Another spotlight for y'all today! As always, if you or your client is interested in being featured on The Spotlight, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information! 

Today, we have Rady Onabanjo, owner and designer of Saviwear Brands! The designer always had a love of style and fashion, and would receive compliments on her outfits and color coordination. Though she was into rapping and then law for a while, her journey eventually shifted to a career in fashion.


The designer officially started sewing a year ago, back in 2014, during a sewing course in college. After receiving a bad grade in class, Rady began watching YouTube videos to help her learn, and she began to pick it up faster than she did in class. This allowed her to strengthen her sewing skills, and she officially started Saviwear Brands. Saviwear is a brand that caters to all women, helping them to exude confidence and style with the brand's clothing. "In a comfortable and classic way, we show women how to be versatile," Rady said. "With just one piece you can style [our clothing] so many ways, [from] a nice stylish lunch date to a nice casual school day." Though she has started off with no business experience, and admits the work can be overwhelming, Rady loves that she is able to learn more about and grow in her field with her own designs.



In terms of what makes Saviwear different, Rady believes it is her technical and designing skills that sets the brand apart. "I can see Saviwear expanding to contemporary celebrities and developing a great name," she said confidently. In addition to growing her line, the designer is creating a documentary about black culture as a whole, looking at various issues within the black community.

Rady's advice to anyone with a dream? "Don't ever limit yourself to anything! You are never to unskilled to do anything!" she said. "We have to have faith in ourselves to accomplish whatever we want to make possible."

You can shop Saviwear on the brand's official website. You can also follow the line on Instagram, as well as Rady herself! 

10:14:00 AM

Keeping the spotlights coming! As always, if you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer,producer, etc., and would like to be featured on The Spotlight, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information!

Today, we have designer Renata Eileena, owner of custom line Reneta Eileena, LLC. Raised in Philadelphia, Renata has always had a love of fashion. Though she noted that Philly has its own unique style, the designer admitted her own style is outside of that, finding inspiration from “literally everywhere,” pulling from art, TV shows, etc. “When you’re an artist, you can get inspired from literally looking out the window,” Renata said. She is also inspired by Christian Louboutin, Yves St Laurent, and Betsey Johnson.





The designer eventually went to school for fashion, though she found out that wasn’t something she actually wanted to study. Instead, she experimented with sewing and creating her own clothing line. “I kind of realized that sewing wasn’t for me,” Renata chuckled. “I realized that I really, really love shoes, and I was always seeing people with the same [shoes].” The designer decided to start creating her own custom footwear as a hobby, and, thus, Renatta Eileena, LLC was born!

Renata started creating her custom shoes back in 2010, though it wasn’t an official business until last year. During that time, she was also working at a temp agency, when she was fired out of the blue. After that unexpected hit, the designer decided to try her hand at making more shoes to supplement her income. After gaining another job, she was, unfortunately, let go again last year. “[After that], I just said ‘You know what, I’m not going back to work. I’m going to make sure I design footwear and I take this seriously,” Renata stated. Everything happens for a reason!

Currently, Renata Eileena, LLC offers a variety of custom heels and sneakers, as well as a few bustiers. Renata definitely hopes to expand the brand in the future to including more clothing and beauty products. "I want a clothing line, I want a lipstick line. I want an eyelash line. I want everything!" she said excitedly. "I want to take over the world of fashion, man." Though she wants to go into major production, the designer will strive to keep the authenticity and uniqueness of her brand intact. "My number one thing that I don't want to do is blend in," Renata said firmly.

In addition to working on expanding her line, Renata is also hosting her first conference for entrepreneurs entitled, "The Entrepreneur Revolution Shall Be Televised," this fall! She was inspired to hold this conference by her own ups and downs as a business owner, as well as her side business as a financial planner, consulting with other budding entrepreneurs. A common denominator in many of her clients is that they lack the support and confidence they need to truly succeed. "I really want to pour into people. I want to help build people's mindsets," Renata said of the conference, which will be held on September 19, 2015 at the Urban Art Gallery in Philadelphia. The day-long event will have workshops on finance, branding, mentorship, etc., and will allow upcoming business owners to network with each other as well. "I need people to understand that you can live your dream. I feel like a lot of people are settling," Renata said, stressing that entrepreneurs have to have vision and clear-cut goals to get to that end dream! "Once you have your eye on something, you have to be relentless, fearless, [and have] so much determination," she stated. (Sidebar: we had a great conversation about dreams and goals, and she ended up pouring a lot into me on a day I really needed it!). Renata plans to eventually hold these conferences all over the country, and even branching off into schools.

