Caressa Brown

About Caressa Brown

Caressa Brown is a native Daytonian and former employee of G.M. Truck & Bus in Moraine. A 1998 graduate of Jefferson High School she went on to earn her degree in Educational/Organizational Leadership from Wright State University in 2007. Caressa, began her modeling career at the age of 12 having had contracts in major markets as well as smaller markets. Ms.Brown served as the Director of Operations for the first Fashion Week in Dayton in 2012. Active in the community since childhood, Caressa enjoys volunteering her time for local events, non-profit organizations, and is also a Community Voices Producer for 91.3 FM WYSO. In 2013, Caressa was nominated for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Woman of the Year, added to the Council of Fashion Designers of America's Volunteer Program for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, and was unanimously appointed by the Montgomery County Commissioners to sit on the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District Board of Trustees . Currently, Caressa is the CEO of the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC which helps and mentors area fashion professionals from designers to models and help them take their careers to the next level.

Model Casting Call for the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI)

February 25, 2016 By Caressa Brown

On Saturday March 5, The Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) will be casting models for Designers Ednina Ndebele and Tanatswa. We are in need of 45 models to walk for this (DE-FI) Sponsored and Produced Event taking place on Saturday April 9, 2016. Tanatswa is casting female models age 4-13 Edina Ndebele is casting females models ages 14 & better.

Models ages 4-13 should wear age appropriate clothing, with no wild prints, no makeup should be worn, and hair should be pulled back. Models ages 14 & better should wear form fitting attire complimentary to your body type. No wild prints or logos should be worn, no makeup should be worn, hair should be pulled back, and 3″ heels should be worn to walk in.

Please bring comfortable shoes to stand in while waiting to be seen by the designers. There are no height or size requirements, as the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) celebrates beauty in all of its forms.

All models are required to bring with them (2) photos that we can keep. (1) Head Shot and (1) full body image in the attire mentioned above. Images do not need to be professional and can be taken via a cell phone. The Casting Call will begin promptly at 1:30pm and end at 3:30pm. Models in line by 3:30pm will be seen.

Callbacks will take place on the spot. Models receiving callbacks are required to stay for the fitting immediately after the casting call at 3:30pm. The fitting will run from 3:30-4:30, Models will be booked for the April 9 show based on the fitting.

The Final Callbacks will take place at 5pm, immediately after the fitting. Booked models will have an orientation from 5:15pm-6pm immediately after the Final Callbacks. Models Booked for the show will have opportunities to be paid based on ticket sales.

Booked models will be required to sell (4) tickets to the show. If they sell (4) tickets they will be paid the cost of (2) of the tickets sold. Models who sale less than the required (4) tickets will be paid 20% of the tickets that they sold. Models who do not sale any tickets will be considered volunteers for this event. All questions should be directed to [email protected].

Simply Hyacinth is Simply Amazing

April 8, 2015 By Caressa Brown

Hyacinth at Lakme fashion week.

Dr. Hyacinth Paul spent her career as a Chemist; 10 years into retirement, Hyacinth took a bold step towards starting a new career in a world that she knew nothing about…the world of fashion!

After hearing of a friends financial struggles and seeing the high economic devastation left by General Motors closing its doors served as motivation for Hyacinth to be a part of positive change in the Dayton and Miami Valley area. “I wanted to make a platform for American made products and handmade products in Dayton.” And that’s how Simply Hyacinth boutique came to become one of the HAUTEST new shops in Dayton. I have dresses made in the USA for $29.99 and most of my gowns are no more than $129.99. Local designers can sell their products through Simply Hyacinth as well.

Located in the village area of the Dayton Mall, Simply Hyacinth offers a variety of unique accent furniture, artwork, apparel, handmade jewelry, and accessories from Dayton, OH and around the world that is guaranteed to add a spark to any look or decor. “I want my customers to feel comfortable and enjoy the beauty of Made in the USA products and other merchandise that is sourced from socially responsible companies. It is our mission to provide a great shopping experience.”

“Fashion should make you feel good regardless of your size” according to Hyacinth. On Friday April 10 from 6p-7p and on Saturday April 11, 12p-2p Simply Hyacinth will be hosting a Casting Call in her boutique with the assistance of the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC. The casting call is for a fashion show that Simply Hyacinth will be producing on April 24^,2014. Free to the public, Simply Hyacinth will be showcasing their affordable luxury line that fits all sizes.

Influenced greatly by her parents; Hyacinth credits her mom for teaching her the value of education and her Dad for making her fearless. All of which have helped to prepare her for some of the struggles that she faces as a new boutique owner. “I have invested my retirement savings into the venture, I traveled for six months around the US to find made in America products and I went to China to study the competition”

Hyacinth, is not only limiting her new career as a small business owner, she is also looking to become a designer as well. “It was refreshing for me to find out great products that are affordable are made right here in the USA. Most of these companies are located in Los Angelas. I know New York and Detroit are gearing toward a lot of manufacturing in the USA. I have found great products made in the USA by women owned companies in Alabama, Massachusetts and Georgia. Cincinnati used to be a leader in the Fashion industry and we need to find companies that will manufacture in in the tri-state region of Dayton, Cincinnati and Columbus.”

“Buying and creating American made products will certainly create jobs; there is no reason why our developed nation should have poverty levels in the high 20% . If everybody just bought something handmade and something Made in the USA I think there will be a demand for it and we could make an impact in our world.”

There are so many misconceptions about products being made in the USA, the biggest myth is Made in the USA products are expensive– NOT! Come to my store and find out.” One of the biggest hurdles for Made in the USA products is store owners marking up their prices, which in turns hurts the competitiveness of the products and struggling families opt to purchase cheaper products made overseas.

As far as fashions place in Dayton; Hyacinth says it’s a representation of our culture. Dayton is a place of self-made and proud people. I want people to bring back the 20’s when everybody was fashionable and made it a priority in their lives. I want people to create a fashion statement in what they wear and support the budding talents in the area.”

The Wright Brothers Brand Seeks Models

March 5, 2015 By Caressa Brown

We all know that Dayton is the Birthplace of Aviation thanks to our favorite siblings Wilbur and Orville; but did you know that for the first time ever, The Wright Brothers Family Foundation has given licensing rights to a local startup company to market products using the Wright brothers’. name and image? That’s Wright! 😉 From watches to bikes Wright Brothers brand has been working with precision and dedication over the past couple of years to produce quality products for aviation enthusiast and collectors from around the world and they are based Wright here in Dayton, OH!

