Twenty - Dare To Be Free Inc

Interview with Founder/CEO Nikkia Bagley; 05/11/14
By: Centricidy Lebon

Q:What does the name TWENTY mean or stand for? A: "The name TWENTY is the combination of the first amendment (Freedom of Speech) and the nineteenth amendment which gave women the right to vote. 19 + 1 = 20" stated Ms. Bagley when asked in an recent interview. Q: Are you a fiminist and why? A: "YES I'm definetly a fiminist, I think everyone should be. A feminist is a PERSON (male or female) who believes in the social, political and equality of the sexes. There are so many stereo types, pressures and expectations when you're a woman, we're expected to be perfect. I think our imperfections are what make us flawless and unique. I was a teenage mother, I have three children, I was in a abusive marriage, I'm a single parent but now I'm also a career mom, soccer mom and a equal partner to my better half. Its all about balance and boundaries. I wanted to take my life and use it as an example, inspiration and encouragement. Some young lady is struggling with "oh I had a baby in high school so its over". "It's not over, theres life and success after a bad decision. I meet so many women with a wide variety of challenges such as my husband left me, I'm divorced, I have a dead end job, I'm with a man who is not my equal, I've been engaged for five years and brought my own ring, I dont want to be alone so I pay all the bills while he does nothing, I'm sleeping with a married man, I'm single because I refuse to date outside my race, I'm good enough to have children, sex and live with but not good enough to marry..., REALLY?? 72% of African American children are born to unwed mothers, it's become an epidemic in our culture and the welfare statistics continue to rise which means we can't even afford the children we're having on our own. Somehow the single mother title has become accepted and rewarded. Not every woman should be proud to say " I'm a single mother." she states. Q: What was the turning point that made you say enough is enough im starting this company? A: "My first shirt actually was inspired by an African woman who was being abused and I was told to mind my business because "its their culture", "Its ok to be seen and not heard sometimes". It angered me, I couldn't sleep all night. The next day I got my five year old son Alex easel and designed the shirt It Is My Business If You Beat Your Partner. After drawing it out on paper, I got a white T-shirt from my oldest sons room and wrote that quote in black marker, then I wore it so that the victims husband could see it everytime he looked at me. From there, the rest is history. The list of reasons as to why I decided to start this company are endless but overall it was to be a voice, to address issues and inspire women through design and public speaking that people shy away from. To support women of all race and origin and also hold us accountable for some of the outrageous statistics we have the power over such as having multiple children out of marriage." Q: How does it feel to be a CEO? A: "It feels like alot more work!" she laughs. "Honestly I could care less about my title. My title wont get me into heaven so it doesn't mean much. However there are some pretty cool dining perks I like. I love to dine out!" she laughs. "When I leave this earth I want my life to have served purpose and meaning not just time and space".