Renata believes that her creativity and uniqueness is what sets her apart from other designers. "I was born to create," Renata said. "I eat, sleep, breathe creativity. I'm not trying to be like anybody else." In the future, she would like to hold more conferences, as well as hold a specific conference regarding fashion and finance. She also wants to go into production of a fashion show specifically for custom designers, whose incredible, unique styles don't typically make it to Fashion Week or other typical fashion shows. "I really see Renata Eileena as an international brand!" the designer said. I'm telling you, Renata is DEFINITELY someone to look out for! She has the necessary drive, passion, and vision it takes to succeed in any venture, and I look forward to seeing what's ahead for her!

You can check out more from the designer on her company website! You can also follow her on Facebook and Instagram!

10:22:00 AM

Another spotlight for you all! As always, if you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, producer, etc., that is interested in a feature on The Spotlight, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information.

Today, we have designer and owner of Yatir Clothing, Joi Lanell! Joi always had a true love of fashion, with her own parents even putting on fashion shows themselves when she was younger. Joi herself began drawing clothes as a kid. "It's just kind of something that I was born into, and it's something that I enjoyed also," Joi said. Though she loved fashion, she began studying film in high school and her first year of college. However, the designer eventually realized that it wasn't something that she had a true passion for, and she made her way back to fashion.

Raised in California, Joi stated that the Golden State definitely had a major impact on her style and designs. California's style is very flashy, bold, and glam, and you see that in Joi's own designs. She was also inspired by Pierre Balmain, as well as Missy Elliott's past collaboration with Adidas, since Joi is heavily into streetwear, which you also see in her own work.

In April 2011, Joi began her clothing line, Yatir Clothing. The Hebrew word Yatir is a word meaning "the most successful point" or "the highest point of success," which is what Joi strives for. When she started the brand, Joi had actually just graduated from high school, and was having a hard time finding a job to help support herself. "I [thought], 'What can I do to bring in money, but it's something that I enjoy doing at the same time?'" she said. She started simply with t-shirts that she could afford to develop and put out, but it has since branched out to more shirts, skirts, dresses and other custom pieces!

Recently, Joi signed with stylist Ashley Chin's fashion public relations company, Vanguard House, to take Yatir Clothing to the next level. "I've been in contact with Ashley for quite a few years, around the time I started Yatir," she said. "We both kind of have the same goals and visions for life and business, so we kind of clicked." Joi thought the decision to work with Ashley and VH was the perfect opportunity to help build her own brand.

Joi is currently working on Yatir's fall collection, which will feature a lot of prints and colors. The designer is also developing a fitness line, since fitness is something she's definitely into. Around 16, the designer was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome, which slows metabolism and causes one to gain weight. Joi recently got into "I decided adding a fitness collection would be perfect for my line, because it's also something that I'm passionate about."

In terms of what separates her from other designers, Joi doesn't follow standard fashion rules. "If I like it, I'm going to put it out, because I'm sure that it's something that other people out there will like too," the designer said. "If you like it, if you feel good in it, you can go out and wear it."

Through Yatir Clothing, Joi would love to one day empower other young women to do things for themselves as well. She encourages upcoming entrepreneurs, whether in fashion or other industries, to not be afraid to start and try their ideas. "You're going to mess up, but you just use that as a learning tool to help yourself to progress and get further," Joi said. She also said that, regardless of any naysayers, that everyone should keep going towards their goals. "Just don't give up," the designer said. "It will be hard, but you just have to push forward and go through it. You'll be a better person because you went through all the challenges, so just don't give up."

You can check out more from Yatir Clothing on the line's official website. You can also follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! 

9:19:00 AM

Another spotlight for you all! If you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, model, etc., please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information on a feature!

Today, we have Wasimah Dorn, creator of women's boutique Cledgy Customs! The designer has always had a great love of fashion, and began designing her own looks, believing that it was a unique way to truly express herself. “I feel like your outfit says a lot about who you are, what you do/like, what mood you are in that day etc.,” Wasimah said. “I've always aspired to be different from everyone else.” She began getting great compliments on her style and questions about where she got her clothes, and people would ask if she could create looks for them as well. “That’s when it all clicked for me,” Wasimah said. “It’s like ‘Okay, well maybe I should start my business and stop playing.’”

