Fezeka Barnes is a student in the School of Business at Howard University, currently in her third year studying Supply Chain Management with a concentration in Computer Information Systems. Barnes is a small business owner of Fezekawear, a made-to-order crochet clothing brand and has crocheted clothing for over twelve years. Barnes is eager to continue to make her way through the fashion industry to pursue a career in sustainable fashion from the responsible sourcing perspective. On Howard’s campus, Barnes is an active member in student life as she is a third-year member of the Howard University Cheerleading team, the secretary of B.R.A.G (Black Retail Action Group), a model in a creative modeling organization, Models of the Mecca, a committee member within the School of Business Student Council, as well as involvement a variety of other campus organizations.
How has attending an HBCU set you up for success?
Attending an HBCU has set me up for success by allowing me to grow in an environment surrounded by people who look like me and have similar goals and aspirations as me. Pursuing higher education at an HBCU has allowed me to discover myself and lean into my passions around classmates and professionals who want to see me succeed as much as I do. Being in an environment where excellence is normalized, such as that at an HBCU, allows students to understand that you can truly do anything you put your mind to.
How are you looking to contribute to the professional world upon graduation?
Upon graduation I plan to pursue a career in the corporate fashion industry. Within my career I hope to contribute to conversations about addressing the poor effects of consumerism and possibly progressing efforts towards starting social initiatives that educate communities about such effects, ultimately encouraging conscious consumerism.
What is your dream job?
My dream job is to work towards progressing the efforts of the sustainable development of textiles and apparel within the fashion industry. I plan to pursue this career through a procurement focused position in supply chain management. My dream job would consist of working in a large retail company advancing and maintaining their efforts to manufacture their products ethically and sustainably by overseeing the sourcing and warehousing activities of the company.
How do you express your personal sense of style through fashion?
As a crochet fashion designer, I often express my personal sense of style through yarn art and bright colors. I enjoy experimenting with bright color combinations and accessorizing my crochet pieces in unique ways.
What role will you play in the future of fashion?
I see myself aiding in the effort to progress the fashion industry towards normalizing sustainable and ethical practices within the production processes of fashion. I am passionate about sustainable fashion and hope to play a role in educating the world about the importance of the topic and what they can do to take part in sustainable practices.
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