Shows
Life By DESIGN18 | Fashion Law Essentials: When Trademarking Your Fashion Brand’s Intellectual Property is a MustOn this episode, I’m joined by Ashley Cloud, also known as “Your Fashion Attorney,” who has dedicated her time and expertise to helping Fashion Designers protect their creativity and build legally secure brands. With years of experience working at the intersection of law and fashion, Ashley specializes in trademarks and intellectual property (IP), ensuring that creatives can retain ownership of their work and safeguard their brands from copycats.
Whether you're a new Designer building your business or an established Designpreneur, this conversation is packed with practical perspectives on why trademarking is a must. Get ready to gain v...2025-01-2956 min
Life By DESIGN17 | "The Intersection Of AI & Fashion Design" with Natalie de GrootIn this exciting episode, we dive deep into the creative mind and designer journey of Natalie de Groot. She shares how integrating AI into her design process has expanded her creativity and opened up new opportunities in the Fashion Industry.
Natalie also reveals how she stays inspired in this fast-paced fashion world while balancing tradition and innovation. Join us for these insights into the future of AI x Fashion so you can push your own boundaries of design.
Episode Highlights:
1. Harnessing AI for Creative Innovation: Integrating artificial i...2024-10-1757 min
Life By DESIGN16 | Crafting Your Brand’s Unique Value Proposition: Why Every Business Needs One to SucceedCrafting a Unique Value Proposition (UVP) that differentiates your Fashion brand will ensure that it resonates deeply with your target audience. In this conversation we’ll cover everything from understanding your brand’s unique offerings to effectively communicating your value to your customers. Plus, we'll take inspiration from Stella McCartney, a leader in sustainable luxury fashion.
Key Sections:
1. Your brand’s superpower: Discovering what makes your brand unique in the marketplace.
2. Dial into your audience: How to use customer personas to tailor your UVP.
3. Speak their language: Tips for effectively...2024-09-1718 min
Life By DESIGN15 | Challenges are a "Set Up for a STEP-UP" with Carla Nelson of Black Fashion World FoundationIn this episode, we explore the resilient journey of Carla Nelson, Founder of the BFWF, and get a vivid reminder of the fact that entrepreneurship is not without its bumps in the road. But, what do you do when challenges come from a place closer to home? And what makes it worth staying true to your mission even in those seasons when life keeps on “life-ing” ??
Connect with Carla Nelson:
Website www.blackfashionworld.org
Social Media @bfwfoundation
Email carla@blackfashionworld.org
More Key Resources and Links: These resources are cura...2024-07-2850 min
Life By DESIGN14 | Identifying Your Core Customer BaseIn this episode we delve into why it is critical to understand and engage with your target customer. 🚨Spoiler alert: The survival and success-level of your fashion brand will depend on it 👀
What You'll Learn:
How aligning your brand's mission with your audience's values can drive growth.
The impact of market research in tailoring your brand to consumer needs.
The benefits of creating detailed customer profiles.
Strategies for engaging with your audience to build brand loyalty.
The importance of continually testing and refining your approach based on customer feedback.
Which community-focused initiatives Telfar Clemens...2024-07-1219 min
Life By DESIGN13 | "Harnessing The Power of Social Media" with Tanesha Reed, the MOGUL MAKERJoin me for this lively chat with Tanesha Reed, a serial entrepreneur with 20 years of experience, who has helped hundreds of business owners to collectively generate over $1 million in sales through social media. Hear insights on her top three areas of focus: creating monetizable business strategies, identifying your target audience, and
creating your customer roadmap. Get ready to learn how to confidently and consistently market your business on
social media to drive sales and grow your empire.
Connect with the Mogul-Maker:
DM the word “DESIGN” on Instagram @mogul_maker
Ask about “Profiles...2024-06-2747 min
Life By DESIGN12 | We All Have 24-Hours a Day to SLAYTaking back your time and getting the most out of your 24 hour day is easier than you think.