Inspired by her city of Philadelphia, and other women who are not afraid to be themselves, Wasimah started Cledgy Customs (classy and edgy in one word) 10 months ago, offering one of a kind designs for women to empower them. I wanted to empower other women as well as inspire them to embrace who they are. The designer said of her start of the business:

"I want to help women understand it's ok to not be the same as the next female you see. Don't be basic, be bold! Don't follow trends; create them with Cledgy Customs. I want them to look in the mirror and love what they are wearing and what they see. Young women can inspire other women, and together, we can all be bold and embrace our individuality through self love & Cledgy Customs. Cledgy Customs offers women customized classy and edgy items to ensure the highest of individuality within my brand. It's all about being bold and embracing your individuality as you empower other women.”

Currently, Wasimah is focused on getting her name and the brand out there, exploring vendor opportunities and upcoming photo shoots. In the future, she wants to build a respectable brand that is known for its positive moment. “I will become a businesswoman who inspires other women to never give up and never stop loving who/what they see in the mirror,” the designer said. “I will create an empire around women embracing their individuality through Cledgy Customs.”

Be sure to check out Wasimah’s unique designs on Cledgy Customs' official website, and follow the brand on Instagram!

10:34:00 AM

Another spotlight and more on the way! If you or your client is interested in being featured on the site, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more info. 

Today on The Spotlight, we have jewelry designer Adrena Martin! Originally from Downers Grove, IL, Adrena attended the historically black college Tuskegee University, graduating in 2012. She knew for a long time beforehand that she wanted to become an entrepreneur, though she wasn’t sure exactly what she wanted her business to be at first, but found her calling. “I was always into fashion and was very creative, so I decided to start making jewelry,” Adrena stated. The designer started her custom jewelry line, CreationZ from A Dove, a month before her graduation from Tuskegee. “Initially I started off just making bracelets, since that was the only thing I knew how to make,” she admitted. “[Then] I began to teach myself other jewelry techniques and started making other products.”





Creationz From A Dove offers beautiful, hand-crafted bracelets, earrings, and other accessories that customers are sure to love! The name of the business actually incorporates her membership in the sorority Zeta Phi Beta, which uses a dove as their symbol. “It played a big part in making me the person I am today, and I also made a lot of memories and lifelong friends during college as a part of Zeta Phi Beta,” Adrena said. “So I wanted to make sure that was represented in my brand along with my creativity.” Adrena is inspired by Betsey Johnson and her creativity in designing accessories, but also draws inspiration from everyday life. “Just being outside or walking in the mall can give me inspiration for my next piece,” the designer acknowledged.

In terms of what separates CreationZ From A Dove from other lines, Adrena notes the fact that her pieces are handmade and very unique. “You will never find my pieces from any other designer, unless of course they purchased it from me,” she said. “I enjoy working with buttons and gold chain especially, just because there are so many different things you can create with them.”

Adrena has various ventures coming soon and big ideas for the the future! Currently, the designer is working on her own clothing line, as well as working towards opening her own boutique. She is working on a book, and also wants to own a food truck.  She also aspires to begin a foundation to assist with funding and educating upcoming entrepreneurs like herself. “Entrepreneurship education was something I did not have in school,” Adrena admitted. “ I would love to ensure that other people like myself have the opportunity to various resources to help them be successful.” She advised entrepreneurs to do their research on beginning a business, and be prepared to make sacrifices. “Entrepreneurship, like a lot of other things in life, is hard and is not for everybody,” the designer stated. “You have to be willing to adjust your lifestyle for a short term, to live a lifestyle that many wish they had in the long term.” Very wise words!

You can learn more about Adrena on her official website, and purchase great products from CreationZ From A Dove now! You can also follow Adrena on Instagram, and follow the official Facebook and Instagram pages for CreationZ From A Dove as well.

4:13:00 PM

Quite a few features coming for you guys! As always, if you are or represent an up and coming star in the entertainment or fashion industry, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information on a feature!

