Despite facing challenges in the fashion world, BIPOC young consumers aspiring to work in the industry are choosing to stay in order to make a difference. 

Despite facing challenges in the fashion world, BIPOC young consumers aspiring to work in the industry are choosing to stay in order to make a difference. YPulse’s Representation in Action trend research found that 42% of 13-39-year-old BIPOC consumers say it is important for the fashion industry to reflect diversity and inclusivity. But for many young people of color working in the industry, they face obstacles including pay disparities, self-doubt, lack of mentorship, racism, and discrimination. Despite the challenges, many stay in order to make a difference. According to one 24-year-old Black woman, she wants people that look like her to be part of that world and to exist “on all levels in this industry.” She added that Black and BIPOC women are part of the action because they “contribute more than anyone else.” Another 29-year-old says they stay because there needs “to be more POC in executive positions,” while one 23-year-old cited that many of ideas and concepts in fashion wouldn’t have happened without POC input, and that the industry “can be very beautiful, especially once people of color are allowed their rightful space.” (Teen Vogue)