Play Pretty – Tracey Pearson

Last summer, Tracey Pearson, a mother of two boys, decided to launch a company whose sole purpose was to empower girls. Yes, girls. She felt the best way to offset media’s lack of representation of girls that were healthy and strong, was to provide her sons with a different perspective. So, Tracey founded Prissy Tomboy – her way of bringing girls to the forefront, by sharing their stories and encouraging adventure.

It seems that Tracey noticed how boys easily found their place in sports and activities, and as a result, grew more confident. “But you don’t even see a group of girls riding their bikes in the neighborhood anymore.” In comparison to girl athletes, she saw that other girls didn’t have the same confidence. Preteen and teenage girls were stuck inside and on social media, or just not seeking adventure and activity.

Always an athlete and girly, Tracey’s father started calling the Atlanta native a prissy tomboy. As CEO, she runs her company with a few other women that are just as passionate about helping girls become future leaders. “When we started this journey, our mission was to get girls out to play and create a product that supports our mission. Sounds simple, right? Once we hit the road, we found it has become so much more.”

To date, Tracey has done more than 30 events; traveling from beaches to mountains in the Prissy Tomboy van: “Miss Priss”. She’s engaged girls from the UK, Hawaii, New York and beyond through the company’s three main initiatives: an Ambassador program, Girls Only Clinics that allow girls to try new sports in a noncompetitive environment, and a fundraising arm for all-girl athletic programs. “We’ve also got a range of athletic wear and beauty products that help fund our programs.”

Currently in the midst of planning for this weekend’s event, the Adventure Challenge, Tracey has assembled an all-women panel of professionals from various fields to discuss topics surrounding leadership development for its teen audience and their parents. “The whole mission is to challenge them and have them really push themselves. There is nothing more inspiring than watching a girl blossom into a confident, healthy, and ambitious young woman.”

I met Tracey during carpool (of all places) last spring, and soon thereafter, invited her to join my campers during Camp Rock Paper Scissors. I look forward to returning the favor by bringing Charm to Tracey’s guests this Saturday at Georgia Tech! Know of a teen girl who’d like to attend? Find out more here.

Erika Preval is a certified etiquette consultant and founder of both simply put, a blog that simplifies the intricacies of manners for adults as well as Charm Etiquette, the premiere source for boutique events in social and leadership skills for modern youth. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.