Today on The Spotlight, we have fashion designer Milan Rouge! Milan admitted that she had a strong taste for fashion since she was a little girl. “Even when I would go to school, I would style my uniforms up so it [wouldn’t] look like the typical uniform,” the designer stated. She thought about taking fashion merchandising in college, but decided on business instead because it was a broader topic. “It was always something that I wanted to pursue,” Milan added. “I just didn’t know the avenue or the extent of what I wanted to do with it.”



In 2012, Milan was let go from her job. She had started blogging a few months before, and began focusing on that. Inspired by other bloggers with their own brands, she stopped looking for a job and began creating her own opportunity. “I learned to create what I wanted to be a part of,” the designer said. She created her own unisex streetwear apparel brand, Milano Di Rouge, which has been drawn major support, even from celebrities like Angela Simmons, Chris Bosh, Keyshia Cole and more! “A lot of the things that I do make, I make so you can style them up or you can dress them down,” Milan said of her work.

Recently, Milan held a fashion showcase in Philadelphia, entitled The High Road, sharing her 2015 Spring/Summer collection with attendees! Check out a video from the showcase below (courtesy of The Daily Grind Radio Show).


In addition to Milano Di Rouge, the designer is planning out her Safe Sex Saves Lives campaign. She got the ball rolling on the idea back in December 2014. “I was trying to do something with my brand, to use my voice and my platform to make a difference,” she said. “HIV is something that you can prevent. If we can use our voice to make a difference and raise awareness, then let’s do that. ” Milan and her team have been able to connect with several people stricken with this disease, and plan to make their campaign ongoing throughout the year, instead of just during one specific month. “I’m trying to get it implemented in different schools across the city [of Philadelphia],” Milan stated. I personally commended her for this, because safe sex promotion and HIV/AIDS awareness is something that should be going on all year round, not just a specific day or month!

Milan focuses on herself and building her own brand, but also supports other brands as well. “I don’t really look at the competition as competition. I just look at them as another person trying to make it,” she admitted. “Maybe the difference between me and them is [that] I’m so passionate and I’m so focused on my brand that I don’t really notice other things, but I do salute hard work.” She also focuses on quality work and good customer service for her clientele, and it definitely shows!

In the future, Milan obviously wants to continue to grow the Milano Di Rouge brand and do more designs for the line. She also wants to help other entrepreneurs build their brands as well, hosting seminars, workshops, etc. The designer dropped some great gems, advising future entrepreneurs to work building something that make you happy “Money isn’t what makes you happy,” Milan stated. “With this, comes a lot of stressful, sad nights, a lot of times when you want to give up. If you’re just in it for the money, it may not work for you.” She also urges entrepreneurs to make their own opportunity, producing something that you wish you saw out. “Create what you want to be a part of,” Milan said again. “And always stay true to you.”

Check out the official Milano Di Rouge website to shop the collection! You can follow Milan on her personal Twitter and Instagram, and Milano Di Rouge on Twitter and Instagram as well! 

12:06:00 PM

So glad to be featuring all of these great stars on the rise! As always, if you are or represent an
upcoming artist, designer, producer, etc., visit our Features/Submissions page for more information on how to be featured.

Today, we have designer Abigail Lordson-Banini! Abigail spent the first 15 years of her life in Accra, Ghana, where she watched her grandmother sew her own clothes. “I remember, when I was 11, my mom got me my very first sewing machine,” she reminisced. “Funny enough, I was only allowed to use it once.” The designer moved to the United States in February 2009, and began sketching female figures in gowns after taking an art class in high school (one of the sketches eventually became her prom dress!). Though she enjoyed sketching, at that point in time, she was determined to pursue accounting as a career. However, she soon grew frustrated with her accounting classes as well as a bad relationship, and began creating necklace and earring sets for herself and friends as a stress reliever. “The guy I was dating back then said to me, ‘Why are you pursuing accounting when you can pursue a career in fashion?’”Abigail said. “I did not take it seriously until people started asking me where I got my earrings from.”

Abigail’s African culture and the fact that she is a pastor’s daughter definitely had an impact on her creations. “Being a pastor’s kid, you are expected to dress modestly and that was how it has always been,” she stated. “I remember back then my school uniform length was below my knee while other girls in my school had theirs above their knee.” Her dad, however, often got African fabric, which he gave to a close friend to create matching outfits for him and Abigail. “I grew up loving the African print fabrics,” she said. “Modesty and African print fabric is something that I make sure is part of every design I make.” Abigail is also inspired by various designers: Safoa Amoako-Gyimah of Sa4A, Selina Beb, Christie Brown, and Nick Verreos.