If you consistently have a to-do list a mile long, and not enough time to get it done, let’s have a chat…
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Favorite
Designpreneur Links:
Label Launch
Blueprint: https://cmdesignagency.com/label-launch-blueprint-1
Fashion Brand
Launch Checklist: https://bit.ly/LaunchCklist2024-06-1617 min
Life By DESIGN11 | "Love Letter For The Modern Bride" with Charles Dieujuste of SCORCESACharles “Corvsky“ Dieujuste, the visionary behind Scorcesa, caters to the modern bride with pieces that embody sophistication and a daring edge, perfect for the aisle and beyond.
With a background deeply rooted in his family’s textile craft, Charles has transformed Scorcesa into a symbol of elegance and resilience. Featured in prestigious outlets like Vogue, Brides, WWD, and Fashionista, Scorcesastands out in the bridal world.
Join us as we discuss what he’s learned about himself in the last four years since launching is brand, and what he values most at th...2024-06-0547 min
Life By DESIGN10 | Counting The Costs: How To Position Your Collection For SCALE From Day 1On today’s episode we're focusing on a critical aspect that can make or break your fashion business: effectively costing your collection.
Whether you're an aspiring designer or looking to scale your existing label, understanding the financial underpinnings of your designs is a major key to sustainable growth.
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Favorite
Designpreneur Links:
Emerging Designer
Community: https://cmdesignagency.mn.co
Label Launch
Checklist: https://bit.ly/LaunchCklist
Label Launch
Blueprint: https://cmdesignagency.com/label-launch-blueprint-1
2024-05-3113 min
Life By DESIGN09 | "Technically Speaking" with Mikelle Drew Pellum of 383 Design StudioOn today's show, meet Mikelle Drew Pellum, a fashion industry veteran with 26yrs of experience - from Designer to CAD artist to Product Development Manager, she has done it all.
Now, as the owner of 383 Design Studio, she helps fashion entrepreneurs bring their visions to life using cutting-edge digital tools.
Her expertise doesn't stop there; she's also an adjunct Professor at FIT where she teaches students how to leverage technology to grow their businesses and careers.
Enjoy as we delve into Mikelle's journey and learn why after 26 years, she’s still loving every bi...2024-05-2358 min
Life By DESIGN08 | Designer SPOTLIGHT: Virgil AblohExplore the unique Designer journey of the visionary,
VIRGIL ABLOH who singlehandedly inspired a generation of young creatives to dream beyond traditional boundaries.
His success with his second brand launch, “Off-White,” was a precursor to the historic moment when he became the first African American artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear collection in 2018.
Abloh’s rich career is a testament to the fact that the
real essence of design lies in its ability to connect, to challenge, and to transform.
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Favorite Designpreneur Links:
Emerging Designer Community: https://cm...2024-05-1906 min
Life By DESIGN07 | It’s Never Too Late To Say Yes To YOURSELFThere's no such thing as being too old (or too young) to say
yes to more.
Putting a strategy in place where you can have some say over how you make discretionary income in today's world is one of the smartest things you can do.
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Favorite Designpreneur Links:
Emerging Designer Community: https://cmdesignagency.mn.co
Label Launch Checklist: https://bit.ly/LaunchCklist
Label Launch Blueprint: https://cmdesignagency.com/label-launch-blueprint-1
2024-05-1213 min
Life By DESIGN06 | "Modeling Excellence" with Shaw Bernard of STRUT ModelsShaw Bernard, the visionary behind the STRUT Models full-service agency, infuses the essence of her Trinidadian roots into the NYC fashion industry, and beyond. She has established a premier boutique agency which represents “the best and the brightest, from the darkest to the lightest.”
Enjoy our convo as we cover everything from diversity and inclusion, what it takes for new talent to have success in the evolving modeling world, what fashion brands need to know about working with her female-led agency which is on a heartfelt mission to make an impact, plus, the real meani...2024-05-0458 min
Life By DESIGN05 | Designer SPOTLIGHT: Amaka "Maki" OsakweExplore the unique Designer journey of the creative mind behind "Maki Oh." Amaka Osakwe has gained international acclaim for her designs that use traditional African techniques with a modern twist.
