OUR STORY
Welcome to Beauty & the Brave! At B&B, we are more than just an online fashion store. We are a symbol of strength and resilience in the face of adversity. Our founder, 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 in high school. After many subsequent years of worsening symptoms, she was finally 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 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 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 90's-inspired online-only boutique created to provide quality products that help individuals feel brave and beautiful. We truly believe every human being matters. Our models are real people and real images. Our apparel sizing is unique with our Pixi, Traditional, and Curve Collections and each item provides a detailed body measurement chart to ensure fit.
OUR MISSION
Our B&B mission is to provide stylish and inclusive clothing 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.
But our commitment to making a difference goes beyond just offering fashionable clothes and accessories. Our secondary goal is to promote Lyme Disease/tick-borne infection awareness, 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.
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 family, 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, B&B designer/developer, and Instagram public figure.