Abigail began her own fashion company, House of Afi in February 2014, and officially registered the business in the state of Maryland in September that same year. “In my culture, Afi is a name given to a female born on Friday,” she said of the name. She began the company, which offers bags, jewelry, peplum belts, bowties, skirts and more, in the hopes of helping young women have self-confidence. “We young ladies do not need validation from others in order to know that we are beautiful and great just as we are,” Abigail proclaimed. Though she definitely stands for the ladies, the designer offers accessories for men as well. Besides the ladies, I have some accessories for the men as well. Abigail plans to expand the business within the next few years to create dresses, shirts, gowns, and eventually shoes! In addition to running House of Afi, she is also a senior at Loyola University Maryland (my alma mater!), which is a struggle but Abigail manages. “This semester, I planned to not have class on Fridays which then allows me be to a student from Sunday night to Thursday night,” she said. “After my last class on Thursday to about 3am on Sunday including holidays and breaks is when I am working on my business.” Obviously difficult to
balance school and a business, but Abigail makes it happen!

In terms of what sets her apart from other designers, Abigail said it’s the unique fabric of the designs and “Also, when it comes to packaging what makes me different is the message (words of encouragement) I add to the product,” she acknowledged. “We all go through difficult situations in life and we need words of encouragement to keep going. I believe this message could/will save a life.” In the future, Abigail hopes that House of Afi is an international brand well-known for its uniqueness. She is working toward expanding the products offered, and in the next 5-10 years wants to have stores in the United States, Canada, Ghana, and other various spots around the world! “A big goal for my brand is [also] to help women who are going through domestic violence or going through the effects of domestic violence,” Abigail said. “I want to help them gain back their confidence.”

You can order from House of Afi on the brand’s official website. You can also keep up with the brand on Facebook!

1:45:00 PM

On Friday, March 20, I headed back to my alma mater, Loyola University Maryland, for the 17th annual BSA Fashion Show: Mystique! Having a slew of student volunteers, models, scene assistants and directors, as well as gaining support and clothing from a variety of retail stores and local brands, it literally takes months on end to get this show together (I know because I modeled as well *wink*). It's a HUGE event for Loyola, with students, staff, alumni, and other members of the Baltimore community and beyond coming out to support!

Directed by Loyola seniors Wah-De Dennis and Tiaira Walker, the show had amazing clothes and transitions for the audience to enjoy. Clothing was provided from Gap, The Strut Truck, Party Dress, Christopher Schafer, Brooks Brothers, Tin Lizzy, Double Dutch Boutique, Francesca's and Southern Proper. Hair and makeup was also provided by Roshé Cosmetics. There was even a special part of the show that integrated fashion and spoken word, featuring designs from a current Loyola senior I modeled with before, Abigail Lordson-Banini and her own clothing brand, House of Afi! I'm hoping to feature her and her designs on the blog soon!

Definitely one of the best shows that Loyola has put on! I really enjoyed myself, and got to catch up with a few staff members, alum and students, which is always nice. Check out pictures and video from the show below!

...

5:58:00 AM

I'm truly grateful for genuine connections and mutual support. I have that with Miami designer Ashley Chin, who I have featured several times on The Spotlight! Over the years, Ashley has branched out into the fashion world tremendously through her styling ,her own designs and now  Lux House Mob brand, as well as writing and editing for Ally The Journalist. I've been proud to watch her grow!

Ashley shared with me today that she is retiring from styling to focus solely on the business side of fashion. From prayer and talking with her mom, she bravely made the decision to turn to a new chapter in her life. "I think it was me really discovering my true niche," the designer said. "I mean, I LOVE styling but I think its run its course and now I have to aim for higher and more challenging projects in order to grow."



Ashley is now working as Brand Ambassador for Vaughn Brian Clothing and Creative Director for twelveAM Clothing, two great brands that give Ashley the opportunity to learn and grow in the business side of fashion. "When I made the decision to work with VB, it was just the vision of the brand, the team is so amazing and their aura makes you just so motivated to do great things," she said. "As for my decision with Twelve AM, I was working with the owner pulling clothes for shoots and different projects, when one day, she spoke to me about becoming creative director of her brand in which I was thrilled." Ashley admires both brands and their creators so much, and she'll definitely do well in working with them.

