Money’s no object for this Charlotte promwear pop-up

COURTESY GEORNEÉ JEFFERIES

Curvaceous Behavior is sponsoring its third annual Prom Project pop-up April 6 at allegra Westbrooks Library.

Georneé Jefferies remembers primping for prom on a budget.

Jeffries, executive director and founder of Curvaceous Behavior, turned that experience into free Prom Project pop-ups for under-resourced students. This year’s pop-up is April 6 at Allegra Westbrooks Library on Beatties Ford Road from 12-2 p.m.

The nonprofit’s goal is to collect 300 new or gently worn dresses in sizes 00-26 until April 5.

“I didn’t really have the best prom experience because we couldn’t afford a dress, so I was like I know this is a time where the gowns are expensive,” said Jeffries, a 2013 West Charlotte High School graduate. “Things are constantly costing more and the dresses sitting there are glamorous. I think the average prom dress is like $1,000. That’s almost somebody mortgage.”

Money doesn’t have to be a barrier to a red carpet-ready experience. In addition to outfitting girls in gowns, the pop-up also includes a free makeup workshop, shoes and jewelry. A barber has also volunteered free haircuts.

“A prom project is where we get to help students from all over different backgrounds,” Jefferies said. “We help Title I schools, homeschools; we want to help all students.”

Curvaceous Behavior’s pop-up carries on the legacy of an initiative launched by Charlotte radio personality Janine Davis through her Girl Talk Foundation. Her example was a blueprint for Jefferies’ program.

“I remember going to her project when I was in high school,” Jefferies said. “I didn't get a dress that day because I didn’t see anything my size, but … I will give her kudos for doing what she did because she inspired me to do much more and keep doing that legacy.”

Another inspiration for Jefferies was close to home. Her sister Jamie’s struggles to find affordable promwear confirmed her interest in starting a program to help others.

“I have a younger sister named Jamie [who] went to Rocky River [High School],” Jefferies said. “I remember my mom was telling me ‘Your sister can’t find a prom dress it’s really expensive,’ and coming from a household [with] a single parent. I’m the oldest of three kids, and I know what it’s like to make do what's essential, like rent and bills. I was like, ‘You know what? I want to use my platform.”

That platform has grown from around 40 students served in 2022 to an anticipated 70 this year. Most of the clients are local, although the project has an international reach – the nonprofit has even outfitted a student in Brazil.

“The last month or two, I’ve been to different schools doing free in-person information tables,” Jeffries said. … “I’m all over CMS, and I want them to know I’m here if you have questions. Come talk to me because a lot of these kids, they’re up on social media and they don't know how to ask for help.”

For information or to donate, go to Curvaceous Behavior’s Instagram page, website curvaceousbehavior.org or telephone (704) 430-1395. The nonprofit’s email is [email protected].

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