We had the good fortune of connecting with Amira Fruits and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amira, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my own business was all about building and sustaining a brand that speaks volumes to my life and my accomplishments without me even being in the room. Honestly, I’ve always had a passion for fashion, travel, and teaching others, while also being able to inspire young, Black women creatives like myself. I developed the works of Grand Girl during my first year of graduate school at the University of California-Irvine in 2019. While living in Irvine, California I was teaching African-American studies to undergraduate students prior to receiving my Master’s degree in Culture & Theory from the university. Although I was satisfied teaching, I was living in a huge melting pot swallowed by inspiration. The Los Angeles and Inglewood areas provided me with great motivation to plant seeds on the Westcoast. As a Cleveland, Ohio native my dedication to dream big was instilled as a child. I’ve been fortunate enough to come from a city full of motivation, music, light and love. Grand Girl was also preceded by men’s streetwear and casual wear brand, 49Grand, established in Cleveland in 2017. Watching my older brothers develop and promote their own brand years before the initiation of mine offered me the blueprint and confidence to create without self-judgement or fear. These experiences provided me with the best network and connections. The relationships we create and sustain speaks most to who we are. Starting my own business has afforded me the opportunity to leave my mark on this world and the worlds still being created. It’s always been a goal of mine to excel academically and creatively, and now I’ve accomplished entrepreneurship as well.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m currently pursuing my Ph.D. at the University of California-Irvine, and it has been by far the most challenging, yet rewarding experience of my life. Black women are trailblazers not only in higher education, but in theory and in fashion alike. I’m most proud to be an Alumna of The Ohio State University, where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy. I’ve always been the go-getter within my friendgroups and other social spaces. I’ve never shied away from speaking my mind, and I take great pride in going after the things that I desire. My experiences as an undergraduate at Ohio State were fun and spontaneous, but I did have a front-row seat in witnessing the mistreatment most underprivileged, young Black students endure, especially those interested in the Arts. I often channeled the experiences within my childhood and fortunate enough, I did grow up watching strong, powerful women take control of their destinies. I knew speaking up for myself, asking for help, and surrounding myself around great leaders would save me. Regardless of where I had come from, I’ve always known I had it in me to exceed my expectations. I grew up in innercity Cleveland and found myself living in Orange County California, one of the wealthiest hubs this country has to offer all before the age of 25. That alone makes me smile and pushes me forward every day.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Here in Cleveland, Ohio I’d take someone to my favorite place to eat, Algebra Teahouse, and then we’d explore nature. I love going to Edgewater Park to ground myself. I enjoy water sports and being near water in any way. I’d hang out with someone and just watch the waves at Lake Erie. I do love water a lot and all of its healing capabilities. I also enjoy walks in the park and I’m a sucker for a nice picnic. When people visit me out of town in California, I take them to my favorite beaches. I must shoutout Seaside Donuts Bakery at Newport Beach, because they have the best donuts I’ve ever tasted in my life. I take all of my favorite people there!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mother, Sandra Fruits. My brothers, Hassan and Jahad.
49Grand. (Instagram: @49grand)
Young Scholars Program at The Ohio State University, Office of Diversity & Conclusion.

Website: grandgirlintl.com

Instagram: @pieceofamiracana, @grandgirlintl

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.