According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 1 in 10 children have ADHD. For families navigating that diagnosis, a St. Paul runway offered a powerful reminder that those children possess unique gifts that deserve center stage.
The second annual Fresh ADHD Awareness Fashion Show in St. Paul on Oct. 30, during ADHD Awareness Month, was inspired by 12-year-old Jalaya Pierce, who lives with ADHD.
“If my daughter didn’t have the symptoms, I wouldn’t have known it was a thing,” said June Pierce, event organizer and Jalaya’s mom. “I kept digging to see if there were things we could support, walks, shows, whatever. My mind started thinking, ‘How can we support and get this mission out?’ We took the things our daughter is excited about and created an event that draws the attention it needs.”
The Fresh ADHD Awareness Fashion Show at the History Theatre drew about 70 attendees who watched 15 young models highlight the distinct theme. “My daughter said, ‘I want to do fresh, like Fresh Prince,’” said June.
Jalaya said she also wanted to show how a diagnosis should never define anyone. “I’ve been bullied since elementary school,” Jalaya said. “People didn’t treat me right because I act different and look different, but I learned to accept myself.” Wearing a green sequined dress, Jalaya showcased her own confidence on the runway while reminding others of their worth. “They are perfect just the way they are.”
The show delivered on its 90s theme and provided plenty of memorable moments for the audience, including an amusing encounter with retro technology.
“One little girl didn’t know what to do with the pager she had,” June laughed. “There were big hoop earrings, flannels wrapped around the waist, and it all really struck the people in here.”
Along with walking the runway, several young attendees showcased their entrepreneurial gifts, selling everything from bracelets and slime to hats, lip gloss, and keychains. Jalaya also sold her book titled “Jalaya Origins: Before Strings and Sparks,” which is about ADHD and how Jalaya transforms into a superhero to help others feel welcome in her community.
“Part of ADHD and what we want to do is allow these kids to share their gifts and their abilities and let them know they can be entrepreneurs,” June said.
Beyond the clothes and commerce, the event took a deeply meaningful turn with an educational presentation designed to spark conversation and understanding around neurodiversity.
“We showed an animation about ADHD and got people's perspective on what they thought about it,” June said. “ADHD means different things to different people.”
The message resonated powerfully with the adults in the room, creating an atmosphere of shared empathy and reflection.
“I’ve had people say to me, ‘I was diagnosed a lot later in life and wished I had known earlier,’” June shared. “The video was a sobering moment, to what we’re actually here for, to bring the flashlight back to what this is and how to offer the empathy and support that kids need.”
As the fashion show wrapped and guests headed home, the event proved a lasting lesson: confidence, community, and empathy will always be in style.
