- 2 days ago
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00:00:00Let's get started.
00:00:30Let's get started.
00:01:00There go my pants trying to upstage me again, y'all.
00:01:04We having a good time.
00:01:05It's really the educated baddies for me.
00:01:07Let me just start off by saying that.
00:01:09I don't care where they're running.
00:01:11If they're running for office, nationally, internationally, if they're running errands, I'm running behind them and I'm voting.
00:01:19Okay?
00:01:19If they're selling it, I'm buying it.
00:01:21Okay?
00:01:21And I'm reading those books to stay educated.
00:01:23Thank you all so much.
00:01:25To everyone out there feeling that call to make a change, keep your eyes on McDonald's We Are Golden.
00:01:33The opportunity to be a change leader in 2024 is coming soon.
00:01:37The official website isn't up just yet, but stay in the loop on IG at We Are Golden.
00:01:44Your time to shine is on the horizon.
00:01:48So keeping it moving, our next panelists are going to give you a backstage pass to go behind the scenes of today's fashion industry.
00:01:56And, you know, as a fellow fashion girly, I'm going to probably sit right there.
00:02:00So just move over.
00:02:00Let me sit in that chair when I get up here.
00:02:03So to lead that conversation, we have Essence content director, Nandi Howard.
00:02:08Give her a warm, familiar welcome, y'all.
00:02:12Hey, y'all.
00:02:14Well, first, I want to say it's the end of the day, right?
00:02:18I don't know if you guys are tired.
00:02:20We have a couple good performances.
00:02:21But I want everybody to take a deep breath in and a deep breath out.
00:02:26And I hope you receive this conversation and it gives you the enlightenment that you need.
00:02:31My name is Nandi Howard.
00:02:32I'm the content director at Girls United and Essence Ventures.
00:02:36I'm also the former fashion editor at Essence.
00:02:40So we believe in uplift and right.
00:02:41We believe in climbing the ladder.
00:02:43Joining me today, these girls are going to give me a glimpse into their world.
00:02:48Fashion creatives, their forefront in the industry.
00:02:51And I'm super, super excited to chat with them.
00:02:54Please give it up for designer, artist, and steez enthusiast, Nandi Edwards.
00:03:00Fashion blogger, model, and sneaker designer, Aleli May.
00:03:03And fashion designer and founder of Tordroves, Toriana Bro.
00:03:07Please give them a round of applause.
00:03:11Come on, ladies.
00:03:15Thank you for joining us.
00:03:17All right, let's go ahead and get started.
00:03:24I got y'all calm with that deep breath in and deep breath out, huh?
00:03:28Well, hi.
00:03:29Thank you for joining me.
00:03:31How's y'all day been?
00:03:32It's been great.
00:03:33It's been amazing.
00:03:34I feel pretty far away.
00:03:35I know.
00:03:36I'm like, I can't reach y'all.
00:03:37So let's just do like a nice icebreaker, you know, so everybody can get familiar.
00:03:45I'm pretty sure you know these ladies, but let's just get familiar with them.
00:03:48To start, may you all just give a quick summary, an elevator pitch of how each of you got into fashion.
00:03:53We'll start with you, Aleli.
00:03:54How I got into fashion.
00:03:56I was going to school in Chicago in 2010.
00:04:00I went to Columbia College.
00:04:03So from Los Angeles, from South Central.
00:04:06Definitely new place.
00:04:08And I started working at this store called RSVP Gallery.
00:04:12It was owned by Don C. and Virgil Abloh.
00:04:15And this was before Off-White.
00:04:17So, you know, I was packing all the Pyrex t-shirts.
00:04:23But that's how I got my start.
00:04:24Working in that space really introduced me to a lot of people that I work with today.
00:04:29And it also taught me, you know, Don and Virgil did an amazing job teaching me that work with what you got.
00:04:35You want to be a model?
00:04:36All right, you want to put on somebody's clothes.