But their largest project to date has been the launching of a high end aviation fashion line that includes bomber jackets, aviation sunglasses, and travel cases; a concept that they made public during the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC’s #FirstFlightNowFashion event in May 2014. Now nearly a year to the date of going public, Wright Brothers brand is set to debut select products from the line during an exclusive invite only premiere on May 5 and they are looking for models!!

On Saturday March 28, 2015 from 12p-2p, with the assistance of the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC, The Wright Brothers brand will host a Casting Call for models at their office located at 123 Webster St., Dayton, OH 45402 in Suite 1A. “We’re looking for that distinguished man to be the face of the brand and appear in some editorial print work, ideally this person would be in their thirties or older. We’re also looking for both male and female models ages 18 and up to assist with some promotional work during our premiere event in May” according to Doug Knopp of The Wright Brothers Brand.

There are no height or size restrictions, no experience is needed, models attending the casting call DO NOT need to have professional images; there will be a photographer on location to take your pictures. The dress code for this casting is business casual no jeans or tennis shoes will be permitted. There will also be compensation for selected models. All questions should be directed to [email protected]. #WhatDoYouDEFI #FirstFlightNowFashion

A Year of (DE-FI)ance: A Look Back

July 8, 2014 By Caressa Brown

The second issue of (DE-FI)ance Magazine is on sale now at http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/754946?__r=43

This weekend, the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC will be celebrating its 1 year Anniversary with (DE-FI) Gives Back that will include a Habitat For Humanity Build on Friday July 11^th, on Saturday July 12^th we will help out with some activities benefiting Homefull, and on Sunday July 13^th we will be supporting (DE-FI) Designer Misti Leigh who will be hosting a Casting Call for the first major fashion event that the City of Springfield has hosted when she presents Fashion Forward Fusion on August 16. The Casting Call will take place at the Boonshoft Museum in Springfield located at 465 Upper Valley Pike, Springfield, OH 45504 from 1pm-3pm. For more info about the Casting Call and Fashion Forward Fusion please visit http://www.iiifashionevents.com.

As the owner and CEO of the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting over the past year since we first launched with our Fashion In the Mystic Garden Event held at SunWatch Indian Village on July 13, 2013. What an event that was, we had amazing designers, a Native American Drum Group, a fire lit runway, fire dancers, and so much more all in the majestic setting of the restored village. We’ve come a long way since that day, I remember being so stressed out that day and unable to gather my thoughts, I was like an egg shell ready to crack at the gentlest of touches. In fact I stayed away most of the day during the preparation process and when I did come back to check on the progress I hid in the huts of SunWatch calling the individuals that I needed to speak with to come out to meet with me to avoid being bombarded with questions! lol

Over the past year we’ve learned so many lessons, grown leaps and bounds, and we are ready to keep the ball rolling and continue with that upward climb of shining a spotlight on Dayton Emerging Fashion scene! In the beginning, we had a million and one ideas on what we wanted this Incubator to be and how it should operate. We played around with a lot of ideas some were wildly successful, others bombed big time, and some we just needed to work out the kinks and adjust accordingly; after all there weren’t a lot of organizations out there that we could model our incubator after, all we knew is we wanted something that supported and nurtured the growth of local fashion designers, models, and other fashion professionals.

Model: Iain Steele
Designer: Berny Martin of Catou
Event: Fashion In The Mystic Garden
Location: SunWatch Indian Village Photographer: Reginald Worthen

One of the major and most successful initiatives that we took on was the unprecedented act of waiving the fees for designers to showcase their designs and we paid our models! Believe it or not this sent shock waves through the fashion community and we caught a lot of heat from other fashion organizations and groups. Some attacked us by saying that we are a For Profit Organization and that because they are a Non-Profit 501 (3) (c) that they couldn’t pay their designers or models and therefore relied only on the use of volunteer to serve as staff and models…NEWSFLASH the Salvation Army, Habitat For Humanity, and numerous other organizations that are Non-Profit 501 (3) (C)’s pay their staff, so ones tax status has nothing to do with ability to pay those who help you grow your business it more about the willingness to share your profits. However, in saying that 95% of what we do self-included is Volunteer and we only get paid when we have an event the the past 365 days we’ve only had 3 events but the amount of time and days of work that we put into what we do as volunteers cannot be measured and is priceless not to mention the fact that everyone from our staff, designers, and models are required to volunteer at least 40hrs a year in their respective communities to be a part of (DE-FI).

It’s not easy to start a new business especially one that is a new concept and a misunderstood industry in the Dayton and Miami Valley areas. (DE-FI) was started with $150 and in our first year of existence we have raised nearly $30,000 and out of that we’ve paid nearly $10,000 out to our designers, models, and staff for their work in helping us to market, promote, and sale tickets to our events. But our giving didn’t stop there, we’ve been very active in the community whether it’s supporting and sponsoring events for our Official Non-Profit the Circle of Vision Keepers Re-Entry and Recovery program, or sponsoring the Northmont High School Girls Volleyball Team, Fashion Angels by America’s Next Top Model Contestant Laura Kirkpatrick, My Beauty is Priceless Youth Empowerment Seminars, Metaphorically Speaking Poetry Slam, buying ads for the Adams Project, being a sponsor for Team Iris, a local teenager battling Lupus for the Walk to End Lupus Now in Columbus, and sponsoring (DE-FI) Designer Misti Leigh’s very first Fashion Productions Fashion Forward Fusion in Springfield, and many more. (DE-FI) will always take the time to give to those who have given to us!

A lot of people look at me as the CEO and have in mind what they think a CEO should be and how I should act, or how I should handle various situations, and then they look at the industry in which we work thru tunnel vision or narrow minded views and they assume that I or other member of the (DE-FI) leadership have no experience in a “legitimate” career field. Personally, I like to think that (DE-FI) is a reflection of who I am as a person—I’m comfortable in my own skin, I have a heart of gold, I’m willing to help anyone who asks for help, I have a creative vision, I’m open, transparent, eager to learn, eager to teach, vocal, outspoken, intelligent, fun, and witty, a ta bit stubborn at times, not afraid to fail but determined to succeed, flawed, and when crossed…well Hell hath no fury! lol Truly living up to the name (DE-FI) pronounced “defy”.

