WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - The YWCA Lower Cape Fear has announced a two-day summer workshop to empower local girls and build their confidence, creativity and life skills.

Various workshops and presentations will be held for girls ages 8-18 through the 'Little Women of Excellence: The Beauty Boot Camp.'

President and CEO of YWCA Lower Cape Fear, Velva Jenkins, and Founder of Little Women of Excellence, Shereese Cromartie, visited the WECT studio to discuss the camp.

Cromartie says that she started in the program in 2016.

“I wanted to share my skills and trades with other people in the community that may be not that fortunate to have that experience and bring some of the people that I met in my walk and my journey into their lives,” Cromartie said.

Jenkins says that the camp aligns perfectly with the YWCA’s mission to empower women and girls.

Workshops include the following:

• Healthy HairGirls: Girls will learn about hair types, care routines, and protective styles through interactive lessons designed to build self-love and confidence.
• DIY Fashion: Sewing basics, garment repairs, and creating simple fashion projects.
• Social Media Do’s & Don’ts: Online safety, personal branding, and how to use social media positively and responsibly.
• Young Entrepreneurship: Basics of business, idea development, target markets, and motivation.

Presentations include ‘Staying Aware, Staying SafeGirls’ and ‘Growing Healthy Relationships.’

Kandace Blanks will be the keynote speaker at the workshop.

The event will take place on Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the GLOW Academy.

Registration costs $10 per participant, with 25% off when registering two or more girls. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided.

Date: July 18, 2025

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