Her label is a favorite among celebrities like Beyoncé and Michelle Obama, and she is celebrated for her commitment to sustainability and the preservation of African artisanal traditions.
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Favorite Designpreneur Links:
Emerging Designer Community: https://cmdesignagency.mn.co
Label Launch Checklist: https://bit.ly/LaunchCklist
Label Launch Blueprint: https://cmdesignagency.com/label-launch-blueprint-12024-04-2604 min
Life By DESIGN04 | The FUNDING QuestionStarting a clothing business requires more than just creativity. Whether you're designing a capsule or a full collection, acknowledging your budget and exploring your funding options early on is critical.
There are predictable choices for dealing with the funding dilemma... but choose wisely.
More favorite Designpreneur links:
Label Launch Checklist: https://bit.ly/LaunchCklist
Label Launch Blueprint: https://cmdesignagency.com/label-launch-blueprint-12024-04-1912 min
Life By DESIGN03 | SIX Steps To Launch Your Collection StrongWhat would your life look like 5 years from now if you dared to build a meaningful brand that empowers people to boldly take up space, express their individuality and feel good in their own skin?
Explore the 6 key steps in this episode so you can streamline your launch process and bring your business vision to life by
focusing on the milestones that’ll move your brand forward instead of wasting energy on what’s been keeping you stuck.
Favorite Designpreneur Links:
Label Launch in 6 Steps PDF (Slides): https://payhi...2024-04-1212 min
Life By DESIGN02 | The SECRET To ThrivingIn a world that glorifies hustle, some of us have learned the hard way that success shouldn't come at the cost of our well-being.
Discover practical steps to not just survive, but to thrive in entrepreneurship.
“THRIVE” PDF: https://payhip.com/b/PCke4
More favorite Designpreneur links:
Emerging Designer Community: https://cmdesignagency.mn.co
Label Launch Checklist: https://bit.ly/LaunchCklist
Label Launch Blueprint: https://cmdesignagency.com/label-launch-blueprint-1
2024-04-0514 min
Life By DESIGN01 | Burning It ALL DownDesignpreneurship isn't just about building a brand; it's about crafting a life of purpose and fulfillment. In this episode, we’ll acknowledge the elephant in the room: burnout. Burnout is real, it's daunting, but it doesn't have to end your entrepreneurial journey. There are no limits to what you can achieve when you step into your power and believe that you CAN.
Emerging Designer Community: https://cmdesignagency.mn.co
Label Launch Checklist: https://bit.ly/LaunchCklist
Label Launch Blueprint: https://cmdesignagency.com/label-launch-blueprint-12024-04-0205 min
Life By DESIGNLBD TrailerLife By DESIGN is a show teaching Designpreneurs like you how to clarify your brand vision and turn it into reality, without losing yourself along the way.
We’ll explore the roadmap to a strong brand launch, plus go deep with industry insiders, subject experts and examine the journeys of renowned Fashion Designers so you can apply the learnings to grow your own business, while designing a life you love.
Tune in for bi-monthly episodes ✨!2024-03-3000 min
BlackNFashion With Lenese CalleeaEp 139: Model, Author & Body Positive Activist Kelvin Davis on Being a Modern Gentleman in FashionI had the wonderful opportunity of talking with model, author and body positive activist Kelvin Davis. Kelvin and I got into the origin of his calling to become the author of his book, Notoriously Dapper: How to be a modern gentleman with manners, style and body confidence and much more!
Kelvin is one of the first Big & Tall style influencers and the first Black big & tall model for GAP and Target. Now, he is on a mission to inspire others to embrace who they are by encouraging self love and body positivity. Kelvin started his blog, Notoriously Dapper, after a...2023-05-1127 min
BlackNFashion With Lenese CalleeaEp 137: Let's Talk Sustainability in your Fashion BusinessToday I wanted to chat with you guys one on one about a topic that is very important to me; sustainability! I recently got the amazing opportunity to speak at the Harlem's Fashion Row Sustainability Forum, and I wanted to bring a bit of a part 2 to that conversation here to the podcast!