We use the moniker (DE-FI) to dare people to challenge the odds and the status quo; on our Facebook page and website we say (DE-FI) Style and (DE-FI) Trends and in this past year sadly we’ve had to use (DE-FI) Stereotypes. Again, the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC is a reflection of me and my life which since the age of 5 has been diverse, I grew up in an inter-racial family, I’ve always had a diverse group of friends, and in an Industry where diversity isn’t always celebrated in terms of the standard of beauty (DE-FI) took a stand and once again did something unprecedented, on the cover of the first issue of (DE-FI)ance Magazine I put a 60+ year old Dutch-Indonesian Model on the cover of the magazine, she was join on the cover by a Haitian Model, a model of Hispanic Descent, an” All-American” Model, and an Iranian model all appeared on the cover. With well over 100 copies sold, the first issue of (DE-FI)ance was recently nominated, voted, and won the Best Emerging Media Award from the Posed Fashion Awards in Columbus, thousands of votes were tallied from across the country.

The award winning issue of (DE-FI)ance Magazine can be purchased on our website.
Models from L-R: Irene Smallwood-Bosma, Aube Jolicieur, Monica Gonzalez, Keilha Jude, and Jasmine Kashani
Photographer: Lamar Pacley
MUA: Angelica Ross
Hair Stylist: Stacia McVey

This cover not only represents me and (DE-FI) but it represents Dayton, and the United States as a whole. Yet, racism and bogotry reared its ugly head. For those of you who don’t know, I am African-American, I was never raised or taught to use the color of my skin as a crutch to limp through life on, or to be reduced by my stereo-type, I come from a family of Civil Rights activist who shoulders I stand on and whose memories I reflect on, and whose sacrifices I will not forget. As I look back over the past year and all of the memories, friendships, and partnerships that we have formed most bring a smile to my face but in January of this year I was told by Marty Smallwood of the Priority Board after A Taste of (DE-FI)ance that the only way (DE-FI) will grow and be successful is if I “Diversified” my team and my audience. Marty saw way too many black faces on my staff, on my runway, and in my audience for his liking and apparently having that many black people in one place is not a good thing and there is no way we could ever be successful.

But it didn’t stop there, upon finding out that I was black a week prior to A Taste of (DE-FI)ance, the manager of Therapy Café Jospeh (lastname unknown) where the event was being held yelled and shouted obscenities at me during a scheduled rehearsal at Therapy telling both myself and an African-American Advisory Board Member of (DE-FI) that “he’s tired of hosting black parties and that black parties are the reason that the City of Dayton is trying to put him out of business”. Please keep in mind that the majority of Therapy Café’s patrons are African-American events and parties that range from Professional, Artistic, Cultural, and regular parties, so just to be clear African-Americans are the reason that Therapy Café is in business. For the record, there wasn’t a single fight, stabbing, robbery, or shooting at our event or any of our events for that matter. But I’m not here to dwell on the negative or give ignorance and bigotry a platform but for the first time in my life I was ready to pack up and leave Dayton, felt discouraged and questioned whether or not I would be able to do all of the things that I had envisioned. But then I was quickly reminded of the hundreds of people that I had standing beside me and behind me cheering me on and lifting me up and made a conscious decision to not allow anyone or anything block my/our blessings but no matter what obstacles come our way we will continue to stay the course.

We have had nearly 30 of our models that we have scouted signed to Modeling agencies around the country and world. Some have ripped the runway during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, some have modeled for Abercrombie and Fitch, and they’ve appeared in national campaigns for GNC and Graeters Ice Cream. They are working in major motion pictures; they’ve appeared on the covers of Vogue Africa and in the pages of Vogue Italia. Our designers are being requested nationally, other fashion weeks from around the country are requesting information on our designers and models all of which are from right here in the Dayton and surrounding areas. I’ve been invited to serve my third season with the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s High Competitive Volunteer Program to get hands on experience during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York. Our designers have had their designs purchased right off of the runway, so needless to say the positive far outweigh the negative.

Event: Taste of (DE-FI)ance
Designer: Misti Leigh
Models: L-R Rylie Janczarek,Shampain Sims, Amber Watson, Suzanne Robke Brock, Meliah Walker
Photographer: Lamar Pacley

Like every organization we’ve added people to our team to help us reach the next level and we’ve removed people from our team who didn’t quite live up to their own hype or fulfill their duties. We’ve dealt with the stage mom and dad who were upset that “Little Timmy” wasn’t the super star that they thought that he was. We’ve had the ego-manic designers that thought that the earth revolved around them. We’ve dealt with the people who only showed up for the glory of the success but were nowhere to be found during the blood, sweat, and tears that went into the process of reaching the success. We’ve faced the nay sayers, the doubters, the coat-tail riders, and we’ve silenced them all by just being ourselves

Our biggest challenge is again changing the perception of the industry as a whole; we still have event coordinators asking where do you want the “T” for the runway and the microphone set up for the emcee to talk about the outfit the model is wearing. We have people shocked to see that we don’t use industry standards for models; we have 5’1 models and brace yourself we have models that range in sizes from a 0 to an 18!! We challenge the way things are done here in Dayton, you know the exact same faces, doing the exact same things, the exact same way, but maybe their titles have changed. We have created new leaders in the community and empowered hundreds of people through the entrepreneurial spirit to promote themselves and their dreams; all growing our network and net worth in the process.

Model: Victoria Ashton
Designer: Baha and Reza
Event: First Flight Now Fashion
Location Commander Aero
Photographer: Pete Bradow

(DE-FI) is made up of local business owners, community leaders, and Fortune 500 Business Executives who are working together to help make others dreams come true and that alone speaks volumes of this organization and why I love it and the members who have stood by me through some major trials and tribulations personally and professionally. One year later through the mostly good sprinkled with a few bad times, the core leadership that helped me to launch this organization are still all together and still standing strong ready to move forward with making Dayton, OH a fashion destination for emerging and established fashion professionals!!

So what’s next for the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC? Well, now that we have a clearer vision and a more (DE-FI)ned mission; we have launched the Art of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Fund LLC which is Non-Profit company that is currently in the process of becoming a 501 (3) (C) Tax status. While (DE-FI) will continue on as an event planning Fashion Organization giving emerging and established Designers and Fashion Professionals a platform to showcase their work and talent; the Art of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Fund LLC will serve as a means to support designer, photographers, and models financially in the pursuit of their dreams, be it scholarships to Fashion institutes, covering registration fees into influential fashion weeks across the country, the purchase of fabrics or equipment, or covering the cost of gas for models going to casting calls or jobs that can have a positive impact on their careers this is just a sneak peek of what in the near future for us. Most importantly, we are still going to continue on our grass roots path meaning there are no big “I’s” and little “you’s”, we are going to continue to promote our organization through network and giving people a #FashionExperience that they never thought possible coming from “Dayton”, and above all we will continue to give back.

