How has attending an HBCU set you up for success?
Attending an HBCU set me up for success because they want to see their students succeed and make you work as hard as you can to put your full potential forward. I have had so many opportunities that my friends who go to PWIs have not, most recently the week long trip to New York to speak with executives and industry professionals. Being at an HBCU connects you to who you are. We recently participated in our Day of Racial Healing where we spoke on the importance of understanding self in a country that wants you to forget.
What inspired you to apply for the "Celebrating Fashion Future" program?
I was inspired to apply for the Boot Camp because fashion has always been a part of my life and I’m always seeking knowledge in everything and anything about it. I saw an opportunity to learn more about this move into this digital world and e-commerce. In seeing this opportunity I wanted to understand e-commerce, and find the best ways to navigate that while adding our own creativity to these new channels.
What drives you? Share your passions, values, or a defining experience that shaped who you are today.
I am driven by my calling to create impact and my constant inspiration. Growing up a creative I never saw a lot of people that looked like me in executive positions in the fashion industry. And growing up a dancer not a lot of high-ranking ballerinas that looked like me. I’ve always known I was meant to create, whether that was through designing, dancing or writing. The world around me, my emotions and what’s going on in both these areas inspire me the most; and almost always lead to a message in my work .
How do you see yourself as part of Fashion's future? What unique perspective or contribution will you bring to the industry?
I see myself as an innovator and change-maker in fashion's future. I want to own a company that has a majority of minorities in executive roles and I want to create a space where we have a voice over our impact of our culture on fashion as we know it. I want young black girls like myself to be able to look up executives in the industry and see someone that looks like them and I want them to feel free to express their views on society through their work.
What excites you about the intersection of entrepreneurship and corporate careers, and how do you see yourself navigating both worlds?
The intersection of entrepreneurship and corporate careers excites because of how learning from one can educate you on the other as well. When you think of yourself as a brand you are already in an entrepreneurial mindset, your development and movement upwards in said company is the building of your personal brand. I see myself best navigating both worlds through learning all I can and finding a space that best fits me in a creative corporate career and make an impact in that company using an entrepreneurial mindset.
How has this program helped you grow personally and what's one insight you're taking with you for the future?
This program has helped me grow personally through enhancing my leadership skills in taking the lead in the beginning and also in allowing me to fully act on my curiosity in gaining technology skills.
How does your campus Black Retail Action Group (BRAG) create community and opportunity for students?
Our campus Black Retail Action Group creates community through connecting student entrepreneurs with the community and opportunity to students through sending learning opportunities.
