How has attending an HBCU set you up for success?
Attending an HBCU has given me an environment that has allowed me to forget about my race as a boundary to my success in the outside world and truly cultivate my passions, my intelligence, my crafts, and myself as a human being not judged for being Black.
What inspired you to apply for the "Celebrating Fashion Future" program?
After my experience in the first cohort last year, I knew I had to come back - it was one of the best experiences of my life. Now believing that I had a real spot in the fashion world, I wanted to return as a true powerhouse for the team and lend all of my strengths to whatever the project was this time around.
What drives you? Share your passions, values, or a defining experience that shaped who you are today.
I’m driven by a quest for knowledge and a hunger for success. I don’t like to do anything halfway - if I want to do it I will and I’ll do it greatly. I want to make a life for myself that I can be satisfied with, and that includes bringing all of my loved ones and my community to a level of affluence and fulfillment they’ve never seen before. That satisfaction probably won’t come until I am on top of the world of fashion, music, and revolution. I’m bringing us all up.
How do you see yourself as part of Fashion's future? What unique perspective or contribution will you bring to the industry?
I see fashion as one of many catalysts for revolution. I want to create what is the “Fight The Power” of wearable expression. My vision is to tap into the hearts of the people who want better change and want it together, and give them something that can empower them to take those steps. I’ve always been able to see - really see - and harnessing that vision is going to change everything.
What excites you about the intersection of entrepreneurship and corporate careers, and how do you see yourself navigating both worlds?
Navigating both worlds has been my plan since I was 13 years old. Wearing multiple hats well has always excited me and given me something more to be proud of. If you’ve ever seen a movie where the main character is walking down the street or down a hallway, greeting tens of people uniquely and putting out fires on the fly with perfection - that’s me. That’s how I navigate.
How has this program helped you grow personally and what's one insight you're taking with you for the future?
This program pushed me to the limits of my productivity in some of the best of ways. While our team was in crunch time for the project, I was also in crunch time being the head coordinator and MD of the biggest concert my fraternity chapter has put on perhaps in the last 10 years. Juggling both was like hitting a PR on a bench press and deadlift at the same time, and I can’t say I didn’t love the challenge and be proud that I was there for everybody every step of the way. More than that though, it taught me to trust my team as we divided and conquered, and I’m very happy I did.
How does your campus Black Retail Action Group (BRAG) create community and opportunity for students?
The general body meetings that are hosted give students a time to come together and fellowship through a love of retail, as well as develop professionally through partnered events with large fashion and retail companies. My personal favorites are the vision board events and fireside chats.