Event: First Flight Now Fashion
Designer: Erika Berthy of Gowns by Beartie and Berny Martin of Catou
Models L-R Iain Steele, Keilah Jude, and Anthony Jr.
Photographer: Lamar Pacley

Some people may not understand why I run (DE-FI) the way I do which is kind of loose and free spirited, I step up the pressure on my staff and team when and where it’s needed, when I’m struggling with an issue or have questions I go to my staff and team for their assistance, and yes I’ve even called several of them crying my eyes out. We laugh together, we pray together, we cry together, we work hard together and when it’s time for Lights, Cameras…Action, we put on one hell of a show! From the bottom of my heart and on behalf of everyone from (DE-FI) thank you to each and every last one of you who have supported us and our mission since day one or contributed to our success over the past year. There are too many of you to thank individually and many of you who we may not even know, please know that we couldn’t do any of this without you and it’s your faith in us that serves as the driving force behind everything that we do!!

For more information on the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC and the Art of (DE-FI)ance or how you can purchase our Designers clothes, please visit our website at http://www.daytonemergingfashionincubator.com or text “DEFI” to 55469. #TakingItToTheNextLevel #FirstFlightNowFashion

(DE-FI) Introduces: Aceani Michelle

April 19, 2014 By Caressa Brown Leave a Comment

Aceani Michelle pictured with several Fashion Industry Professionals from around the country!

I was first introduced to 17 year old designer Aceani Michelle via Lynne Bartley from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in September of 2013 and since our initial introduction Aceani has become a source of inspiration and driving force behind everything that we do here at the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC. If we’ve ever had a single doubt about what we are doing and why, Aceani’s passion for the industry quickly helps us to refocus on our ultimate goals.

From the first email that she sent me giving me a full background of her work, to showing up and being hands on with just about every event that we have held since she joined our team, to every email that she has sent me always having an introduction of “Hi Ms. Caressa, It’s Aceani again…”. Her custom email signature that reads Teen Designer, Photographer, Stylist and Fashion Blogger, “Success has no age limit” aceanimichelle.blogspot.com” to bringing me, (DE-FI)’s Director of Beauty Lisa Scott owner of Beaute Box, and her very own mom to tears after a meeting last week when she realized just how talented and blessed she really is, and having a full understanding of just how much support that she has had, not just from her family, but (DE-FI) as well, I think that it’s pretty safe to say that Ms. Aceani is going places. I mean, after all, at just the tender age of 17 she’s already accomplished more in her career than most have done in a lifetime of trying, from attending Fashion Camp NYC, to presenting her fashion line to designer Lisa Perry and the Vice President of Coach Merchandising Fran Della Badia.

Aceani, with the overwhelming support of her family and backing of (DE-FI), is prepping for a what is certain to be huge and successful career in the Fashion Industry! She will be showcasing her very first line during our First Flight Now Fashion Vintage Couture Ball taking place Saturday May 10 at Commander Aero Airport. So it is with great honor and pride that I introduce such an amazing person, young lady, Fashion Designer, Wardrobe Stylist, Blogger, Photographer, and Youth Ambassador to the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC: Miss Aceani Michelle.

Q) How did you get your start in the fashion industry?

A) My love for fashion began a long time ago. In fourth grade I use to play around and illustrate different outfits for lines that were popular back then such as Baby Phat, Rocka Wear and Sean John. I found myself starting to play around with different trends and put together outfits that I would have never thought of before and then began illustrating outfit ideas. I was in my eighth grade year when I fell in love with fashion. I began studying Vogue, In Style, Seventeen, plus other magazines, blogs and different designers that I gravitated towards at the time. Freshman year I began to illustrate some designs of my own while I took my first stab at designing and began making custom clothing for my friends at school and family members. I started simple and over time as I gained more experience, I began to play around more. All that lead to where I am now as a designer.

Q) Who were your influences personally and professionally?

A) My biggest influence when I began designing was Betsey Johnson. I was in love with her crazy, but innovative shows. She loves to do cartwheels and wear bright colors and let’s face it, that would speak to any 14 year old girl. As I got older I began looking at the culture of the hip hop era of the late 80’s and early 90’s. I often pull inspiration from the people during that time. Professionally, I look to my mother and of course, Anna Wintour. I love the way they both carry themselves at all times, and know exactly what they want, and how they want it while handling business.

Q) What were some of the struggles you faced as an emerging designer and what do you consider to be your “Big Break” that took you from being an emerging designer to an established designer?

A) The biggest struggle I faced as an emerging designer is that I’m self-taught. A lot of times I’ve had ideas and was not able to complete them because I simply had no idea what I was doing. Now I am proud to say I have a sewing coach, Mrs. Linda Love, and I love her! I’ve learned so much already and I can now make just about anything I put my mind to! My only other real struggle was people around me. I’ve had a lot of people try to knock me down or make jokes about me being “too serious.” As I’ve grown, I’ve let go of many people. However, I thank them as well as the people who constantly send me good vibes because they have helped to push me forward in one way or another. I hope to consider A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance my big break. I have worked so hard to get to this position and hopefully this will show people that I am really going to go far and help me gain access to a broader audience.

Q) What has been your biggest challenge trying to get your start in the industry?

A) My biggest challenge in trying to get started in this industry is my age. I am only 17 years old and being this young has helped me in some ways, but hurt me in others. However, I never let anyone stop me or slow me down on my path to success. I have a quote which is, “No dream is too big, and no age is too small.” This really helps me to keep moving forward using full force because I feel as though I have so much to prove if I want to show the world that this quote is true. I may be young, but my dream is valid and I will not stop under any circumstances.

Q) There are so many misconceptions about what the Fashion Industry is or what it represents, if there was one myth about the fashion industry that you could debunk what would it be and why?

A) A lot of my friends believe that people in the industry seem stuck up, and they often ask how I deal with that. I have to debunk this one because honestly some of the most genuine and kindest people I’ve met are people in the fashion industry. I think they come off this way because of confidence and a lot of people don’t know what true confidence looks like anymore.

Q) Who is your target market, and when people think of your brand what is the image that you want people to see or represent??

A) My target costumer is edgy and risky with an appreciation for fine arts, culture, and history. When people see my clothes I want them to imagine a suit with an urban architectural feel, or a dress that could give a history lesson on its own. Anything that is under Aceani Michelle has to tell a story. Almost as if you are reading a book attached to someone’s body. I want my collection to represent who I am as a person and what I love. Art, history, culture, and architecture.

Q) Why is it so important for Fashion to be embraced in smaller markets like Dayton, OH?