Ashley's also working wholeheartedly on her own brand, Lux House Mob, which she can now really focus on. "When I first started with the name Vane For Decades, I think then I was still so indulged with styling that I couldn't give my full attention to my store to help raise it," she admitted.
Now I think I'm in a better space where I just want to focus solely on business and helping to raise it to its full potential." With new items on the website, and a denim collection coming this summer, Ashley made a sacrifice to benefit her future, which is commendable. "It's like a baby having a busy mother that makes the decision to work less so she can be there for her child," she said. "I'm working smarter, not harder."

I'm very, very proud of her, and know that she will continue to do great things! Shop Lux House Mob now! Also, be sure to also check out Ashley's official website and follow her on Twitter and Instagram! 

5:37:00 PM

You guys are going to be seeing A LOT about Lux House Mob from here on out! My girl Ashley Chin is doing big things as she branches out more into designing, and asked me to be one of the blogs who covers any releases for her brand. I was, of course honored to do so! 

This is the official cover art for Ashley's new collection, '4,' which will feature men and women apparel, and is set to debut this spring/summer! It's the first apparel collection under Lux House Mob, and I know that it's going to have a lot of hot items, so be on the lookout! So excited! 

3:07:00 PM

Another spotlight for you all today! As always, if you or someone you know is interested in a feature on The Spotlight, please email me at BrittanyShawnte@gmail.com.

Today we have designer Valencia Jean, who I met briefly at the Made In The DMV Conference a few weeks back. Valencia is an androgynous fashion designer, creating clothes with neither a clear masculine nor feminine look. “I prefer men's clothes because I love the way men walk and feel when they feel good about themselves. But now, men are really starting to pay attention to they look, what's out, what's the trend?,” the designer said. “It allows [me] to really be creative with men’s style. But when I make women's clothes, it has a tomboy feel about it.”





Born in Dayton, Ohio, Valencia moved around a lot with her dad being in the Air Force, living in Ohio, Virginia, Maryland, Germany, Alabama, and Atlanta, GA. Her experience specifically in Germany, and a class trip to England, exposed her to new cultures at a young age. “As a child, to experience different people and the way they live allows you to realize how we are similar and different. It allows you to really appreciate people.” Valencia’s great grandmother, great aunt, grandmother, and mother all were seamstresses, so it’s no surprise that she took up sewing when she was little. “I guess you could say it’s in my blood,” she joked.

In high school, Valencia decided that she wanted to pursue a career in fashion, and chose to attend The Art Institute of Atlanta (AIA), where she learned about the business side of fashion and grew in her craft. As far as the business side, she looked to Ralph Lauren who provided a business method that she connected to. Ashton Michael also serves as inspiration to Valencia, noting that “his style and clientele is something to achieve.” Since her upbringing itself was “worldly,” she says that her style isn’t based on just one place, but rather “the fashions of the world.”

Currently, Valencia is working on some custom made sweatshirts, inspired by singer Vedo, whom she actually made one for as a gift. “When I posted [a picture of him wearing it], there was a huge demand for them,” the designer said. Now, she’s in talks with an investor to fund the creation of more sweatshirts for buyers. Valencia is also working on a collection, collaborating with another designer to make samples. She plans to present the finished collection in a future fashion show!

In terms of what sets her apart from other designers, Valencia believes that she is different because she’s a woman designing for men. Her goal is to “create a brand that embraces that blurred line as far as masculinity and femininity,” she said. In the future, she wants to advance in the industry with her designs. “As a fashion designer, you have to forecast what will be a trend, or the next big look,” she stated. “With that being said, I just want to always be ahead of the curve.” However, she doesn’t want to be limited to just fashion design. She has the goal to become “the face of fashion.” “I want to be a judge on Project Runway. I also want to produce a sewing machine collection with Brother,” the designer revealed. “As a designer, I want 7 different brands that I already work on. I am an artist at heart, meaning anything artistic. I want to act a little, paint, dance etc. I just want to have fun and make money having fun!” Don’t ever put her in a box!

You can check out more from this talented designer by connecting with her on Instagram (both personal and professional pages) as well as Twitter! 

8:43:00 AM

I’m always excited to feature people on The Spotlight, but even more so my girl Ashley Chin who is doing her thing in Miami, killing the fashion game with her styling and designing! Since our first encounter back in 2010, when I first interviewed her, we have stayed connected, and I’m so proud of her and happy for her success!

