5 GIANT Questions with Stacy Igel
photo by Sophie ELgort
Welcome to our first 5 GIANT Questions with…,the first in a new series where we spotlight GIANT parents! We had the pleasure of asking Founder and Creative Director of BOY MEETS GIRL, Stacy Igel, some burning questions about winter parenting hacks, Valentine’s Day prep, her family’s must-see exhibit, and how she applies AI and tech into her life as a busy NYC parent!
As the visionary founder and creative director behind BOY MEETS GIRL®, a globally recognized impact brand celebrated for its iconic double-silhouette logo and purpose-driven, contemporary athleisure wear, Stacy has fostered exclusive fashion collaborations with esteemed entities such as Colette in Paris, Bergdorf Goodman, Roots Canada, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, as well as partnerships with notable organizations and sports teams like the NBA's Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks.
Stacy's commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond the world of fashion. Collaborating with musical artists, athletes, and activists, she has aligned herself and BOY MEETS GIRL® with impactful organizations such as the Young Survival Coalition, BullyBust, Human Rights Watch, GLAM4GOOD, and Youth Over Guns. Her alma mater, the University of Wisconsin, recognized Stacy's exceptional contributions with the Wisconsin Idea Alumni Award in 2016. The following year, she received the "Forward Under Forward" award, acknowledging her as a rising star in her field for the significant achievements and positive influence she has had on her community. Stacy cohosts the Forbes-featured podcast #MOMSGOTTHIS. Additionally, Stacy has recently authored a book, Embracing The Calm In the Chaos: How to Find Success in Business and Life Through Perseverance, Connection, and Collaboration, offering practical insights drawn from her entrepreneurial journey. Residing in New York City with her husband Brian and their son Dylan, Stacy continues to be a sought-after speaker on topics such as social media, philanthropy, branding, and entrepreneurship.
1. How do you use AI in you life?
I have just started to dabble in it from a creative imagery stand point playing with it in photoshop and design. I have also been using Chat GPT only when I have written something myself to check my punctuation. I am testing out an app called Gamma as well to create slide shows but I am not sure I love it as much as creating them myself.
2. What exhibit, event, or venue are you looking forward to attending with Dylan this year?
Ever since I started working on my book I have fallen in love even more with bookstores and so has Dylan. Before Covid we used to venture to all these different bookstores and libraries around NYC and since that was taken away from us for almost two years we find ourselves so appreciative of getting to go back in and do what we love there. We love venturing to bookstores together and sitting down, reading books, and spending time there.
So when I saw this exhibit coming to The Morgan I got so excited and cannot wait to take Dylan. It comes to NYC Feb.23-June 9th. It is called The Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature at the Morgan. The description is here: The resplendent Morgan Library & Museum will celebrate the works of beloved English author Beatrix Potter. A new exhibit will bring together artwork, books, manuscripts, and artifacts that trace how Potter's blend of scientific observation and imaginative storytelling shaped some of the world’s most popular children's books. Potter created animal characters like Peter Rabbit, Mr. Jeremy Fisher, and Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, all rooted in the natural world. Plus, The Morgan is also celebrating its centennial this year with a slate of programming including a free public celebration day and other literary exhibitions.
3. What are your predictions for the next great invention in tech?
It is happening so fast. There is already so much traction and innovation happening on all fronts. With anything the next generation invention could come from an unexpected direction, driven by the intersection of the various technologies and creative ideas already begun. We have seen how Web 3.0 has moved towards a decentrallized internet creating innovations in blockchain, decentralized finance (DeFi), and Web 3.0 technologies that are managing digital assets, and most important to me, incredible interactions online building communities even more. Augmented Reality (AR) has enhanced shopping experiences with virtual dressing rooms. I think we will see more enhancements with AR for education and work atmospheres. What I would love to see is HealthTech breakthroughs and pray that advancements come to help so many diseases we still do not have a cure for. We sure do need improvement in diagnostics and innovative solutions for mental health and well-being. I do believe the beginning of sustainability tech solutions has started and this will advance with eco-friendly technologies and renewable energy sources.
4. What is your winter indoor parenting hack?
Old school board games (Trouble, RumiKub, Cards, Mastermind, and more), over the door basketball and art projects. Over Covid Dylan spent a lot of time taking old boxes and creating robots and other creations. So as he gets older I still implement a time for creating together which we both love doing together. I cherish this time as I know it is fleeting. We are patiently awaiting a very special gift that is coming. The Toybox 3D printer!!!
5. What are you doing in preparation for Valentine’s Day?
Right before we connected with The GIANT Room Dylan asked me about what we should do for Valentine’s Day for his classroom as we work on something together every year. He had an idea, which I will share on Valentine’s Day and then we collaborated with The GIANT Room on a creation of one of his physical drawings that with the power of AI is being made into a character. This has been so exciting for Dylan and he is so excited to share it all with his classroom.
He has literally been so excited about this project. Dylan has been part of working with me due to Covid, and learned about product and edits at a time I never knew he would. So proud of his wanting to learn and absorbing it all.
(Check out The GIANT Kawaii Love Monsters Valentine’s Day Postcard Design FREE Bootcamp here!)
Bonus question: Would you rather live without your favorite app or your favorite TV show?
OH BOY! This is hard but right now I have to say I would rather live without my favorite TV show. My apps Apps (Later app, Instagram, Twitter, and Canva) are how I conduct my business so essential right now in my life. I am so sad to say this but it is true.