A) It is important for fashion to be embraced here because there are so many misconceptions about the industry especially in places like Dayton. There may be many people here who loves fashion, but know nothing about it so therefore their love dies and their dream is lost. We always associate fashion with the big cities, but there are so many talented and fashionable people right here in our little cities that need a voice and a platform to make it.

Q) What are you most excited about in terms of your participation in A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance and what are you hoping to get out of this experience?

A) I am most excited about showcasing my first collection during A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance! I am also excited to learn as much as I possibly can. I always tell people that I am a student first so I plan to take a lot of notes. I would also like to inspire at least one person. I want them to know If I can do it, so can they! Just have that burning passion and a lot of faith.

Q) What advice do you have for those seeking a career in fashion?

A) Fashion is a very competitive and risky industry. However, you have to put your big boy pants on and just go for it! Don’t allow anyone’s personal opinion to stop you from reaching your personal goal. Remember to stay true to yourself and never lose sight of where you want to go. Remain faithful, humble, hungry and determined and know that No dream is too big, and no age is too small!

The one and only Aceani Michelle will make her runway debut during A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance May 9-10

Need we say more?? Aceani is just truly phenomenal and has so many people cheering her on and rooting for her. One of the main reasons that she brought myself and Lisa to tears last week was seeing how much support she has from her family at such a young age. Lisa and I both opened up to her about our missed opportunities and dreams that went unfulfilled because we didn’t have the support that we needed from family or a platform to practice and showcase what we loved. For me it was modeling, I had my first contract when I was 12 but at the same time my mom was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and wasn’t able to dedicate the time that was needed to get me to casting calls and we couldn’t afford to travel to my agency for meetings and for Lisa it was attending Juilliard School of Performing Arts but as we both experienced and Aceani pointed out in her interview if we do not support local talent dreams fade away. But we are determined to not allow that to happen and to be the support system for others that we wish that we would have had in our lives when we lived, breathed, and dreamed about our passion.

For more information on how you can help make Aceani’s dreams come true when she debuts her first line during A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance May 9-10, or how you can help sponsor her work or win an internship with Anne Agoren in NYC please send all inquiries to [email protected]. You can also follow her blog at aceanimichelle.blogspot.com . You can also see her work first hand at during A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance by purchasing your tickets today at Salon J Ladner located at 37 S. St.Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402, American Pi Dayton located at 39. S. St. Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402 Beaute Box located 116 W. 5th St., Dayton OH, 45402. Tickets are also available online at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-weekend-of-de-fiance-first-flight-now-fashion-vintage-couture-ball-tickets-10948422025. For VIP Tickets http://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-weekend-of-de-fiance-first-flight-now-fashion-vintage-couture-ball-vip-seating-tickets-10948458133 NOTE: VIP Tickets included premium seating, Swag bags, and a complimentary drink.

For more information on the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC or how you or your company can be a part of this ground breaking event, text “DEFI” to 55469. We are currently looking for volunteers, Makeup Artist, and Hair Stylist to help with production. Also, if you would like to become a sponsor or take out an ad in (DE-FI)ance Magazine we have affordable packages available that start as low as $35!! A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance is guaranteed to be more than a Fashion Show, it’s a #FashionExperience and we’re #TakingItToTheNextLevel #FirstFlightNowFashion.

(DE-FI) Introduces: Sonya Mills of Kerapa Klothing

April 9, 2014 By Caressa Brown Leave a Comment

(DE-FI) Designer Sonya Mills of Kerapa Klothing

What can I say about Sonya Mills? Well, for starters I can say that she has been one of the voices that have helped to shape the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC into what it is today. In the early stages of (DE-FI) long before we had a name…months after I stepped down from DFW; I remember sitting out on the patio of De’Lish Café along with Sonya, her mother (DE-FI) Designer Brenda Marone, and (DE-FI) Advisory Board and Steering Committee Ed Dixon discussing what the next step should be in terms of what the next step should be to get a strong fashion movement going in Dayton.

It was Sonya who first shared with me the struggles that she faced as an emerging designer, as we continue to learn more about the Fashion Industry and grow as an organization, I think that is fair to credit Sonya with the idea of creating the Art of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Fund which will be launched during A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance May 9^th-10^th. The Fashion Fund will be used to help designers purchase materials such as fabrics to produce their lines, pay entrance fees into influential Fashion Weeks that will put them in front of buyers, as well as helping to pay for some travel expenses!!

As with each of the designers that are showcasing during A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance, we asked each of them the exact same questions in an attempt to not only introduce them to you but to help everyone have a better understanding of why supporting our local talent and providing a platform for them to showcase their work is important to the success and future of Dayton. So I take much pride in introducing (DE-FI) Designer and Co-Founder of the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC Sonya Mills–

Q) How did you get your start in the fashion industry?

A) I guess it was a mid-life crisis. I have dabbled off and on with sewing, crochet, and designing, but had never seriously pursued that dream until I turned 40. I just made up my mind and started doing small local shows.

(DE-FI) Model Megan Krug wears a Kerapa Dress at The Taste of (DE-FI)ance

Q) Who were your influences personally and professionally?

A) Personally my Mom Brenda Marone of B. Marie Fashions is my influence. She did many shows in the 80’s using African textiles with American styles, and I guess it rubbed off. Professionally I see myself as a Black Betsy Johnson. I make clothes for the young and young at heart.

Q) What were some of the struggles you faced as an emerging designer and what do you consider to be your “Big Break” that took you from being an emerging designer to an established designer?

A) My main struggle is always financing. I still feel like I am emerging even though I did Mid-West and Plitz’s Fashion Weeks last year.

Q) What has been your biggest challenge trying to get your start in the industry?

A) It is a challenge to find backing and make people understand that everything they see is for sale. We want to clothe you.

Q) There are so many misconceptions about what the Fashion Industry is or what it represents, if there was one myth about the fashion industry that you could debunk what would it be and why?

A) Showing in New York does not make you an overnight success.

Q) Who is your target market, and when people think of your brand what is the image that you want people to see or represent??

(DE-FI) Child Model wears Kerapa Kids at (DE-FI) Presents: Fashion In The Mystic Garden

A) My target market has just recently changed, or should I say, I finally owned it. I started making clothes for women, but more people have asked for children’s wear. Now I would say my target is Infants to Teens.

Q) Why is it so important for Fashion to be embraced in smaller markets like Dayton, OH?

A) I think fashion should be embraced here because Dayton has so much talent.

Q) What are you most excited about in terms of your participation in A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance and what are you hoping to get out of this experience?

A) I hope to get clients. I will be showing Children’s day wear and Teen evening wear.

Q) What advice do you have for those seeking a career in fashion?

