In the latest episode of Be Advised, fashion writing intern Aleena Khan is joined by designer and mentor Lenese Calleea to explore how creativity, community, and resilience shape the future of Black fashion. From transforming her living room into a thriving business to launching the Black Girlz Designer Club, Callea shares how her passion for design evolved into a mission to uplift emerging Black designers.

We dive into the importance of mentorship, the power of social media, and how to navigate the fashion industry as a Black woman. Calleea’s journey is a testament to the fact that success isn’t just about talent – it’s about sharing knowledge, creating opportunities, and standing firm in your vision.

Whether you’re a designer, entrepreneur, or creative looking for inspiration, this episode will remind you of the power of community and staying true to your craft.

Key Points:

• From Passion to Profession – Lenese Calleea’s journey began with childhood sewing lessons from her grandmother, eventually leading her to earn a BFA in fashion design and launch her own made-to-order business.

• Embracing Mentorship – Inspired by her own experiences, Calleea shifted her focus to mentoring young designers, founding the Black Girlz Designer Club to empower the next generation of Black creatives.

• Overcoming Challenges – Calleea navigated industry obstacles, including layoffs and stereotypes, by leaning into entrepreneurship and setting firm boundaries while advocating for Black designers.

• The Power of Community – Through relatable mentorship, Calleea fosters genuine connections, creating a safe space for mentees to grow without feeling intimidated.

• Leveraging Social Media – Recognizing the importance of visibility, Calleea consistently uses social media to expand her reach, promote her brand, and teach emerging designers to do the same.

Guest Spotlight:

Lenese Calleea, affectionately known as the Fashion Fairy Godmother, has accumulated 2 decades of expertise in design, garment construction, and apparel production. Armed with a BFA in Fashion Design, she has launched a thriving apparel consulting business and serves as a respected professor at FIT, all while completing her Masters in Global Fashion Management.

Lenese's journey from a young seamstress and entrepreneur to a designer, industry expert, consultant, and creative mogul is truly inspiring. Today, she offers a wealth of knowledge to designers at every stage of their journey. As an advocate for education, unity, and inclusion in fashion, she has completed product development and production for over 200 emerging brands and scaled LC Apparel Consulting to $700k in revenue. She’s ready to make 2025 a year of growth and collaboration—and she’s excited to partner with YOU!

Connect with Lenese

• Instagrams: @lenesecalleea , @lc_apparelconsulting , @calleeavateininc, @blacknfashionpodcast , @blackgirlzdesignerclub

Stay Connected with Advisor. Magazine
Join the conversation about the Black fashion community by subscribing to Advisor. Magazine’s newsletter and following us online.

• Grab our latest issue: https://advisormag.co/the-magazine/
• Website: www.advisormag.co
• Instagram: @advisormag

Subscribe & Share:
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review, share with your community, and follow us on social media. Together, we’re building a space for Black fashion stories to be heard and celebrated.

In the latest episode of Be Advised, fashion editor AK Brown is joined by Bre’anda Massey, seasoned fashion designer, tech designer, and industry expert. Together, they tackle the pressing issues shaping the fashion industry, including the impact of increased tariffs under new political leadership, the ongoing challenges for Black designers, and strategies for navigating economic and creative pressures.

Key Points:

• Understanding Tariffs and Their Impact: Bre’anda breaks down how increased tariffs on imported goods will affect fashion designers, consumers, and small businesses, with practical advice on adapting to rising costs.
• The Decline of the Fashion Industry: A candid discussion on how the fashion industry has shifted since the pandemic, including fewer job opportunities, lower wages, and a greater emphasis on freelancers.
• Advice for Emerging Designers: Strategies for building resilient brands, from creating signature pieces to navigating funding challenges in the face of diminished grants and initiatives.
• Sustainability and Accessibility: Insights on the role of fashion schools in educating about sustainability and tips for balancing creative goals with realistic pricing strategies.
• Bre’anda’s Consulting Services: Information on Bre’anda’s offerings for emerging designers and small businesses, including consulting on production, tech design, and pattern development.

Guest Spotlight:
Bre’anda Massey is a seasoned fashion designer and tech designer with over a decade of experience in Los Angeles and a BFA in Fashion Design. Now based in St. Louis, she helps emerging brands grow through expert guidance in design development and sourcing, bringing practical insights into launching and sustaining a fashion brand in today’s competitive market. As the founder of Propaganda Faux, Bre’anda is passionate about empowering emerging designers with the tools and strategies they need to thrive.

Connect with Bre’anda Massey:

• Instagram: @breandamassey
• Etsy Shop: Shop Patterns

Stay Connected with Advisor. Magazine
Join the conversation about the Black fashion community by subscribing to Advisor. Magazine’s newsletter and following us online. Don’t miss our combined September/December issue, dropping soon!

• Website: www.advisormag.co
• Instagram: @advisormag

Subscribe & Share:
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review, share with your community, and follow us on social media. Together, we’re building a space for Black fashion stories to be heard and celebrated.

In this episode of Be Advised., host Aleena Khan sits down with Kadeem Alphanso Fyffe, a trailblazing fashion designer, author, and advocate, who shares how his work challenges perceptions in the fashion industry and uplifts marginalized communities. Join us for an inspiring conversation on art, identity, and the power of fashion to drive real change.

Key Points:

• Kadeem’s Journey: As a queer Black designer, Kadeem reflects on his experiences in fashion, from his early inspirations to creating a unique voice that combines artistry with advocacy.

• Fashion with Intention: Kadeem dispels myths about fashion being superficial, explaining how each piece he creates is rooted in cultural and social meaning, aiming to reflect and reshape society.

• Breaking Barriers: Discussing the challenges for Black and queer creatives, Kadeem offers advice for those entering the industry, emphasizing resilience, hard work, and the importance of kindness.

• Upcoming Projects: Kadeem shares his excitement about upcoming events, including his “Back to Black” tribute at the Kennedy Center and his plans for New York Fashion Week.

• Advice for Emerging Black Designers: Kadeem’s candid advice sheds light on the realities of the fashion world, emphasizing the value of authenticity, self-care, and dedication in a competitive field.

Connect with Kadeem:

• Instagram: @k_alphonso
• LinkedIn: Kadeem Alphanso Fyffe
• Book: Threading the Needle: A Fashion Designer’s Guide to Successfully Launching Your First Collection (Available on Amazon)

Connect with Advisor. Magazine
Stay updated with Advisor. for more content highlighting Black voices and creativity in the fashion industry. Follow us on social media and keep an eye out for our upcoming written feature on Kadeem, which will dive even deeper into his journey and insights.

• Kadeem's Feature: https://advisormag.co/kadeems-vision-fashion-art-culture-and-identity/
• Website: www.advisormag.co
• Instagram: @advisormag

Tune in for a conversation that not only celebrates fashion but challenges its boundaries, with insights on how style can serve as a powerful platform for expression and advocacy.