After the death of George Floyd ignited hundreds of social justice
protests and opened national conversations about police reform, a swell of support has been raised to ensure that his family is able to transition into the next stages of their lives.
Floyd's daughter, Gianna, was the recipient of a bedroom makeover courtesy of Houston native Lauren Ashley, an associate of LA Weddings and Interior, according to ABC Chicago. The Floyd family discovered Ashley on Instagram and asked if she would help do something special for the 7-year-old, who recently celebrated her first birthday without her father, as Blavity previously reported.
It took her a couple of months to craft the design and create Gianna’s bedroom set, Ashley told ABC. The room’s new look has been outfitted with a custom mural, a bubble chandelier and new furniture. Ashley said one of the pillows made for Gianna has been developed into a new collection by the company called, Warm and Fuzzy. The pillows sold in the collection will be labeled after important women that have had a positive influence on Ashley, who designed them.
The proceeds from Gianna’s pillows will be donated to the Gianna Floyd Trust Fund, which has raised over $2 million on GoFundMe, ABC reported.
Gianna was awe-struck by her room’s transformation.
"Wow. I love it," she said.
Ashley said she saw the opportunity as a way to help a little girl heal.
"Oh, my God. She's been through so much, and even what I did can't compare to anything, but I wanted to do as much as I can and make it as special as I could for her so she would have a place of peace that she would enjoy coming to," Ashley said. "It gave me peace to know that she enjoyed it, and she loved it as she walked through and got to see all the different things because it's a lot to take in with all the paint and the colors on the wall. Just to hear her say it's pretty and that she enjoyed it. I don't need anything else this year."
A bevy of celebrities made appearances at Gianna’s birthday party at The Pink Hotel, which specializes in youth celebrations and is a Black-owned business in Atlanta, as Blavity previously reported. Former NBA player Stephen Jackson and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal showed up to celebrate with the birthday girl. Rapper Lil Baby, who covered the cost of the event, took pictures with Gianna and also brought his children along to join the festivities.
Gianna's mother, Roxie Washington, told Forbes that the party was a big boost to her daughter’s spirits and she appreciates the wide-reaching support her family has received.
"This is a very difficult time for my daughter, so we’re very grateful that our extended family is creating such a special experience for Gianna on her first birthday without her father," Washington said.