A) I always tell people to go for their dreams. Don’t wait until you’re 40 like I did. But even if you do start late, know that your talent and will can take you far.

For more information on how you can purchase a custom made dress by Sonya Mills and Kerapa, please send all inquiries to [email protected] You can also see her work first hand at during A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance by purchasing your tickets today at Salon J Ladner located at 37 S. St.Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402, American Pi Dayton located at 39. S. St. Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402 Beaute Box located 116 W. 5th St., Dayton OH, 45402, American Pi Lebanon located at 748 E. Columbus Ave., Lebanon OH. You can also purchase your tickets online at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-weekend-of-de-fiance-first-flight-now-fashion-vintage-couture-ball-tickets-10948422025. For VIP Tickets http://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-weekend-of-de-fiance-first-flight-now-fashion-vintage-couture-ball-vip-seating-tickets-10948458133 NOTE: VIP Tickets included premium seating, Swag bags, and a complimentary drink.

For more information on the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC or how you or your company can be a part of this ground breaking event, text “DEFI” to 55469. We are currently looking for volunteers, Makeup Artist, and Hair Stylist to help with production. Also, if you would like to become a sponsor or take out an ad in (DE-FI)ance Magazine we have affordable packages available that start as low as $35!! We’re #TakingItToTheNextLevel #FirstFlightNowFashion.

(DE-FI) Introduces Erika Berthy of Gowns By Beartie

April 5, 2014 By Caressa Brown Leave a Comment

The Illumination by Gowns by Beartie

Ask anyone who knows me and they’ll tell you, I’m not easily intimidated or at a loss for words but the very first time that I met Designer Erika Berthy designer of Gowns by Beartie, I found myself being both. We were attending a committee meeting for the Opera Guild of Dayton; I had been a fan of her work for some time but given her level of talent I wasn’t quite ready to reach out to her to see if she would be interested in showcasing at a (DE-FI) event, after all we are still rather new and we have a lot of work to do to prove that Fashion has a home here in Dayton!! Long story short I somehow managed to get the words out of my mouth to introduce myself to her without sounding like a rambling buffoon and to my surprise, she was equally excited about meeting me and said that she had been following the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC from the beginning and the rest as they say—is history!!

To say that Erika’s approach to fashion is different would be an understatement simply because she doesn’t even refer to her work as fashion, she calls it Wearable Art. When she first started explaining the concept of her work, I really didn’t understand what she meant BUT then she brought out a design called “The Passion” and I was in awe! “The Passion” wasn’t just a dress, it was literally a piece of art constructed to look like a dress and to top it off the description of each detail of “The Passion” was poetic, from the plunging neckline that exposes our heart to the slashes along the side that represent the ribs to protect the heart literally and #MetaphoricallySpeaking.

Spoken Word Artist Jay Martinez will be collaberating with Gowns by Beartie to bring a Fashion meets Poetry experience you wont’ forget!!

Each piece from Gowns by Beartie tells a story. So of course we couldn’t just have Erika’s runway showcase set to music…we needed a Story Teller or a Spoken Word Artist to help us deliver this #FashionExperience to the attendees of The First Flight Now Fashion Vintage Couture Ball taking place on Saturday May 10 as a part of A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance…and the first person that came to mind was local Spoken Word Artist Jay Martinez of Metaphorically Speaking. When I shared the concept of fusing Poetry and Fashion with Erika she fell in love with the idea and believe me when I say you do not want to miss her showcase that will be set to the whimsical and rapid fire lyrics of Jay Martinez who has written custom poetry for each piece that Erika will be showcasing including “Contained Energy”, “Delicate Balance”, “Discovery”, “Inner Passion”, and “Transient Layers”!!

The Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC is excited to introduce participating designers that will be taking part in A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance May 9-10, 2014!! A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance will be showcasing both emerging and established designers to help raise money for the Art of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Fund! The Fashion Fund will be used to help designers purchase materials such as fabrics to produce their lines, pay entrance fees into influential Fashion Weeks that will put them in front of buyers, as well as helping to pay for some travel expenses!! As we’ve done with Anne Agoren designer of Izzi Bags and Rebecca Huber designer of Maderas Beach Co., we set down for a Q & A with Erika to share her story and journey in Fashion with the community!

Q) How did you get your start in the fashion industry?

A) I first became interested in Fashion when I was in elementary school while watching a program on FIT I later went on to attend the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP (Design, Architecture, Art and Planning) where I completed six Co-ops and full time internships.

Q) Who were your influences personally and professionally?

A) My parents, Audrey Hepburn, Oscar de la Renta, Givenchy, Charles James, Julie Pollack, Elma Camargo, Cynthia Lockhart, Ann Firestone, Margie Voelker-Ferrier, Julie Liveris…I could go on and on!

Q) What were some of the struggles you faced as an emerging designer and what do you consider to be your “Big Break” that took you from being an emerging designer to an established designer?

A) Funding my art has been my biggest struggle. Working with the wonderful photographer Adam Leigh-Manuell and makeup/hair artist Lydia Brock has been my biggest break.

Q) What has been your biggest challenge trying to get your start in the industry?

A) Marketing my work has always been a challeng.

Q) There are so many misconceptions about what the Fashion Industry is or what it represents, if there was one myth about the fashion industry that you could debunk what would it be and why?

A) One fashion misconception is that women always wore white for their weddings. This tradition didn’t start until Queen Victoria in 1840.

Q) Who is your target market, and when people think of your brand what is the image that you want people to see or represent?

A) My brand is wearable art, fabric sculptures designed to enhance your body, reflect your style and transcend stereotypes of purpose. My target market is strong women who appreciate art and stand out from the crowd.

Q) Why is it so important for Fashion to be embraced in smaller markets like Dayton, OH?

A) Fashion needs to be embraced in smaller markets like Dayton to help support and keep artists in the community.

Q) What are you most excited about in terms of your participation in A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance and what are you hoping to get out of this experience?

A) I’m excited to be involved in an event that promotes emerging designers, I’m hoping to introduce my work to a new audience.

Q) What advice do you have for those seeking a career in fashion?

A) Read Steven Pressfield’s The War on Art. Also check out Nine Heads, a fantastic Fashion Illustration book. Go on internships, explore the many facets of the industry and ask questions.

