No products in the cart.
As an extension of our Power Women cover story, we curated “The Power Circle” — a celebration of creative, innovative, and powerful Black women in fashion who are making strides in the industry. These trailblazers redefine boundaries, amplify representation, and push the culture forward, demonstrating that Black women are not just participants but essential architects in the global fashion narrative. Through their vision and impact, they inspire a future where authenticity and inclusivity reign supreme.
Sarah Sharp is CEO and Founder of Fros and Spurs. She is also a professional photographer & graphic designer based in Houston Texas. Sarah has been part of the fashion and art industry since 2013 with experience in equestrian apparel, fashion, and diverse industries such as maritime and architectural lighting. This broad range of experience has shaped her creativity to think beyond the box. Sarah’s affinity for the arts and love of Black western culture has propelled her to dive head first into an untapped corner of western apparel. She is inspired by Black western history and the modern experience of Black cowboys, cowgirls, and western enthusiasts of today.
“One day while looking for rodeo wear online, I came across a Black girl that was wearing a Dolly Parton shirt to the rodeo. Though we love and adore Dolly, it was troubling that I couldn’t find anything representative of Black cowboys & cowgirls and Black Western Heritage in any of the major western apparel labels. At the time, I was working for an equestrian apparel brand and I had the same experience in equestrian fashion as well. Why weren’t we being represented when there are thousands of Black cowboys, cowgirls, western enthusiasts with nothing to wear that honored our heritage? I knew something needed to be done about this. I decided to take my skill in graphic design and photography and get to work. My first design was a bandanna and has now blossomed into Black Power bolo ties to Buffalo Soldier Toile Du Jouy style prints. Putting Black western heritage as the inspiration to honor our legacy today and beyond.”
Cami Thomas is a seasoned producer, director, and photographer based in St. Louis and Los Angeles. With a career rooted in the arts, Thomas leverages her work as a powerful tool for advocacy and social progress. She is the founder of the video production company My Friends and I, a collaborative hub for artists. Thomas’ work has gained recognition with films like Summer in St. Louis and the short film Keenelan, both screened and awarded nationally and internationally. Among her accolades are the 2024 werQfest Creative Impact Award, a spot on the St. Louis Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 list, and the Best Super Short Drama award from the Berlin Flash Film Festival. Additionally, her docu-series Smoke City received acclaim from St. Louis Magazine’s A-List Awards for Best Original Series. Thomas’ career is marked by a commitment to using the arts as a powerful tool for change, creating impactful narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide.
“I’ve been surprised at the way film production, fashion, music, and art as a whole often work in tandem with each other. I’ve branched into fashion, sometimes out of necessity; in order to create a moment that reads as authentic on camera, the style of the individuals featured is nearly as important as the lenses and cameras that we use. In that regard, whether it’s the crew working on set, the talent in front of the camera, or even myself, I always want to cultivate environments that carve room for everyone to feel empowered to showcase their individual style. That’s how we make the best art.”
Dejeuné H. is a personal stylist based in Washington, D.C., and the founder of Your Style Is Forever, a service empowering Black and Brown creative entrepreneurs through intentional, personalized styling. With over a decade of experience at luxury brands like Burberry and Nordstrom, Dejeuné has shaped the fashion industry by promoting diversity and individuality. Her work transforms wardrobes into tools for self-expression and professional success, inspiring clients to embrace their heritage and authenticity. Beyond styling, she is dedicated to philanthropy and community service, contributing to causes like My Sister’s Place, and a Survivor Advisory Board Member of DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
“My experience as a personal stylist has empowered black women to shift their narratives. The education and support provided for my clients have assured them that they will align their style and values and show up as the best version of themselves and not projected stereotypes. I have created a safe haven for my clients to embody their authentic selves and take up space in arenas where they typically would hide.”
Kahindo Mateene, the visionary founder and designer behind KAHINDO, represents a transformative force in the fashion industry. A former Project Runway designer, she recently launched her brand on Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom.com, further solidifying her presence in the luxury fashion market. Rooted in her Congolese heritage, a Pan-African upbringing, and a passion for empowering women, Kahindo creates bold, statement-making pieces that blend cultural authenticity with modern luxury. Her designs, ethically crafted in Africa, champion fair trade practices and provide sustainable economic opportunities for women artisans, directly aligning with her mission to eradicate poverty and promote gender equality.
