An inspired idea! Pharrell Williams and his creative collective, i am OTHER, have designed a collection of school supplies in partnership with Yoobi that actively promotes the individuality and creativity of children, using inspiring slogans such as “Don’t wait for the stars to align, create your own constellation.”
The former Voice mentor spoke with Us Weekly at the Yoobi x i am OTHER collection launch and hopes the collection — which includes notebooks, backpacks, lunch bags and pencils — will help fight against the “wind of divisiveness” that’s currently blowing through the world.
The “Happy” singer started i am OTHER in 2012 as a means to celebrate the otherness in all of us. Williams, 43, said, “There are certain individuals that know how to fly their kite brilliantly….For us, it’s important to continue to push the message that it’s OK to be different. It’s OK to celebrate each other’s differences.”
The Grammy winner continued, “We want to bring people together. And education is a wonderful start. Individuality is very important. Creativity is important. Curiosity is important.”
The musician believes that in order to truly educate society, we must start with children. Williams, father to 8-year-old Rocket Williams, said, “We’ve got a real shot with kids, because they’re the future. We just want them to grow up knowing better than some of the current folks in the present.”
As with all of Yoobi’s initiatives, for every Yoobi item purchased, an item will be donated to a classroom in need in the United States. The bright and colorful collection, which includes several DIY items, is currently available online and at Target.