00:04:37Yeah.
00:04:38You want to be a social media manager?
00:04:40All right, you can upload to Instagram.
00:04:41So these were the first things that really got me into the space.
00:04:45I think it's important to also talk about how you got that job.
00:04:48Because a lot of girls are like, okay, she was at the RSVP Gallery.
00:04:52But, like, did she apply?
00:04:53Did she go on LinkedIn?
00:04:54Did she walk in there?
00:04:55So I think it's important to let them know how you got it.
00:04:57Yeah.
00:04:58I was on Tumblr.
00:04:59And, you know, we'll post my inspiration.
00:05:01But then I was like, you know what?
00:05:02I have a lot of cool friends.
00:05:04And I do a lot of cool things.
00:05:06I'm going to start posting us.
00:05:08Right?
00:05:08And so it was the night of Jay-Z and Kanye's Watch the Throne tour.
00:05:16And RSVP Gallery had, like, an in-store.
00:05:19So me and my homies were like, yo, we're about to go.
00:05:21It was crazy, right?
00:05:24Chicago at the time, just the energy was also amazing.
00:05:27And so we pulled up.
00:05:29And Don C. came up to me.
00:05:31And he was just like, yo, I be seeing you on the internet.
00:05:34You fresh.
00:05:35And I'm like, what?
00:05:36Me?
00:05:37I'm like, thank you so much.
00:05:41And he was like, yeah, you know, we're trying to put together our Power Rangers.
00:05:47And so this is everybody.
00:05:49We all have our own special craft.
00:05:51And we're trying to build this team out.
00:05:54Would you want to work here?
00:05:55And I'm like, well, I go to school full time.
00:05:57I also work full time at Louis Vuitton inside the store.
00:06:02I'm like, only have, like, one or two days off.
00:06:04He was like, that's cool.
00:06:05I'm like, what kind of job has one to two days a week?
00:06:10But I'll take it.
00:06:11And, you know, that place, at the time, there wasn't a lot of streetwear stores.
00:06:16Right.
00:06:16And so I was going in there, and you'll see a Goyard trunk, but you'll see Pharrell BBC
00:06:21t-shirts inside the trunk.
00:06:22I'd never been to places where it just had just culture, and you're just immersed in it.
00:06:28And there were a lot of people that were your age or a little bit older than you who
00:06:33were working in that creative field.
00:06:36And so I actually, I was making amazing money at Louis Vuitton, but I actually wasn't happy
00:06:41because I was just young.
00:06:42And everybody there was much older, and they had done many things in their life already.
00:06:47And I was like, you know what?
00:06:50Even though I'm going to work as an intern for no money at RSVP, I'm actually happy working
00:06:55here.
00:06:55So I ended up quitting Louis Vuitton and working at RSVP full time.
00:07:01And that's actually where I met the two people who were going to give me a Jordan.
00:07:06So I met them in 2011, and I actually ended up re-actually getting to know them in 2016.
00:07:18Okay.
00:07:18So it was some years, yeah.
00:07:20Yeah, but you never know who you meet, you know?
00:07:23Yeah, always be gracious and never give up, guys.
00:07:25So Tori, let's skip to you.
00:07:27I wanted to know just a quick summary of how you got started into the fashion industry.
00:07:30Okay, so for me, I've been into fashion since high school, middle school.
00:07:37I was a girl that, you know, I was a single parent household, five kids.
00:07:42So every year my mom would give me like $100.
00:07:45And I'm not buying G-knights for my $100.
00:07:47I'm going to the thrift store, okay?
00:07:49Right.
00:07:49And we're going to get all of the shirts, the pants.
00:07:52We're going to rip them, tie them together, bleach them.
00:07:55And that was like my first, like, oh, I can do this.
00:07:58And I had a sketch that I did in high school, and I wanted to make it tangible.
00:08:06I was like, okay, let me do my research.