For more information on how you can make a fashion Statement in A Gown by Beartie, please send all inquiries to [email protected] You can also see her work first hand at during A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance by purchasing your tickets today at Salon J Ladner located at 37 S. St.Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402, American Pi Dayton located at 39. S. St. Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402 Beaute Box located 116 W. 5th St., Dayton OH, 45402, American Pi Lebanon located at 748 E. Columbus Ave., Lebanon OH. You can also purchase your tickets online at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-weekend-of-de-fiance-first-flight-now-fashion-vintage-couture-ball-tickets-10948422025. For VIP Tickets http://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-weekend-of-de-fiance-first-flight-now-fashion-vintage-couture-ball-vip-seating-tickets-10948458133 NOTE: VIP Tickets included premium seating, Swag bags, and a complimentary drink.

For more information on the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC or how you or your company can be a part of this ground breaking event, text “DEFI” to 55469. We are currently looking for volunteers, Makeup Artist, and Hair Stylist to help with production. Also, if you would like to become a sponsor or take out an ad in (DE-FI)ance Magazine we have affordable packages available that start as low as $35!! We’re #TakingItToTheNextLevel #FirstFlightNowFashion.

Act Out Studio’s Presents: The Legacy Ball

March 30, 2014 By Caressa Brown Leave a Comment

On Friday April 4, 2014, the founder of the well-respected Act Out Talent Studio, Kelechukwu “Chu” Oparah will Host the first of what he hopes to be an Annual fundraising event entitled the Legacy Ball. Act Out Talent Studio of Dayton, is a division of nonprofit 501(c)(3) Eastgate Studios, Inc., and helps area youth develop marketable and professional skills in various forms of artistic performance, including recorded film and TV media; these classes are taught by actors, directors, and other top industry professionals. Act Out Studios also helps young performers gain representation with talent agencies or talent managers and prepares them for the work place. According to Chu “Film and TV productions require the contributions of many people working together, youth in our programs learn skills that employers value greatly, such as communication, teamwork, creative thinking and dependability”.

Audience Choice Winner Caroline Glaser from NBC’s The Voice will perform a Private Concert during The Legacy Ball

The Legacy Ball will feature a private concert by Atlantic Records Artist and The Voice contestant Caroline Glaser, according to a Press Release issued by Act Out Studio, Caroline Glaser is an Indie/Folk vocalist who was voted the “Audience Choice Award winner in Season 4 of NBS’s hit show The Voice and her chart-topping hit Money Tree was recorded right here in the Miami Valley at Twelve3South Studio in Tipp City. The Legacy Ball will also feature both a live and silent Auction that will include the work of accomplished local artists, memorabilia of pro athletes with local ties, private instruction with a famed athlete, recording studio time with a Billboard-topping producer and a private getaway vacation. There will also be food, local wines, and a mini Fashion Show featuring (DE-FI) Designers Sonya Mills of Kerapa Clothing, Erika Berthy of Gowns By Bearite, and Brenda Marone of B. Marie,and (DE-FI) Models.

The Legacy Ball will be held at the Dayton Art Institute inside of the Shaw Gothic Clositer this Friday from 4:30p-8:30p. Vanessa Freeman, co-host and producer of Living Dayton on WDTN Channel 2 will be the Emcee for the evening. There are a limited amount of tickets available for this event, for more information on Act Out Talent Studio please visit their website at www.actouttalent.org and for more information on the Legacy Ball visit http://www.thelegacyball.com/. Proceeds from this event will help Act Out Talent Studio of Dayton which is a Non-Profit Organization fund scholarships for student training, programming and productions, and residencies for film industry professionals who train students and to help purchase equipment.

Industry Events Welcomes Fabric Fest To Dayton

March 25, 2014 By Caressa Brown Leave a Comment

This Saturday, one of the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC’s partners Industry Events will be hosting a Fabric Fest at De’Lish Café located at 139 N. Main St. Dayton, OH 45402 from 10am to 4pm. Ed Dixon the CEO of Industry Events who also sits on the Advisory Board and Steering Committee for (DE-FI) sat down for a quick Q & A Session to share with us a few details regarding Saturday’s event and what Industry Events has in store for the future right here in Dayton!!

Q) What is Industry Events?

A) Industry Events was created simply to help foster the creative community in Dayton. Whether it’s Fashion, Music, Art, Film or TV. There’s always a potential for growth and new ideas when like-minded people get together. It doesn’t have to be a large event. Sometimes the best networking opportunities and collaborations have come from small meetings and gatherings. Industry Events just comes up with themes and a venue and says let’s get together and talk.

Q) Why have you taken an interest in the Fashion Industry?

A) I’ve watched fashion really take hold in the area over the last couple of years. I initially volunteered my time because I was excited to see something new come to the city. However, as I’ve seen the economic potential for fashion here grow, I’m hoping that the business of fashion can help improve the overall quality of life in the Dayton area.

Q) What is the significance of the Fabric Fest and who will benefit from it the most?

Anna Livermore of V. Mora and Jay Arbetman

A) Anna Livermore of V. Mora and Jay Arbetman of The Sourcing District are both from the Chicago area and have taken Fabric Fest around the country to help aspiring and even established independent designers with the process bringing their designs to life. I don’t think the Dayton area has seen an event quite like this and I believe any designer that works in fabrics will benefit greatly from Anna and Jay’s years of experience and advice. Anna will give a presentation on the Top 5 Mistakes Beginning Designers Make at 1pm and Jay will be available throughout the event with fabric choices that are rarely seen in this area.

Q) Is there a cost to attend?

A) The event is free of charge. Street meter parking downtown on Saturday is also free.

Q) Will people be able to purchase fabrics during the event?

A) No inventory will be on hand at the event, but all fabric will be available to purchase by credit card at wholesale prices with low minimum orders. The key thing is that a fabric a designer selects or purchases at Fabric Fest will still be available down the road when the designer needs to make sample designs of their clothing or has customer orders. These are fabrics that the vendors always stocks, so the designer can have confidence that future orders for their designs can still be manufactured.

Q) What are some of the barriers designers face in selecting and purchasing fabrics?

A) Many designers I’ve talked to travel to the East and West Coast and even overseas to find the fabric they need for their designs. However, most designers are on a more limited budget and typically have to go through a process of requesting sample swatches of fabrics from places in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and overseas to find the fabric that fits their needs. This can be time consuming and sometimes expensive. Fabric Fest is chance for designers in the Dayton area and surrounding cities to see and feel a huge variety of samples all in one place with just a short drive.

Q) What role would you like to see the Fabric Fest play in the future for the local fashion scene?

A) I’d like to see Fabric Fest being a semi-annual event where new and established designers learn about the “Ins and Outs” of the business of fashion from seasoned professionals, thereby, saving themselves time and money. I also want to see that translate into jobs and the growing of our local economy. I think the more successful this and future events are, the more likely Dayton can follow places like Columbus as being a city people in the world of fashion take serious.

