Kheris Rogers has launched a clothing line, published a children’s book, formed a nonprofit foundation, and organized an anti-bullying conference … and she’s just 16 years old. That’s impressive, but even more so is the fact that she first embarked on her leadership journey at age 10, when she came to national prominence after debuting her apparel brand, Flexin' in My Complexion.
“My dream found me,” Kheris tells LittleThings. “I have always loved fashion and creating my own style. When the opportunity to start Flexin’ in My Complexion came, it was like the stars aligned.”
The line, which her mom and sister help her run, was started in response to bullies at her Los Angeles school who made fun of her dark skin. Her clothing brand features T-shirts, hoodies, and accessories that empower others with confidence through phrases like, “Representation Matters,” “Black Women Matter,” “Support Black Business,” “For the Culture,” and of course “Flexin' in My Complexion.”
On the website, Kheris is quoted as saying, “Beauty has nothing to do with the outside. It has to do with your inside by being nice, smart, creative. Being beautiful means confidently knowing that you’re enough just the way you are. When I look at myself in the mirror, I say nice things like, ‘I am smart. I am kind. I am confident.’ It’s empowering.”
Kheris was propelled into an overnight sensation when 15-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys posted a picture of her on Instagram with the caption, “I love this beautiful girl @kherispoppin and I love her mission! Keep shining.” Since then, other iconic figures — including Lupita Nyong’o, Whoopi Goldberg, and Taraji P. Henson — took note and began to support Kheris and her mission. Soon after, she made history as one of the youngest designers to ever debut her line at New York Fashion Week.
Celebrity shout-outs have helped make Kheris a name, but it’s her target audience where she’s making a real impact. “I’m always emotional when I hear stories from other young girls,” Kheris says. “For so many years I thought I was alone in what I was feeling. It stands out to me that if we use our voices we can have a great impact and change the world because we are never alone in what we are feeling.”
The Disney Channel even took note and featured Kheris on an anti-bullying spotlight video, during which she encourages everyone to use their voice when they see someone being bullied.
“Speak out what you feel is right to speak out about,” she tells audiences.
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Kheris recently published a children’s book, Shine Bright, through HarperCollins, adding author credits to her résumé.
“Shine Bright is a story about Imani and her journey to embrace her color and different people’s biases,” says Kheris. “It is a great story about self-love and self-esteem for children of all ages. I hope my readers are able to apply this story to their lives and spark conversations that will make a positive impact in this world.”
It’s still surreal for her to see her book on shelves at major chain stores, like Target. “The first time I saw my book in Target I was so excited,” Kheris says. “Every time I go there I look for my book, I have the same feeling.”
Kheris hopes that Shine Bright encourages kids — especially from the Black community — to embrace their uniqueness and celebrate themselves, even when others don't.
Her nonprofit organization, the Kheris Rogers Foundation, aims to educate, inspire, and empower youth in underserved communities.
“Through workshops, community service events, and mentorship we are encouraging youth to reach their highest potential and be the best them that they were created to be,” Kheris says. “The Kheris Rogers Foundation also strongly supports youth in foster care. We provide an annual scholarship to a transition-age youth attending a four-year university.”
The High Vibrations Teen Summit organized by Kheris just wrapped up and focused on the effects constant exposure to social media has on self-esteem and relationship-building skills of high-school-aged youth. Prior to the event, Kheris said, “I’m so excited to have this dream come to life. We are going to have real conversations from our teen perspectives on mental health, relationships, entrepreneurship, the entertainment industry, and the effects of social media on our lives.”
Kheris says that being in this space is her biggest success. “I am 16 living my wildest dreams. I hope that others look at me and are inspired to make their dreams a reality.”
It’s also a fine balance for Kheris, who says, “The biggest challenge is balancing work, school, and fun, but I think I’m handling it great.”
She encourages all youth to chase their dreams, saying, “No one can stop you but yourself.”
Expect to hear more about Kheris Rogers, because she’s got big plans. “In the future I plan to open Flexin’ in My Complexion stores around the world, be a world-renowned actress and recording artist as well as continue my activism,” she says.
One thing’s for certain: The world will be paying attention.
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