00:08:09And I'm from Houston, where it's not predominant in fashion.
00:08:12You can't walk to, you know, the Santee Alley's or the fashion district.
00:08:17So I was like, okay, let me do my research.
00:08:19I had to learn what a tech pack was.
00:08:20I had to learn everything to make this sketch that I had, which was a top and a bottom, tangible.
00:08:27So I did that.
00:08:29I was working as a server in 2020, and I emptied out my savings account.
00:08:36It's a funny story.
00:08:37I emptied out my savings account, and I was like, okay, I want to sell this.
00:08:42I don't know how I was going to do it.
00:08:44I want to sell it.
00:08:45So I made a sample, and I emptied out my savings account.
00:08:48I got 100 tops, and I got 100 bottoms.
00:08:51And I waited like maybe two months, and they're the Signature Use It pants to the butterfly pants.
00:08:58And when I got it, it was nothing of what the sample was.
00:09:03It was disgusting.
00:09:06So I put it in my apartment.
00:09:08I lined it up on the wall, and I would look at it every day for three months.
00:09:11And it wasn't until I got fired from my job to where my back was against the wall that I gained the confidence.
00:09:17And I was like, actually, I'm going to post it online because I don't have anything now.
00:09:20I posted it, and I sold out the same day.
00:09:23That's amazing.
00:09:24Can we give a clap for that?
00:09:27That's amazing, Tori.
00:09:28So I sold out the same day, but I still didn't know what to do.
00:09:31I was like, I'm going to go back to work.
00:09:33Yeah, I have money, but we're going to go back to work, and we're going to learn as much as we can.
00:09:37So I took every single dollar that I got from those clothes, and I reinvested, and I reinvested.
00:09:43And today I have a warehouse.
00:09:45Yeah.
00:09:46I have all of that.
00:09:47So that's my first jump into fashion, and this year I asked God to be more front-facing in the media, to put a name and a face to my brand, and I'm here.
00:09:56Look where you're at.
00:09:57It's my first panel.
00:09:59Yes, I love that.
00:10:00So, Nani, I just got to see you at Spelman the other day.
00:10:04Can you give this wonderful audience?
00:10:06Is there any Spelman girls in the house?
00:10:07Okay.
00:10:10Nani, can you give us a summary of how you got started?
00:10:14Yes.
00:10:14And what are those shoes on your feet?
00:10:15Right.
00:10:17These are the pre-releases of the Nike Spelman Terminators, the first ever Spelman-Nike collaboration.
00:10:23That she designed.
00:10:24I designed.
00:10:25Fire.
00:10:27Yes, God is good.
00:10:29So, hi, everyone.
00:10:30My name is Nani.
00:10:32This is actually my very first time being on a panel, so I just want to, like, you know, share that vulnerability.
00:10:37I was sitting where you guys were just last year.
00:10:40So, it's crazy where life can take you.
00:10:44Take it all in.
00:10:44Yeah, so, just briefly, you know, I really attribute my fashion sense to my parents.
00:10:50My mom is here somewhere.
00:10:53There's a name at me.
00:10:54Hey, mom.
00:10:55You know, just really what you wear is your first impression.
00:10:58It's, you know, it's really what you carry in your sense of creativity and your spirit.
00:11:03So, as a child, I've always known to just look your best, dress your best.
00:11:08You never know who's going to see you or what's going on.
00:11:10You know, they say hey.
00:11:12Sometimes they don't.
00:11:13Whatever it is.
00:11:14So, I just always wanted to just look my best and feel my best.
00:11:17I think my intrigue in fashion really happened for me when I decided to really step into more of embracing my balance between masculinity and femininity.
00:11:31And that's where fashion became more fun for me.
00:11:35I actually felt like this is a project I can really take on and figure out, you know, what is comfortable for me.
00:11:44And so, that happened.
00:11:45I was really feminine.
00:11:47Well, I was like a tomboy for real.
