Arsenic

Happy New Year

Donation in Your Name to a Great Cause: Courage Has No Gender

Happy New Year! I’m Amanda Micallef, and for those of you that don’t know me, I’m the original co-founder and president of Arsenic. I typically stay behind the scenes running our business.  I’m a woman, and work daily with my co-founder, Billy Hawkins.

Informally, I call myself the “Boss Bitch” at Arsenic. I champion that term, like the word Arsenic, which is viewed as a poisonous word but that we choose to use in a positive context. The word “bitch” also has long been used as a negative way to describe an assertive or tough or smart woman, and one who stands up for herself. At Arsenic, we celebrate these traits. For too long, too many women have shrunk from their power. I relish my power at Arsenic; it allows me to bring our brand of sex-positive feminism to millions.

I have a hand in every decision we make on a daily basis and am proud to share that our New Years’ and holiday gift to you in appreciation for your support is that Arsenic, Billy and I have made a contribution in your name to Courage Has No Gender mural campaign. As we celebrate 2018, we are happy to have you on the journey for what promises to be the greatest year yet in Arsenic’s history.

The Courage Has No Gender mural campaign was created by female street artist, @MegZany, built as an off-shoot of one of her most iconic stencils - Amelia Earhart paired with the words “Courage Has No Gender”. Courage Has No Gender is about being yourself, even in a world that often tells you to be something else.  Everyday, I choose to live my life and lead my company by being myself and building Arsenic, even in the sometimes face of opposition.

It takes a great deal of courage to go against societal norms and own your sexuality.  The brave women of Arsenic build their own brands and put the very essence of who they are out there for the world to see, trolls and fans alike. Of course, the fans far outweigh the other noise.

I believe the time has come for people to embrace their own views on sexuality. Women are capable of making their own decisions around their image and choices. I believe all women should feel empowered to be as sexy (or modest) as they want, without judgement, scrutiny, or slander. And I believe in a version of #GirlPower which really stands for equality, regardless of gender.

In 2018 I will fight more passionately than ever for these beliefs!  I hope to see many of you standing alongside me as we march into 2018.

Peace & Love,

Amanda

Courage Has No Gender is a project created by Meg Zany to celebrate humans who have challenged the status quo and fought for their beliefs even when the establishment in media & culture denigrated them. You are now part of supporting Meg’s effort to create murals across the world of inspiring individuals such as: Amelia Earhart, Danica Patrick, Serena Williams, and more.

@MegZany is an artist who’s been part of the Arsenic family for over a year. She did a 2-story mural on the old Arsenic House in LA (a mermaid by our pool with inscription, “Swim to the Beat of your Own Drum”). You may have also seen her with us at Austin City Limits creating a Meg Zany + Arsenic installation at Native. She was also with us at Art Basel installing the Meg Zany + Arsenic Royal Flush in Wynwood.

Most recently Meg Zany took a courageous step she has long considered. When she held a corporate job she dreamed of a day she could “work in her underwear.” Well, she left that corporate job and has now risen to be one one of the most prominent street artists on the scene. Recently, she did an Arsenic shoot in her underwear as a celebration of coming full circle.

We’ve released that Arsenic shoot with Meg today and you can see it our Instagram here.