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A word from our Sponsors:
Demeanor by Tiara Alexandria® is a black-owned, woman-founded contemporary womenswear brand that provides cocktail attire and elevated capsule pieces to the modern day hyper-feminine alpha woman. We are known for juxtaposing sensuality with sophistication and delivering high-quality fashion pieces at an a...2023-05-0423 minBlackNFashion With Lenese CalleeaEp 136: Fashion Stylist Asma Shakar Shares Her Journey from Virtual Styling to Creative DirectionThis week I got to sit down with a phenomenal woman, fashion stylist Asma Shakar. We talked everything from fashion trends and where she got started, to her experiences being muslim as a fashion stylist and where she's currently headed.
Asma is a fashion stylist who has been working in her field for the past 2 years. This year she has also started with her creative director journey. She started as a virtual stylist during the pandemic, and she is now doing more in person wardrobe styling and creative direction for photoshoots.
You can follow Asma on her socials:
Instagram: @asmashakarr...2023-04-2827 min
BlackNFashion With Lenese CalleeaEp 135: Up and Coming Fashion Brand Owner Emmanuel Gbajobi Talks Authenticity & OrganizationThis week I got to talk authenticity and fashion business organization with fashion creative, and up and coming brand owner Emmanuel Gbajobi.
Emmanuel Gbajobi is the founder and creative of ALAFIA. ALAFIA is derived from the Yoruba dialect meaning “peace” and is an up and coming fashion house that focuses on ready to wear fabrics while incorporate a simple but rich design. The purpose for him launching ALAFIA is based on the name “peace”, and what it means to him. He wants to share his story with the world. ALAFIA launches this Spring, so keep an eye out for this new blac...2023-04-2020 minBlackNFashion With Lenese CalleeaEp 134: Persistence is key with Fashion Business Owner Crystal LewisHappy Black Fashion Month! I had the wonderful opportunity of talking with Crystal Lewis who is the owner of Love My Reality.
Crystal is a woman with many jobs in many fields. She is a proud graduate of an HBCU “The Southern University” and a Registered Nurse certified in her specialty field. She is also a retired Air Force Major with 21 years under her belt. Her life has been on the go for the past 15 plus years! From working 3-4 12-hour shifts per week, to spending weeks in Military training. Her outfits consisted of scrubs and Military Uniforms. Since transitioning to a...2023-04-1324 min
The Joy Sutton ShowBreaking Down Barriers in Fashion with Charmaine Mischel and Uncovering the Lie of Busyness with Cricket CrockettCharmaine Mischel has always been passionate about design, but after a family health emergency caused her to take a career break, she decided it was time to use her passion and years of industry experience to create her own collection. Charmaine shares her inspiring story and explains how she’s opening doors for new designers. In our Coaches Corner, you’ll also hear from Cricket Crockett, a coach and bestselling author who will explain why women should “hustle smarter, not harder.” Highlights: 03:12 - Finding a passion for design at a young age 12:49 - Navigating the fashion industry...2021-03-021h 02
Yolanda Yvette SpeaksA Conversation w/ Charmaine Mischel-Fashion DesignerOver her combined 30+ years as a Designer & Consultant, Charmaine Mischel's passion and vision of inclusion in the Fashion industry has remained intact. It has blossomed into a multi-pronged source for start-up, self-taught Fashion entrepreneurs to acquire the insights and industry insider expertise they need to launch their own brand successfully.
Early in her career, Ms. Mischel honed her skills in the fashion capital of the world as a Designer for several NYC apparel houses. This was instrumental in her building invaluable connections and resources. She deepened her design repertoire during her ventures to Paris &am...2021-01-0143 min