🌈 What Pride Means to Me (and How Fashion Helps Us Celebrate It)

If you had told me 10 years ago that one day I’d be writing a blog post about Pride Month as a boutique owner — and as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community — I probably would’ve blinked at you in total disbelief. Growing up in deeply conservative Southern Baptist circles in North Carolina, I didn't even have the language to understand the LGBTQIA+ community, much less the framework to celebrate it. For a long time, I carried questions, assumptions, and a lot of quiet confusion.

But life has a beautiful way of expanding us when we start listening — really listening — to other people’s stories, and to our own. As my world opened up and my circle became more diverse, I realized something deeply important: not only did I love and value the queer people around me, but I was one of them. While exploring my own beliefs and researching different identities, I came across asexuality — and everything started clicking into place.

Ever Joy Boutique has always been about helping women feel empowered and seen. But now, more than ever, that mission includes every woman and every person who shops with us — no matter their sexuality, gender identity, or background. Because fashion isn’t just fabric and color. It’s expression. It’s belonging. It’s joy. And everyone deserves to feel that.

That’s why I’m proud (no pun intended!) to launch our first-ever Pride Month Collection. It’s more than cute outfits — it’s a colorful, cozy, and confident way to say: I see you. I celebrate you. You are welcome here. 🌈

This collection is just the beginning. I’m committed to continuing to learn and grow — and building Ever Joy into a space that’s not only inclusive in words, but in action. That means:

• Collaborating with LGBTQIA+ creators and brands

• Hosting fundraisers to support LGBTQIA+ organizations

• Making inclusion a top priority when hiring in the future

And honestly? I’d love your help. If you’re part of the LGBTQIA+ community or an ally who knows amazing queer creators, I’d be honored to connect and collaborate. If there are ways you think I can do better or more — I’m listening. Ever Joy was built on heart, and there’s always room for more love here.

To everyone in the community: I see you. I value you. You belong.

To everyone still learning: Welcome. Stay curious. Keep listening.

And to everyone shopping: thank you for choosing joy — and for supporting a business that’s working hard to be worthy of your trust and your closet.

With so much love,
Malia
Owner of Ever Joy Boutique 🖤🌈

P.S. Want to celebrate with us? Shop the [Pride Collection here] and wear your joy loud and proud.