This brand was built through pain, purpose & tick-borne truth.
OUR STORY
Welcome to Beauty & The Brave (B & B)! At Beauty & The Brave, we are more than just an online fashion store. We are a symbol of strength and resilience in the face of adversity. Our creator, Andrea Marie, understands the transformative power of fashion because her own journey has been shaped by it. Once a two-sport varsity athlete, Andrea was on top of the world, conquering the court and field with an indomitable spirit. However, fate had a different plan when her heart stopped for 17 seconds while playing volleyball her sophomore year in high school. After many subsequent years of worsening symptoms, she was eventually diagnosed with two late-stage tick-borne infections: Lyme Disease and Babesiosis.
BEFORE TICK-BORNE INFECTION
AFTER TICK-BORNE INFECTION
Eventually, her symptoms lead to decreased mobility and the very legs that carried her to victory began to sometimes require a wheel chair or walker. Instead of letting the physical setbacks of chronic illness, debilitating symptoms, and fatigue define her, Andrea Marie found solace and inspiration through fashion. She discovered that fashion is not just about external appearance, but a powerful tool for self-expression and inner strength. It became an avenue for her to try and embrace her new reality with grace and confidence. Beauty & The Brave was born out of this newfound passion for fashion and empowerment.
THE B & B DIFFERENCE
Beauty & The Brave is a nostalgia-inspired, online-only boutique created to provide quality products that help individuals feel brave and beautiful. We truly believe every human being matters. The B & B models are our friends - real people; real lives; real images. Our size categories are unique with Pixi, Traditional, and Curve Collections and each item provides a detailed body measurement chart to help you find the right fit. B & B jewelry and accessories are selected with a nod to style and individuality. Targeted collections add special interest and focus to cohesive items.
OUR MISSION - SHOPPING WITH A PURPOSE
Our Beauty & The Brave mission is to provide stylish and inclusive fasion options that cater to all body types and abilities. We believe that everyone deserves to feel their best, regardless of their circumstances. Our carefully curated collection is designed to celebrate diversity, promote body positivity, and empower individuals to express their unique style. We believe that with a little added confidence and courage, everybody and every body can flourish.
But our commitment to making a difference goes beyond just offering affordable fashionable clothes and accessories. An equally important goal is to promote awareness of Lyme Disease/tick-borne infections, research, and advocacy. Short-term, if B & B prompts even one person to seek treatment for a tick bite and avoid the challenges Andrea has endured, we will consider our store a success. The long-range hope is that the world will find a cure for these debilitating infections and develop a vaccine that can prevent their spread. We aim to be a loud voice toward this goal.
Whether you're an active individual, a fashion enthusiast, or someone who simply appreciates quality and style, we invite you to join the Brave Babe Bunch, explore our collection and experience the transformative power of fashion. Join us on our journey of resilience and let your style shine as a testament to your strength.
ANDREA MARIE TODAY
Although recent years have been difficult, today Andrea Marie continues to rise above the challenges of her condition. Her personal goal each day is to add meaning and beauty to her life and the lives of those she touches as a singer/songwriter, Beauty & The Brave creator/developer, and Instagram public figure.
