During adolescence, finding a prom dress can be a particularly anxiety-inducing experience that can be compounded by body image and self-esteem issues. This was the case for Summer Lucille, who struggled to find a dress that fit and felt stylish due to limited options for plus-size individuals. Lucille opened up her own plus-size-only dress shop called Juicy Body Goddess in 2016, offering her own designs in sizes up to 6X. The boutique gained popularity after Lucille shared uplifting interactions with customers on TikTok, using her infectious enthusiasm and eye for fashion to make others feel confident and beautiful. Through her work, Lucille hopes to provide a more positive experience for others who may have struggled with finding the perfect prom dress.
After discovering Juicy Goddess through their TikTok presence, 18-year-old Elyse Monroe and her family drove for six hours to visit the store and find the perfect dress. Although initially nervous and shy, Monroe’s confidence soared after trying on a sparkly, form-fitting purple gown recommended by the boutique’s owner, Summer Lucille. Despite the dress being out of their budget at $700, Lucille surprised the family by offering it for free, as seen in a now-viral TikTok video that captured the emotional moment.
The TikTok video of Summer Lucille surprising Elyse Monroe and her family with a free prom dress has received an overwhelming response. Many viewers shared their own difficult prom experiences and praised Lucille’s generosity. Some were inspired to perform their own acts of kindness by donating, leading to $12,000 worth of gift card purchases at Juicy Body Goddess since the video was posted. This heartwarming story is a shining example of the positive impact that can result from celebrating uniqueness, spreading generosity, and prioritizing inclusivity and self-worth.