“Through KAHINDO, I’ve made it my mission to showcase the beauty, richness, and diversity of African heritage in a way that challenges traditional narratives within the global fashion industry. The vibrant prints used in every collection are designed in-house, allowing me to tell meaningful stories through each garment. By partnering with artisans across the continent and ensuring fair wages and ethical working conditions, I’ve created opportunities for women to achieve economic independence and uplift their communities. Each collection celebrates African craftsmanship, blending cultural storytelling with innovative, contemporary design to demonstrate that African fashion can be both luxurious and sustainable.”
Timeekah Murphy, a dynamic black veteran business owner is the CEO of Alani Taylor, a fashion brand that has dressed celebrities for iconic productions, including Beyoncé’s Black Is King and Megan Thee Stallion’s music videos. Timeekah’s journey started with a mission to create a brand rooted in Black legacy, naming her company after her daughter, Alani Taylor, to build a lasting impact.
“I like to think my work in fashion has always been about breaking barriers and redefining and challenging the fashion norms. I have intentionally created designs that go beyond gender,trends, labels, which has offer people the freedom to express themselves authentically. My brand, Alani Taylor, empowers others to step into their confidence by wearing bold unexpected pieces that make a social statement. Through initiatives like my other business venture “The Lab”, I’ve been able to empower others by teaching others how to build their own brands under my supervision and support. Watching children, especially with disabilities like autism, transform their creativity into designs that are tangible has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this fashion journey. In the same breath being listed at ATT Black future marker has allowed black Gay business women to be visually she themselves in the same spaces. I have collaborated with 500 fortune brands and celebrities brands which have overtime shown other designers the possibilities for creatives are endless.”
Sopi Mitil is the founder and CEO of The Sopi Mitil Co., an innovative, eco-friendly fashion brand dedicated to empowering curvy petite professional women. Through her luxury apparel line, Sopi champions inclusivity with her signature ‘Pick Your Length’ and ‘Multi-Sized Fit’ designs, creating pieces that transition seamlessly from work to social settings. A Haitian-American attorney and entrepreneur, Sopi has spent the last three years building a brand that not only caters to an underserved market but also uplifts women through sustainable practices.
“My work in fashion has redefined inclusivity for petite women by challenging the industry’s traditional sizing models. The Sopi Mitil Co. empowers curvy petite professionals who have long been overlooked, offering them confidence and style without compromise. By creating apparel that prioritizes both fit and versatility, I aim to inspire women to feel powerful in their skin, celebrating individuality in every piece they wear. Additionally, I actively mentor young Black women in entrepreneurship, guiding them toward leadership roles in the fashion and business sectors.”
Taylor Long is the founder, designer, and CEO of Nomads Swimwear, a size-inclusive and sustainable swim and resort wear brand launched in 2020 and carries sizes XS-5X. Inspired by her experience as a plus-size model, Taylor creates luxe, eco-conscious swim and resortwear that is the trailblazing solution to glaring size-inclusivity and sustainability problems in the premium swimwear market. Her brand has been featured in Forbes, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, and Business Insider and is carried by major retailers like Anthropologie and Shopbop.
“My work has continuously pushed the industry forward and empowered all women, especially those consistently left out when it comes to finding chic, luxe swimwear in their size. Whether it’s encouraging my wholesale partners to carry my brand, Nomads’, entire size range (XS-5X), or showcasing diverse body types in campaigns and on the brand’s website and social media, I champion size-inclusivity at every turn.”
Jalecia is a Luxe Lifestyle Influencer, author, and advocate for modern luxury. Balancing roles as a mom, wife, and career professional, she embodies a seamless fusion of personal values and professional excellence. As the author of I Am A Virtuous Woman: 30-Day Devotional, Jalecia inspires women to cultivate lives of purpose, elegance, and integrity while embracing self-care and empowerment.
“As a Human Resource Executive, author, and fashion enthusiast, I have passionately advocated for diversity, equity, and inclusion while encouraging women to embrace self-acceptance and body positivity. Through my work as a personal stylist, I have helped women redefine beauty and confidence, celebrating individuality and fostering inclusivity. By blending together my passions, I have created a supportive platform that empowers women to reclaim their identities and pursue their unique vision of success with grace and confidence.”
