What inspired you to apply for the "Celebrating Fashion Future" program?
Steve Madden has always been a brand of innovation, prioritizing consumers' needs and desires over everything else. As a Marketing senior and founder of two creative ventures, Ardora’s Studio and Y2Koutureee, I am inspired by how the brand bridges the gap between high-fashion aesthetics and everyday authenticity. This program represents the perfect intersection of my academic studies in brand strategy and my passion for fashion’s cultural impact. I am eager to learn how Steve Madden continues to innovate while staying rooted in the self-expression that defines my Gen Z's approach to style.
What drives you? Share your passions, values, or a defining experience that shaped who you are today.
I am driven by my passion for creative expression and deep-seated desire to advocate for self-love and appreciation. Launching Y2Koutureee taught me that branding is not just about selling a product; it’s about storytelling and community building. My values are rooted in authenticity and resilience, traits I’ve honed while balancing my studies at Howard with the demands of entrepreneurship. My defining experience was during my senior year of high school, in which I volunteered at a clothing closet every weekend. I saw the power of expression and equal opportunity. This solidified my commitment to becoming a leader who uses marketing to elevate diverse voices in fashion.
How do you see yourself as part of Fashion's future?
The future of fashion is personalized, inclusive, and community-driven. I see myself leading this shift by integrating microeconomic market dynamics with creative brand strategy. My unique perspective comes from being both a graphic designer and a reseller; I understand the visual language of a brand and the practicalities of the circular fashion economy. I bring a "creative-entrepreneur" mindset that prioritizes emotional resonance over perfection, ensuring that the brands I work with don't just reach an audience, they make them feel seen.
How does your campus Black Retail Action Group (BRAG) create community and opportunity for students?
BRAG serves as an important link between the classroom and the industry, creating an environment in which Black excellence in retail is celebrated and nurtured. By providing professional development opportunities, networking with industry leaders, and a community of like-minded peers, BRAG enables Howard students to confidently navigate the fashion world. It elevates the industry from a distant dream to a tangible reality, providing us with the mentorship and resources we need to reclaim our place in the fashion and retail landscape as future executives and innovators.
How has attending an HBCU set you up for success?
Howard University has given me a solid sense of self and identity grounded in excellence, as well as a powerful network of fellow student/alumni leaders. My education has not only improved my marketing and economics skills, but it has also instilled in me a strong sense of social responsibility and cultural identity. Being surrounded by successful Black students and faculty has honed my leadership skills, teaching me to lead with empathy and strategic vision. Howard has prepared me to enter any room knowing that my voice is both necessary and impactful.
