The SNIPES x Nike “Next Gen of Muses” experience took over Washington, D.C. on Saturday, September 13, for an unforgettable day rooted in style, sisterhood, and self-worth. Hosted inside SNIPES’ bustling retail store and curated alongside beloved D.C.-based brand STRIPT, the event brought high school seniors into a space where self-expression met community care.
From the moment the doors opened, girls were immersed in a curated experience designed just for them. Attendees were gifted a personalized shopping spree, pampered with free manicures from local nail artists, and treated to free matcha drinks served by Buji Matcha, STRIPT’s sister brand. A live DJ spun music from inside the store, creating a lively atmosphere. This turned the space into a celebration of empowerment and Black girl joy. The energy was electric even as the girls explored racks of clothing and sneakers. They danced between stations, connecting with one another through laughter, compliments, and creativity.
“This was about putting D.C. on the map. Chocolate City has a unique culture, and it deserves to be seen,” STRIPT founder Arianna Davis told GU. “D.C. doesn’t get enough love in the fashion scene… We’re the Chocolate City. We’re a Black city, right? We’re so much more than people know from the outside.”
Beyond the fashion, beauty, and free gifts, the experience offered a deeper sense of care and recognition. Phoenix Highsmith, STRIPT’s Head of Operations, emphasized the importance of self-expression in shaping the event’s vibe. “It’s just so cool to see everybody coming here in STRIPT pieces showing their own personal style,” she said. “I think it’s very important. As STRIPT girls, we love to express ourselves and show up as our best selves.”
At the center of it all was Arianna Davis, a Howard University alum who launched STRIPT in 2020 while still working as a lawyer. She eventually left the legal field entirely to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams full-time. “I have no regrets,” she said. “I knew this was what I was supposed to be doing. I wanted to create something that felt authentic, something that gave back.” Her story served as a powerful reminder to the girls that not every journey is straight or predictable, and that success can come from trusting your gut, even when the path looks different.
STRIPT is also no stranger to giving back. In 2024, the brand partnered with the Goodwill of Greater Washington to reduce fashion waste by donating over 400 pieces to the Bowie, Maryland, Goodwill for a public resale event. The drop was a sold-out success, spotlighting STRIPT’s commitment to sustainability, accessibility, and community-minded fashion. Whether through circular fashion or back-to-school activations, STRIPT continues to show up in ways that matter.
For 12th grader Daria V. from Thurgood Marshall Academy, the self-care portion of the day hit home. “Getting my nails done made me feel confident,” she said. “I always loved self-care, and it was nice — the lady who did my nails was actually from the same part of D.C. as me.”
The connection went deeper than a manicure. “Usually, from where I’m from and where I live, it’s not a lot of nail techs that live in the area that I live in, so I had to travel out,” Daria shared. “So it was nice to know that people were close to me.” For many girls, this event wasn’t just about receiving — it was about discovering what already existed around them. It reminded attendees that building confidence also means building community. Access doesn’t always have to come from afar; sometimes it’s just about making the right connections in the right space.
As the evening approached, the girls were invited to a private dinner experience hosted by Fortune & Forks Foundation, an elite resource group dedicated to uplifting ambitious women of color. Over a beautifully plated meal, the girls were introduced to Black women leaders in industries ranging from marketing to communications and fashion. These included executives from SNIPES HQ, who were present not just as brand reps but as mentors. They were eager to connect with the next generation.
Unlike previous SNIPES events — which have included large-scale back-to-school drives in Atlanta with comedian and actor Druski, in Miami with DJ Khaled’s We The Best Foundation, and in Brooklyn with WNBA star Breanna Stewart — this activation took a different route. The D.C. experience was much more intimate, with only about 15–17 young women of color seated at the table. This small group allowed for more meaningful conversation, deeper connection, and the kind of one-on-one mentorship that rarely happens at brand-led events of this scale.
Among the women present were Krystal Vega and Naomi Wright, the dynamic co-founders of Fortune & Forks, who created the platform with a mission to bring women together through curated moments of mentorship and intention. Alencia Johnson, a best-selling author and cultural strategist, shared her experiences navigating both politics and purpose. Jessica Reyes, Global Brand Partnerships lead at Amazon, offered her journey working with major brands. She reminded the girls that staying grounded matters more than any job title.
The beauty of the evening wasn’t just in the prestige of the titles; it was in the range of experiences represented. One woman shared how she didn’t attend college at all, instead building her resume through internships. Another talked about starting at a community college before transferring to a four-year university. One woman admitted she didn’t go to a “big name” school like her peers. Yet, her path still led her to a powerful position at a major brand. The message was clear: not every path is linear, and that’s not a weakness — it’s a strength. Success comes in many forms, and there’s no single way to arrive at your moment.
What mattered most, each speaker emphasized, was finding what aligned with you and never giving up on it. “Seeing that Black women were the ones who put this whole event together gave me hope and reassurance,” said Alison B., a senior at Friendship Collegiate Academy, who walked away with something just as powerful, belief. “It made me feel like I could do this too one day for my own community.”
In a world where Black girls are often told to shrink, edit themselves, or mold their dreams into something more “realistic,” this dinner flipped that narrative entirely. It didn’t just offer inspiration — it gave permission. Permission to try. To pivot. To take the longer route. To define success on your own terms. “Whatever you think is cool in this world is cool,” Arianna said. “You are the owner of your identity, your brand, and yourself.” Most importantly, the experience reminded every girl there that she is already worthy of taking up space in any room she walks into.
Each girl left dinner with a pair of Nike Air Max Muse sneakers and STRIPT’s viral camouflage patchwork hat. These were the inspiration behind the entire activation. Still, the gifts weren’t the most impactful takeaway. Daria V. said the event made her think about her own future in a new way. “The event surprised me. It made me think about the different things people could do,” she told GU. “It encouraged me to want to do events for my own community.”
The SNIPES x Nike x STRIPT “Next Gen of Muses” event wasn’t just a celebration of style. It was also a blueprint for what intentional investment in young Black women can look like. It gave girls the opportunity to explore, connect, express, and envision what’s possible. They were seen as more than students — but as muses, leaders, and the future.
By the end of the night, what lingered most wasn’t the sneakers or the manicures, but the conversations, affirmations, and quiet realization. Being seen can plant the seed to dream bigger. Through connection, care, and creativity, the event reminded every girl in attendance that who they are, right now, is already more than enough.