00:11:49I was begging my mom to shop in the boys' section since I was, like, this high.
00:11:53I didn't know what was what.
00:11:54I just wanted, like, corduroy and, like, zip pants.
00:11:56Like, I didn't put a gender on it.
00:11:58I just knew what I liked.
00:11:59And I was very headstrong with that.
00:12:01And my parents, you know, it was a blessing.
00:12:04They listened to me.
00:12:06And then just throughout, like, high school, I had to wear a uniform.
00:12:12And that was the first time, seventh and eighth grade, where I was bullied because I wanted to wear the pant option.
00:12:19And they were calling me names that I don't want to say because I was like, what is that?
00:12:23Like, I've never heard that word before.
00:12:25And so, I tried to just fit in into a culture where I had to wear the skirt.
00:12:30And I was like, you wear the skirt even when it's cold outside?
00:12:33Like, and they're like, yeah.
00:12:34That makes sense.
00:12:34Like, you know, right?
00:12:35So, I mean, I kind of forced myself into a way throughout college.
00:12:40And then it wasn't until, like, after college, I really took my principles from Spelman to really take on being a woman in all of your capacity and whatever you want to do and have that power to do it.
00:12:53And so, that's when I really took a moment to be like, okay, I can only live with myself at the end of the day.
00:13:02And I have to be true to that.
00:13:04So, that's when I really was like, okay, well, what should I wear that's going to really reflect my spirit, the way I move, my aura?
00:13:11And I studied.
00:13:13I was in GQ magazines.
00:13:15I was reading.
00:13:16I was looking.
00:13:17I was looking for inspiration to feel what I could actually bring to myself and bring my own flair to it.
00:13:24And certainly, it was that moment when I truly stepped into exactly my purpose and where I was supposed to be.
00:13:30I started just posting on Instagram.
00:13:33I literally went from, like, girly girl to just post it up, like, straight, like, hey, I gave no explanation for it.
00:13:39And so, people, I'm sure, were like, uh, what's going on?
00:13:43Nani, is Nani okay?
00:13:44Like, you know, but whatever.
00:13:45Like, I kept being consistent in my fashions and what I wanted to bring in the menswear sector.
00:13:52And that's when brands started to look out for me, and they were like, hmm, like, that's an interesting individual, you know?
00:14:00And it was actually my classmate, Zane Dodson, who was in the room for marketing for Nike.
00:14:10And it goes to show that when you were, you truly make genuine connections with people, you know?
00:14:16We were friends.
00:14:17We weren't that close.
00:14:18But every time we saw each other, it was a smile.
00:14:20It was a hug.
00:14:20It was like, hey, girl, hey.
00:14:22You know?
00:14:22But she constantly saw me wearing Nikes and swagging them out.
00:14:27And so, when it was in the moment in the room where they were looking for Atlanta styling, like, influencers, she was like, oh, do y'all know Nani?
00:14:36Like, Nani, look at her page.
00:14:38And that's when my resume showed for itself my progression of, like, of being who I was.
00:14:44And that's when I got into the Nike family.
00:14:47I did my first campaign with the AM270 React Air Max.
00:14:51And so, from there on set, I just was a genuine person just meeting everybody I could meet, you know?
00:14:58Like, I don't know who's who, what's what.
00:15:00I don't care.
00:15:01Like, if you're cool to me, I'm cool to you.
00:15:02And sure enough, two guys from Howard created a campaign called the Nike Yard Runners where they were fighting to really push and show, like, look, there's a space and avenue to highlight HBCU students and alum.
00:15:19And to really show the power that we have as a people.
00:15:24And so, that's where Yard Runners came to life.
00:15:27And they thought, you know, to represent Spelman, it would be me.
00:15:31And so, when I got that call, I mean, it was just like a true full circle embodiment of a moment.
00:15:37And so, fast forward, I got the call last December to design the first ever Nike-Spelman sneaker collaboration.
