Abi Ferrin: Crafting Fashion with Intention and Empowerment
by Kristin Ciccarelli
These days, Abi Ferrin is living a fulfilling life. As a new mother to her nine-month-old son, Elijah, who brings her immense joy, she is also thriving as a clothing designer. Her distinctive pieces can be found in various high-end retailers, and at her own boutique located in the trendy West Village of Uptown.
However, Ferrin’s journey to this successful point was far from easy. During her time in California, she encountered a “Prince Charming” who turned out to be an abuser, subjecting her to emotional, verbal, and physical mistreatment. He also left her financially devastated by maxing out her credit cards to the tune of several hundred thousand dollars and isolating her from her supportive family and friends. It was not until a compassionate limousine driver intervened, having witnessed a troubling incident with her boyfriend, that she began to find her way back. Another pivotal figure, Detective Hill, assured her, “You’re my sister. Nobody treats my sister like this.” Now, as she cradles her son, Ferrin reflects, “Having someone advocate for me truly changed everything.”
While one could argue that Ferrin was fortunate, she prefers to identify as a victor rather than a victim. “I refuse to accept the label of victim because that gives it power over me. Language matters, so I transformed my narrative,” she asserts. Ferrin also dedicated herself to helping others, particularly women in regions like Cambodia and Nepal, where many are trapped in sex trafficking. “Engaging in this work not only distracted me positively but also facilitated my healing,” she explains. She founded the Freedom Project, pledging part of her clothing sales to aid organizations that “rescue, rehabilitate, and create job opportunities for survivors of trafficking and exploitation.”
Ferrin firmly believes that women have a natural inclination to uplift one another, having witnessed many survivors gain empowerment and then extend their support to others. The Freedom Project goes beyond merely providing employment; it assists women in reconstructing their lives. “We’re focused on helping them reconnect with their families—often those who once exploited them under the belief that it was their only option. By equipping families with skills and education, they can secure their livelihoods,” she explains.
Her clothing lines embody her mission to make women feel empowered—celebrating beauty, comfort, and style across all body types. Ferrin emphasizes that there’s no need to wait to lose that “ten pounds” to sport one of her designs. “I encourage women to go into stores, find something they adore, and wear it proudly. You are stunning just the way you are,” she advises.
Today, what empowers Ferrin? She cites, “Leading a flourishing business surrounded by a team of strong women who share our vision.” While she acknowledges the challenges of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, she cherishes her ability to structure her time in a way that suits her. Despite the hurdles she faces like anyone else, it’s evident that she is genuinely making a positive impact.
For further details about Abi Ferrin’s designs, the Freedom Project, or her involvement in Mary Kay Inc.’s “Don’t Look Away” campaign addressing domestic violence, visit www.abiferrin.com/pages/about-us.
