope, {and how great it is for flower girl gifts!} but we want to brag some more! Are there any final thoughts you would like to share about Headbands of Hope?

Jessica: Most importantly, Headbands of Hope is not just a product, it’s a cause. It’s a fashion statement that makes a difference. Even Miss Alaska has chosen to work with Headbands of Hope for the upcoming Miss America Pageant! Headbands of Hope provides an opportunity for women everywhere to fight in the battle against childhood cancer…and look stylish too! 

 

To learn more about Headbands of Hope {and to snag some of Jessica's designs for your flower girls!}, please visit her at www.headbandsofhope.org