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Frequently Asked Questions

Please take a look at the answers to some questions you might not have known you had!

Q: Who is One Brown Girl?
A: "In the spirit of OBG's mission, we are all One Brown Girl. I always envisioned myself behind the scenes so that people wouldn't look at me and decide that this brand is only for people that look like me." Tracey Friley, creator OneBrownGirl.com®.

Q: Does OneBrownGirl.com only sell t-shirts?
A: Not at all. In fact, OneBrownGirl.com isn't even a t-shirt company. It is a social movement that uses t-shirts and other OBG items to get its brand message across.

Q: Why One Brown Girl and not One Black Girl or One Latina Girl or One Indian Girl, etc?
A: The concept of One Brown Girl is one of inclusivity. OBG believes that Brown Girls around the world have far more similarities than differences and come from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds that have historical significance and meaning. The idea is not to segregate; it is to celebrate.

Q: My family is very fair complexioned. Are we still Brown Girls?
A: The skin color hoopla is so passe. The idea of being proud to be Brown is not merely about skin color. It is more about identity. A "state of mind" if you will. Many Brown Girls have the fairest of skin, but that - of course - does not negate their cultural identity and pride. It's how you feel about yourself that matters at the end of the day even though others may try to impose an opposing point of view.

Q: I'm over 40. Why not Brown women?
A: No matter our age, there is a girl in all of us.

Q: Why is the logo for One Brown Girl so skinny?
A: Since there is absolutely no way for One Brown Girl to look like Every Brown Girl, the OBG logo is a cute little caricature that is meant to represent all of us in a very general and non-specific way.

Q: I'm not sure if you realize how racist your "logo" sounds and can come off to people. I mean what about all the other races? Shouldn't we really be celebrating being human? If you want to be specific why not just celebrate being a women [sic]? As a white male I could never get away with starting a business (not that I would) called "One White Man" - Celebrate being white. Doesn't that just sound crazy? It would automatically categorize me as being part of the KKK and I would certainly be called a racist. Don't you think? Just curious - how is that different from what you're doing? I'm honestly am [sic] just curious and am coming from a good place. I just want to hear what your thought process is /was.
A: Celebrating the human race is great! Celebrating women is great! Even celebrating Purple Dinosaurs is great! There are likely a number of t-shirt companies out in the marketplace that speak back to celebrating those particular messages. OBG has its own particular brand message that it specifically speaks back to, and like many other t-shirt companies out there, we here at OBG think the whole Freedom of Speech concept rocks. Jokes, political commentary, brand ads, religious beliefs and ironic statements are emblazoned on t-shirts worldwide and One Brown Girl is in the mix as well.

We do not agree with your assertion that our concept is racist simply because we're celebrating something you might not be able to personally relate to, but we do acknowledge that the messages on all OBG Tees are open to interpretation. In no way are the messages on our Tees or the mission of this company meant to be derogatory, offensive or in any way racist.

On the other hand, we do agree with you about something else. Many people would categorize your t-shirt company as racist if you decided to create a t-shirt that said Celebrate Being White with a brand called One White Man. However, the difference between what OBG is doing and what you would be doing is rooted in history.

Historically, men and women of color all over the world have been openly and subliminally labeled and treated as inferior based solely on skin color, ancestry and cultural traditions. As a result, many people of color have succumbed to these negative labels and stereotypes and - simply put - do not feel good about the skin they're in. This can be evidenced in countless ways; far too many to name here.

The bottom line is that every thing is not for every body. And we're cool with that. The OBG brand was created from a loving and positive place and we like the idea of empowering and uplifting Brown Girls in our own gracious and peaceful manner. Overall, we believe: If it isn't a fit, don't wear it. And we mean that graciously and peacefully.

Q: What happened to the Ask OBG page on the previous version of your Web site?
A: We did not have enough staff to cover the number of questions we were getting. We hope that many of the questions that OBG customers have will be answered here.

Q: Tell me about your garments. What sizes do you carry?
A: OBG takes pride in the quality of the garments selected and purchases its blank garments from well known and respected clothing distributors. OBG carries Adult Misses sizes Small - 2XL (2-16); with many of our tees in Women's Plus Sizes 2XLPlus - 3XLPlus (18-26).

Q: The average size is 14. Do you plan to branch out and carry more Plus sizes in more styles?
A: Absolutely positively yes! One of our most common suggestions is that we offer more Plus Sizes. Currently, Beloved Brown Girl and Brown Girls for Obama fit up to a Size 3XPlus, and our Empowerment Tees fit up to a Size 18/20. If you don't fall within that size range, please don't discount OBG! Giving the gift of empowerment is often as effective as wearing the message of empowerment yourself, and we'd hate to lose you as an advocate. By joining the OBG Email List, you'll be able to stay up to date on our latest offerings and announcements. We appreciate your patience as we grow... one tee at a time.

Q: Do you carry children's sizes?
A: Yes! We started with Adult sized garments because we believe that adults set the stage for children and teach by example. That being said, OBG was pleased to introduce the Blessed Brown Girl tee in Youth Sizes (6-16) in late 2008. OBG will unveil additional Youth Sizes one at a time as this brand continues to grow.