Martine Séverin is a lifestyle + advertising photographer. Her vibrant style, imbued by a love of color and diversity, has been shaped by her Haitian roots and her passion for celebrating inclusivity through the use of non-western narratives. It is this passion that drives Martine to seek out and create work that features people of color and women in non-stereotypical ways. Where possible, she also makes social causes a part of her work by collaborating with companies that are advancing the lives of others.
“I’m early in my career to know how my work has shaped the industry or empowered others. That said, growing up Haitian and then moving to the US, I noticed how narrow the fashion industry’s lens was. Through my photography, I’ve consciously worked to challenge those conventions by showcasing diverse bodies, skin tones, and cultural expressions in my work. When building a team to execute a project, I seek creatives such as make-up artists, wardrobe stylists who have a unique point of view. In the end, the harmony we create isn’t just about the final image; it’s about the space we hold for each other and about the silent understanding that passes between artists who know what it means to create from the margins.”
Michelle Elder, a visionary fashion designer at Aunt Funky’s Closet and founder of The Kut Studios LA, has spent her career at the intersection of haute couture and sustainability. A transplant from San Antonio, Texas, Michelle began her journey into fashion inspired by her seamstress mother, who encouraged her creativity as a teen. A defining moment in Michelle’s career was creating a prom dress for a friend, sparking her passion for design and setting her on a path to work with industry icons and create red-carpet-worthy pieces for celebrities.
”Through my designs, collaborations, and educational initiatives, I have reshaped the fashion industry by championing sustainable practices in haute couture, promoting inclusivity in fashion education, and addressing social needs through creative partnerships. I have partnered with the Film Production Club at Lawndale High School in Lawndale, CA to give students hands-on work experience with wardrobe and costumes that can be used to achieve entry-level jobs in the entertainment industry. My collaboration with Tatyana Ali supports doulas and maternal health, while my programs for young designers inspire the next generation of creatives. Tools like The Ultimate Fashion Sketch & Pattern Card Workbook open up access to professional-level resources, ensuring that my empowering impact reaches diverse communities.”
Tracy Vontélle Green and Nancey Flowers-Harris are two long-time friends who founded luxury brand Vontélle Eyewear in 2019 after realizing African Americans are underrepresented in the multi-billion dollar industry. Coincidentally, it took the pair each losing their old pairs of expensive glasses to search the market for a more ethnic-friendly and colorful brand that is black-owned and reflects their culture to replace their glasses, and found that there was none. Vontelle is a unique luxury eyewear brand, offering awe-striking, ethnic patterns reflecting the African diaspora (including Caribbean and Latinx cultures.)
“Before Vontélle entered the eyewear space, patterns and textiles in eyewear were limited, with the classic tortoise shell and geometric shapes dominating the market. Vontélle has transformed the industry by creating eyewear that celebrates cultural heritage, reshaping the landscape of fashion and empowering individuals. Inspired by the African and Latin Diaspora and global textiles, our designs are more than functional accessories—they are vibrant expressions of identity. We’ve addressed a significant gap in the market for diverse, better-fitting frames that cater to various face shapes and sizes, while emphasizing individuality and inclusivity. Our impactful collaborations, including the children’s collection with Nickelodeon, Naevia’s Magic glasses, bold designs with Kendra Dandy – Bouffants & Broken Hearts, and the DEEMED collection with actor Kadeem Hardison, Vontélle has blended fashion with purpose. These designs are tailored to empower humanity to see the world through a cultural and global lens. As a Black women-owned brand, Vontélle has broken barriers in an industry historically dominated by larger, homogenous players. By mentoring and inspiring other entrepreneurs, we highlight the importance of diversity and authenticity in driving meaningful change. Vontélle is not just about creating eyewear; we create opportunities for empowerment and self-expression, leaving an enduring impact on the fashion and eyewear industries.”
Make sure to follow all of these amazing women, and check out their feature in Issue 004/005 of Advisor.
[simple-author-box]
Interviews Teddy Phillips redefines spirituality and style by transforming bib- lical figures into high-fashion icons, weaving Black culture, luxury couture, and divine narratives into a Read More
I’m sharing exactly what’s going on with the basement design project
right now and what’s happening next.
