SECAUCUS, NJ. (Top40 Charts/ Ashley Stewart Stores) - 2008 three time (3) Grammy nominee and Multi-platinum, two-time Grammy Award-winning recording artist, singer- songwriter, poet, actor and philanthropist
Jill Scott is stacked for success as she enters into an exclusive joint venture between her firm J Heather Inc. and Ashley Stewart Stores the nation wide specialty chain with 220 stores.
The initial product line developed in the partnership will be called "The Butterfly Collection By Jill Scott", a new brand of intimate apparel for the plus-size woman. The entire clothing line be personally inspired and designed by Jill Scott, in conjunction with Ashley Stewart whose name and image will be utilized in all marketing and merchandising concepts.
The Butterfly bra, in particular, was created and inspired by Ms. Scott's own needs as a consumer to create what she was unable to find, a design that is both comfortable and attractive for females who have a larger than average cup size. Times have changed since Wallace Reyburn wrote decades ago in Bust- Up (Macdonald & Co., 1971), the definitive history of the bra, that "the big- busted woman's lot is not a happy one."
"The partnership with a world renowned artist of Ms. Scott's caliber is a special partnership for Ashley Stewart stores. We have always admired Jill's commitment to her music and the integrity tied to the artistry of her body of work. We look forward to not only working with her on this product line but helping and enriching our communities by using the partnership to inspire others," says Marla K. Minns - Executive Vice President and General Manager - Ashley Stewart Stores.
The ability to create economic opportunity out of actual need, not greed, is characteristic of Ms. Scott, whose Blues Babe Foundation will benefit from the association with Ashley Stewart Stores Community Foundation. This has already begun with the launch of the Cecil B. Moore recreation center in Ms. Scott's hometown of North Philadelphia. Condemned to be closed by the city due to funding shortages, an initial donation of more than $100,000 by the Foundation was able to renovate the auditorium, bathrooms, floors, and swimming pool, and provide new outdoor basketball courts and a new kitchen. With the city's help, the roof was repaired, the gym was renovated and the Center is now a safe haven for many kids, with attendance more than doubled for most programs.
