why our program is important in the community
72% of girls report feeling significant pressure to be beautiful.
Building A Better You exists to shift that pressure into purpose, confidence, and leadership.
Why this works:
Because Self-Esteem Is More Than a Trend!
Today’s tweens and teens—particularly young women—navigate complex challenges related to body image, confidence, decision-making, and identity. While the fashion and media industries are often viewed as contributors to these challenges, Building A Better You takes a different approach: we use fashion as a tool for empowerment rather than comparison.
Founded by Sharon Y. Decoster in 2002 and established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2018, Building A Better You has served youth in Durham, Wake County, and surrounding communities for more than 20 years. Our work is rooted in personal development, leadership cultivation, and confidence-building experiences designed to meet young women where they are.
Our fashion-forward model acknowledges an important truth: today’s young women care deeply about how they present themselves—and how they feel while doing so. Instead of dismissing that reality, we guide participants in understanding the connection between self-image, self-worth, and decision-making. Through structured conversations and experiential learning, girls explore how peer pressure, media influence, communication, and personal values shape both their confidence and their choices.
Rather than attempting to shield young women from unrealistic beauty standards, Building A Better You exposes them to broader definitions of beauty, strength, and self-expression. This approach supports the development of healthy body image, enhanced self-esteem, and lasting self-acceptance.
Through our four core development programs, girls and young women ages 12–21 are supported in becoming more focused, confident, self-respecting, and purpose-driven—using fashion not as a measure of worth, but as an entry point for growth, leadership, and self-discovery.
As participants grow through the Building A Better You developmental pathway, some may be prepared for advanced leadership opportunities. Completion of the full program experience positions participants for consideration into the Next Generation Fashion & Arts Council (NGFAC)—a selective leadership and honors experience designed to provide mentorship, exposure, and real-world application for young women ready to lead. Find Out How
SUPPORT OUR CAUSE
At Building A Better You, we are dedicated to empowering young ladies through our personal development programs and community support. Join us in our mission to create positive change and foster personal growth. Together, we can build a brighter future for everyone.