Q) How can people find out about future events produced by Industry Events?

A) You can find out more about Industry Events at theindustryevents.com and on Twitter & Instagram @Industry937

According to a Press Release issue by Industry Events “The Dayton region has seen a lot of interest and growth in fashion in the last couple of years. Dayton had its first major fashion week in 2012 and in 2013 there were new groups that continued and furthered the goal of creating a vibrant fashion community here. The Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) will again hold their annual signature event over the weekend of May 9-10^th. In addition, fashion magazines, blogs and clothing retailers such as Joli Boutique and Rumorless Threads have enjoyed and been at the forefront of this trend. Debbie Teeters, owner of Joli Boutique, says “I am a great believer in that our fashion is a barometer for measuring our mood and the mood of the economy. Optimism is in the air for 2014 and it shows with our fashion!” Local marketer and promoter, Ed Dixon was instrumental in bringing Fabric Fest to Dayton after making several trips to New York and Los Angeles to research the market. “I’ve seen this area finally register on the world’s fashion radar and I certainly will do what I can to help make the Dayton region a serious player.” #TakingItToTheNextLevel #FirstFlightNowFashion

(DE-FI) Introduces: Rebecca Huber, Maderas Beach Co.

March 23, 2014 By Caressa Brown Leave a Comment

Rebecca Huber of Maderas Beach Co. Image Copyright Equine Design

Kicking off during Urban Nights on May 9, A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance will be flying high with the First Flight Now Fashion Vintage Couture Ball and the Stylish Mom Runway Show on May 10 at Commander Aero, with the ShoeDIVA Boutique as our Official Shoe Sponsor, and Izzi Bags by Anne Agoren as our Official Handbag Sponsor, Rebecca Huber will be making her runway debut of Maderas Beach Co.

With that being said, every week leading up to the Weekend of (DE-FI)ance, we will be doing a Q & A Session with each of the participating designers in an effort to shed a little light on what it takes to make it in the industry and why the City of Dayton should embrace area and independent designers! So without further ado, Introducing Rebecca Huber.

Q) How did you get your start in the fashion industry?

A) Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been drawing and making clothing for myself, obsessing over the fashions found in magazines and online. It’s one of my passions I never really embraced until this January, when I decided to just take the plunge and see where it takes me. I am still getting my start in the fashion industry.

Q) Who were your influences personally and professionally?

A) My mother and my two grandmothers were avid sewers and I got my early training and support from them. Now, my husband is my biggest supporter and I am so grateful for his support, patience and love. Professionally, I don’t really have anyone who takes the place of a mentor, but I am always inspired by women who are fully engaged in their passions: Karena and Katrina of Tone It Up, the creators of swim brand Maaji, Rebekah Steen of Goldfish Kiss, and many more women just going out there making things happen.

Q) What were some of the struggles you faced as an emerging designer and what do you consider to be your “Big Break” that took you from being an emerging designer to an established designer?

A) I’m still an emerging designer. I’ve only been at this for a couple months, so the challenges of starting a business are still ongoing. Gaining exposure and convincing people to take a leap of faith in buying my products are my two biggest challenges. I am excited to see how A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance influences my brand and business; it’s a very big opportunity to have right off the bat.

Q) What has been your biggest challenge trying to get your start in the industry?

A) Gaining exposure and of course sacrificing time and money without a sure return. It’s a bit of a gamble, and trusting myself and God. The process is always a challenge.

Q) There are so many misconceptions about what the Fashion Industry is or what it represents, if there was one myth about the fashion industry that you could debunk what would it be and why?

A) That it’s entirely vain or a shallow interest. I really think of fashion and style as art and communication. Style choices communicate something about you. Having the ability to experiment with texture, shape, color, function is a critical component of art, and crafting something that you or someone else can wear is a definitely a skill not many people have. Fashion is about much more than being pretty or popular or the best dressed.

Q) Who is your target market, and when people think of your brand what is the image that you want people to see or represent??

A) My target market is women, primarily women who love travel and adventure. They have a little bit of tomboy in them, a little bit of glamor and a little bit of practicality. When a woman views my brand, I hope they think of all the places they want to visit, or are reminded of a particularly inspiring trip they took. Wanderlust is a huge component of my brand, as is functionality. I also hope potential customers see the quality of the items, and are excited about the affordability.

Q) Why is it so important for Fashion to be embraced in smaller markets like Dayton, OH?

A Sneak Peek of Madera’s Beach Co.’s Mood Board for A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance.

A) Smaller markets really are incubators. For budding designers, it’s an opportunity to do the thing they love doing. Someone like me, or a new brand like mine, would not survive in a major fashion hub like New York or Paris. Small markets make fashion accessible to the people who can’t or don’t want to go to a bigger market.

Q) What are you most excited about in terms of your participation in A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance and what are you hoping to get out of this experience?

A) I’m very excited to get more exposure, get my brand out there, and let women know they can have a well-fitted, high quality, fashionable bikini for a fraction of the cost of the big design labels or pricey boutiques. Beyond that, I have always wanted to participate in a fashion show, so this is really a dream of mine coming true.

Q) What advice do you have for those seeking a career in fashion?

A) Learn about the fashion industry, find your inspiration and just dive in. I haven’t got it figured out, but I am learning to not let my fear of the unknown keep me from pursuing and attaining my goals.

For more information on how you can make a splash this summer wearing Madera’s Beach Co by Rebecca Huber, please send all inquires to [email protected] You can also see her work first hand at during A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance by purchasing your tickets today at Salon J Ladner located at 37 S. St.Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402, American Pi Dayton located at 39. S. St. Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402 Beaute Box located 116 W. 5th St., Dayton OH, 45402, American Pi Lebanon located at 748 E. Columbus Ave., Lebanon OH. You can also purchase your tickets online at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-weekend-of-de-fiance-first-flight-now-fashion-vintage-couture-ball-tickets-10948422025. For VIP Tickets http://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-weekend-of-de-fiance-first-flight-now-fashion-vintage-couture-ball-vip-seating-tickets-10948458133 NOTE: VIP Tickets included premium seating, Swag bags, and a complimentary drink.

For more information on the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC or how you or your company can be a part of this ground breaking event, text “DEFI” to 55469. We are currently looking for volunteers, Makeup Artist, and Hair Stylist to help with production. Also, if you would like to become a sponsor or take out an ad in (DE-FI)ance Magazine we have affordable packages available that start as low as $35!! We’re #TakingItToTheNextLevel #FirstFlightNowFashion.