She turned disses into dollars and in the process, found something even more valuable, a love for self.
Kheris Rogers was just 11 when she went from bullied to being a boss. She had been teased for years and bullied for having dark skin. Her older sister Taylor Pollard helped her rise above the taunts and together they started a clothing line, Flexin’ In My Complexion in 2017.
The young entrepreneur was in Sacramento last week, as part of the Sojourner Truth Heritage Museum’s Black History Month kick off event. She spoke of colorism and confidence.
“(She) told her story of being bullied for being dark-skinned and turning it around on her haters as a source of pride,” shared museum founder Shonna McDaniels.
The audience for Ms. Rogers’ workshop was made up largely of parents with young daughters.
“We had a variety of dark skinned girls who shared their tears, pain and suffering and don’t have a big sister like Taylor to guide them,” said Ms. McDaniels.
Since launching her own clothing line, a bevy of opportunities have presented themselves to Ms. Rogers. She was featured in a Nike ad, was showcased in Walmarts Reign On Campaign, highlighting Black youth doing big things, and voiced a character in the animated Nickelodeon TV show “Middle School Moguls.”
To further the conversation about the journey to loving the skin you’re in, Ms. McDaniels says the young mogul will be back in Sacramento in March 2021 for the museum’s Festival of Black Women’s Hair, Body and Art.
By Genoa Barrow | OBSERVER Senior Staff Writer