Now Ashley is heading into a new venture—a new style series entitled Style Zone with AC! “I’ve been doing fashion for so long with wardrobe styling and fashion designing, [but] I’ve always had an interest in broadcasting and was always told I have a natural ability to be on camera with confidence,” the designer stated. “I decided to create a stable foundation for myself and collaborate my two worlds.”







Though Ashley’s focus is fashion, the show expands beyond just style, featuring a variety of topics including music, art, and just over life experiences. “I didn’t want to just gear towards the fashion world because I felt as though it would be a bit cliché,” she said. “I want [viewers] to be able to view an episode and learn something new about the process of music, art, fitness, blogging, designing, and so much more. I want them to take in knowledge.”

The show will showcase “the lifestyle of different crafts within the industry, the process and growth with these amazing talents and again having that platform to just have voice to express their experience in the industry.” She plans to have the show air weekly, but is working on establishing great topics and interviews for the audience. In terms of balancing styling, designing, and the show, Ashley admits it’s a difficult challenge, but she’s definitely prepared to face it all head on! “I just try to keep a positive mind and keep myself in a zen balanced energy,” she said. “I’m a one-woman show!”

Check out a short clip of Ashley’s interview on the show with Miami designer Ashley G of Amp’d Up Apparel below! Be sure to check out Ashley's official website and follow her on Instagram! You can also directly email her, especially if you are in the Miami area, for more information on her own designs and styling rates! You can also follow Amp'd Up on IG as well to check out some of their clothes!

7:43:00 AM

Today we have a spotlight on designer/blogger Nikki Billie Jean, creator of Billie Jean Bowties &Designs! (As always, if you are interested in a feature, feel free to email me!)

Born and raised in Maryland, Nikki is a 2009 graduate of Archbishop Caroll High School in Washington, D.C., and a 2013 grad of Penn State. She first took interest in fashion after subscribing to Seventeen magazine in high school, but really got the chance to show off her style in college. “Every time I had an opportunity to express myself when it came to fashion, I seized that moment,” she said. In her sophomore year, she helped organized a fashion show for an event at Penn State called “Taste of Africa.” “I modeled, directed, and even helped make clothes for this show,” Nikki stated. “After this show, I knew fashion was something I really wanted to get into."

Check out more about Nikki below!

Inspired by Janelle Monae and Michael Jackson’s own realm of uniqueness, Nikki launched her company during her senior year at Penn State, and was able to network and show off her brand with many people around campus. She usually rocks a Janelle-inspired hairstyle which sparked her to wear clothes that would go along well with the style, including bowties! “I always wanted to start a clothing brand and I thought making bowties would be unique and make me stand out,” she said of starting the line. The bowties are also influenced from her African culture.

In addition to her bowtie line, Nikki also balances modeling, styling, blogging, and being a DJ! “Being organized is the key,” she said. “It is not easy, but nothing in life is easy. If you want something in life, you have to work hard, grind, and fight for it everyday!” In the future, Nikki wants her brand to be respected and have an impact in the fashion industry, as well as inspire others. “I want people to go above and beyond when they wear clothes and think of an outfit to wear. I also want to provide people with clothing that would make them stand out from the masses.” From the looks of her unique and amazing work, Nikki's well on her way!

You can check out more from Nikki on her personal style blog, Styles by Nikki Billie Jean, as well her African fashion Blog, All Things Ankara! Also be sure to follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest!

9:38:00 AM

About three years ago, I did one of my first spotlights on an upcoming designer, Ashley Chin. At the time, both of us were kind of new at our dreams. I was 20, and had just started Spotlight  a little over a year ago back then, and Ashley was branching out into designing. Time has flown by, and all the while, I saw Ashley's continuous tweets about how her career was growing down in Miami, and was so happy for the progress she was making in reaching her goals! So when she hit me up a few weeks ago on Twitter, it was no question that we had to do a followup! Ashley and I had the chance to catch up on her newest ventures, her styling career, as well as new upcoming boutique Vane For Decades!
Ashley has been steadily building her fashion empire down in Miami. While the area is not big on fashion (the city focuses mostly on music), Ashley revealed a little about the fashion scene in the area. "Everybody's very bright," she said, "but laidback and comfortable." I asked if she ever could see herself moving out of Miami and on to a city that's bigger in fashion, like NYC, which she believes maybe one day might be a possibility if and when she gets steady work. For now, Miami is her scene, and she's making her mark there!