Q: Why does a size large (for example) fit/feel a bit different than a size large in a different design/style?
A: Garment manufacturers tend to go to different countries to get the same garments created and as a result there can be a slight variation in sizing/texture between, let's say, a white size large and a red size large. Because OBG does not yet cut and sew its own garments, we are at the mercy of a host of different manufacturers and distributors. We work diligently to advise our customers of any size variations once they are realized.

Q: I don't see tees that say Big Legged Brown Girl, Sexy Brown Girl or Chocolate Brown Girl. Why not?
A: The message that OBG is trying to get across is one of empowerment. Although we don't see anything wrong with being sexy, big legged or chocolate, OBG messages do not include references to looks, body size or skin color. There seem to be enough tees out in the marketplace with provocative messages.

Q: How can I help and/or get involved with OBG?
A: There are a number of ways you can help and be involved in the OBG movement. Be an unofficial OBG Ambassador and spread the message of empowerment by emailing one of the stories on The Brown Girl World to your friends or simply send emails to everyone on your email list with a link to OneBrownGirl.com. You can rock your OBG gear every chance you get. If you know a celebrity or "personality" that wants to help endorse the brand, give us a call. When you can't think of a unique gift to give, give the gift of empowerment by giving an OBG tee. Ask your company to donate contest prizes or sponsor an OBG contest or event. If you know someone with deep pockets that needs a cause to be attached to, have he/she shoot us an email. We love to partner on projects. Besides, we can't do it alone!

Some of you might remember OBG's first attempt to empower Brown Girls when we came up with a way for you to sell OBG from home as an OBG Ambassador. The truth is that although our intentions were great, we were moving WAY too fast for our own good. Stay tuned for more in this regard, as we haven't given up! More info will follow in late 2009.

Q: I have a story to tell. How can I write for OBG?
A: OBG is always looking for unique stories about The Brown Girl World. Send us a sample (no more than 3 paragraphs) of "your story" and we'll see if it's a fit!

Q: Why haven't you answered my email?
A: We try. Honestly. But the company is growing and the staff is small, so we're trying to cover everything here on the FAQ page because we just don't have the manpower or the resources for a dedicated Customer Service Department.

Q: Where can I buy OBG products?
A: OneBrownGirl.com is an Internet-only company. Currently, items can be purchased on the OneBrownGirl.com Web site or at the exclusive retailer in Oakland, California - oo la la! gift & accessories lounge.

Q: Do you provide tees for SWAG or gift bags?
A: Not at this time.

Q: What are the payment policies of OBG?
A: OBG uses PayPal for all Web orders and will take your order by telephone for large or unique orders. If you would prefer to mail in your payment, OBG will accept your cashier's check or money order. Please email info@onebrowngirl.com for more detailed mailing information. California sales tax will be added where appropriate.

Q: What are the shipping policies of OBG?
A: All orders typically ship within 10 business days (although most orders ship within 72 hours) via US Priority Mail. Shipping is the responsibility of the customer, so we urge you to check to make sure that any shipping addresses your provide are accurate. There will be no refunds for lost or damaged items unless it is OBG's error. Delivery confirmation will be provided to customers for any disputes with your local USPS carrier. We do not issue credits of any sort for shipment delays due to weather related issues and other events beyond the control of One Brown Girl and our shipping carrier, the USPS. Events include airport closings and natural disasters. Contact sales@onebrowngirl.com for your International Shipping needs.

Q: What is OBG's Exchange Policy?
A: OBG has a 14 Day Exchange Policy. While OBG is confident that you will be completely satisfied with your purchase (smiling), there is a 14 Day Exchange Policy. It's only fair, of course, that the item be returned unworn, unused & in perfect condition. Should you wish to exchange your OBG garment for another size or design, you will be required to contact exchange@onebrowngirl.com to get an authorization number within 14 days of the delivery of your order. Once authorized, you will be sent a PayPal invoice for the appropriate return shipping charges and your exchanged item(s) must be sent within 7 days.

Q: What's the benefit of being on the OBG Email List?
A: Becoming an OBG Subscriber has its benefits; the most important of which is that OBG Subscribers learn about what's going on with OBG before the info hits the Web site. Likewise, OBG offers discounts on newly released OBG products via its Subscriber Specials.

Q: Will my information remain private?
A: OBG respects your privacy and will never exchange your personal information with third parties.

Q: Any additional information I should know?
A: Empowerment Tees are great for Gift Giving, Party Favors & More! Email sales@onebrowngirl.com for quotes of 20 or more gift bags. Any Age Birthdays / Quinceaneras & Sweet 16 Celebrations / Bridal Parties / Awards Shows / Corporate Gifts / Tea Parties / Luncheon Groups / Youth Groups / Sororities / Association Meetings / Graduation Parties & More!

Q: What's next for OBG?
A: OBG has tons of ideas and irons in the fire. Of course, we don't want to spill too much too soon since plans have an uncanny way of changing. But rest assured that our ultimate goal is to empower, educate and uplift and that is foremost on our minds every single minute of every single day. If you have positive feedback or suggestions you'd like to offer, please email suggestionbox@onebrowngirl.com.

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