Our Story
Shaped by a journey of identity, belonging, and a confrontation with shame
As an adopted child navigating between two cultures, our founder often felt different – not necessarily excluded, but rarely fully reflected in her surroundings. Whether it was the lack of minority representation or the feeling that her body didn't resemble that of her Danish friends, it created a quiet sense of neither fitting in nor feeling recognized. Over time, she realized that the feeling of being "too much" or "not enough" is something many people carry in silence.
SHADES was created to change that narrative.
"It's not just about underwear. It's about being able to see yourself reflected in what you see and feeling represented."
Mia Alexandra Vega Præsius, Founder
Drivkraft
Drevet af troen på, at hvis man har overskuddet til at hjælpe, så gør man det.
Vores engagement i at støtte piger og kvinder har dybe rødder i vores stifters egen historie. Hendes biologiske mor voksede op under svære og usikre kår, hvor hun måtte bære et ansvar, der var alt for stort for hendes alder. Alligevel traf hun det modige valg at give sin datter et tryggere og mere stabilt liv. Gennem rå styrke og stædighed genopbyggede hun efterfølgende sit eget liv og uddannede sig til jurist.
Hendes historie er et levende bevis på viljestyrke, men den er også en påmindelse om, at ingen bør stå med den vægt alene. For vores stifter vækker det både en dyb taknemmelighed og en klar pligt til at give noget tilbage.
How we give back
We donate 1% of all sales to the Girls' Fund to support girls and young women.
Giving back is a fundamental part of our foundation. We donate 1% of all our sales to the Girl Fund, which ensures girls and young women access to education, protection, and the right tools to create an independent future.
The Girl Fund's work makes a noticeable difference where the need is greatest – from helping young mothers finish their schooling, to educating about rights and preventing violence.
We know that we don't all start at the same place in life. That's why we support initiatives that create lasting change. When girls are empowered and given opportunities, the ripple effects spread far beyond the individual. At the same time, SHADES was created to build a community where fewer people feel lonely, unseen, or wrong.
"Because empowerment starts from within."
Mia Alexandra Vega Præsius, Founder