Last time we spoke, Ashley had developed a t-shirt line called Dangerous Vintage. With fierce cuts and hot designs, the line was definitely one to look out for. However, since then, Ashley has moved on from the line, admitting that she still had a lot to learn back then. “I was so young when I did Dangerous Vintage, I really didn't know the sides of the fashion world. I was kind of just thinking, “Put out t-shirts,” she said with a laugh. There's a lot that goes into any venture, fashion or otherwise, if you plan on being successful, marketing correctly, having a great team behind you, etc.

After moving on from Dangerous Vintage, Ashley started styling a little after that, which really took off for her, even styling Teairra Mari and Claudia Jordan. “With styling, I felt more comfortable,” she said. “I've always had interest in it. It's just I put designing first. So now that I put something else first, I feel like it kind of opened the door for designing."

With her growing knowledge and experience in the industry, Ashley decided that it was time to start another fashion line, developing an online boutique Vane for Decades! Ashley takes her inspiration for the designs from the French fashion brand Givenchy, as well as listening to unique artists like Kimbra and Gotye. She also finds Kanye West's fashion style appealing as well. While some of us find Kanye's fashion weird to say the least, Ashley finds it unique and inspiring! Though the line will offer some tees and skullies, Ashley is determined to release quality, unique high fashion pieces that are affordable for the masses AND comfortable!  “I get to kind of form something different, something that people are really going to take to, because it’s not the ordinary," she said.

Instead of rushing to get the brand out there, the budding designer is really taking her time with this new company. “If you want quality, you have to wait, because it takes a lot of time. It takes a lot of money. You want the best of the best," Ashley said. “I’d rather make a big comeback and have people in awe!" The relaunch of VaneForDecades.com is set for September 4th, and Ashley is beyond excited, and definitely prepared for this new phase in her career! “This time around, I feel like I’m more educated, I have a better team, and I think it will be more successful,” she said.

Now Ashley balances styling and designing, which she admits can be a little overwhelming. With a new showroom opening, a new online site, and styling clients, it can all be a little much, but she's up for the challenge! “This is opening the door for my brand. The clothes that I make will be here [in the office] for my clients. Whatever I make doing styling is going straight into the brand," Ashley said. Reaching her goals require sacrifice, as all dreams do, and she is prepared to do that. Because one is opening the door for the other, it’s easier for her to make that sacrifice to balance the two.

As a designer, Ashley is proud of the fact that she's different, determined to stand out from the many designers and stylists out here. “I’m just outside the box. Even just as a person, I’m very in my own world," she said. "When I’m designing, I like to take the risks. I like for people to be like, “Her stuff is weird,” or “She’s weird” because that makes me just like, “Ok, well I’m out the box.” She's really stepping into her own, and giving her all in both designing and styling. "I want to keep everything new, fresh and exciting. I want people to guess what I'm doing," Ashley said.


In terms of her future, Ashley could see herself doing styling for the rest of her life. She hopes to see Vane For Decades go global, definitely hitting the fashion capital of the world, Paris! Ashley also plans to go to school for journalism, and possibly be a fashion editor (as a journalism major this made me smile!). And Ashley has plenty of advice for other upcoming stylists and designers! The first: TAKE A RISK. Ashley took one of her own by reaching out to a celebrity stylist on Facebook, and it turned out to be her gateway to work with Teairra and Claudia. Stay true to yourself, and pay homage to those who helped you. "Don't change for the industry, and don't expect for things to happen overnight" she added, "If you come in with that mindset, you're going to be so disappointed. It could take years before you really pop off. Everybody has their own time. Just continue working very hard." The stylist and designer also stressed the importance of reaching out to blogs and other mediums to get a buzz going! "Don't rush anything, don't feed into the negativity. Keep people around you that believe in you, and believe in yourself!" Ashley said. All great advice for anyone working towards their dreams!

I'm so excited for the work that Ashley is doing in expanding her brand! She's definitely a talented and ambitious young woman who is chasing her dreams full force! Make sure you follow her on Twitter, and check out her official website, Styled By Ash! Also, be on the look out for Vane for Decades when the site relaunches September 4th!

7:17:00 AM