00:15:48Wow.
00:15:49Congratulations.
00:15:50So, that's really how I got into the fashion industry now.
00:15:53I have been in GQ magazine, GQ Style magazine, August 2021 issue as well, just because I was literally just wearing how I felt, wearing my spirit.
00:16:07And the GQ style, global styling director, Mo Balaji, actually walked up to me and was like, what is that?
00:16:17I don't have the chain on, but I had, like, this, like, really, like, vintage gold chain that my mom gave me.
00:16:21And he was like, what is that chain you're wearing?
00:16:24Like, you know what, actually, I want you to meet somebody.
00:16:26And took my headshots right there at the party.
00:16:28Yeah.
00:16:29And then you ended up being in GQ.
00:16:31Yeah, and then I ended up being in GQ magazine.
00:16:33That's amazing.
00:16:34Well, I'm sitting with some heavy hitters, so give them all a round of applause.
00:16:38So, let's get into a few things.
00:16:40Tori, you just came off of a press tour, or a pop-up tour, where you tapped into six cities.
00:16:47Was it six?
00:16:47Five.
00:16:48Five cities?
00:16:48How was that?
00:16:49What is it like just sort of producing that as an independent designer?
00:16:55That was interesting.
00:16:56The laughs.
00:16:58That was interesting.
00:16:59I had a dream.
00:17:00I was like, I want to do a pop-up tour.
00:17:04I've been climbing and following.
00:17:06I have all these interactions.
00:17:08And, you know, everything is e-commerce.
00:17:10I've never, like, you know, even in Houston, I didn't even, I have a warehouse.
00:17:14But it's like, you can only ship out.
00:17:16I've never, like, even seen, I only would see, you know, my pants on people, but they wouldn't even know who I am.
00:17:22Yeah.
00:17:23So, I would compliment them, and they're like, oh, it's this girl.
00:17:26She's, she is.
00:17:27And I'm like, that's so good.
00:17:30I'm the one who did it.
00:17:32But it's okay.
00:17:33So, the whole purpose for that was to be able to touch and feel and hear and see and get, you know, reactions out of the things that I created.
00:17:42Yeah.
00:17:43So, it was interesting.
00:17:44It took about four months.
00:17:46I was at the warehouse from sunup to sundown looking for venues.
00:17:49I traveled to every city.
00:17:50I had to sign disclosures.
00:17:52It was very interesting to do it, you know, independent, because usually those are things where you get sponsorships, and, you know, you have people come in and do the whole thing for you.
00:18:01Right, and you did it yourself.
00:18:02Yeah.
00:18:02You funded it yourself.
00:18:03I did everything myself.
00:18:04I did everything myself, no investors.
00:18:07And it was very rewarding.
00:18:09Yeah.
00:18:09That was, like, after the whole tour, I was like, dang, I am so, I thank God for that.
00:18:15Yeah.
00:18:15Like, that was, that was good to where I was like, I am ready to do this now.
00:18:20So, yeah.
00:18:21I love that.
00:18:23Aleylee, your resume speaks for itself.
00:18:26You've worked alongside and styled some of the best.
00:18:29But with you being an inspiration for everyone else, how do you find your inspiration?
00:18:35My inspiration definitely comes from, first, like, where I'm from.
00:18:39I always try to incorporate South Central Los Angeles into any of my designs.
00:18:46And, you know, with my stories, it's, you know, it can be landscape.
00:18:50It can be people.
00:18:51A lot of times with me, it's definitely just conversation with me and the homies, because, you know, if it doesn't go out of this circle, that means it ain't going out to the world, you know?
00:19:03So, and definitely my family, I feel like, you know, everybody is just definitely a big push, and we all work, you know, me and my friends, we all have our own goals.
00:19:12So, we all try to work towards each other's goals.
00:19:16And, you know, being a creative, we all experience a lot of the same things where we're fighting for our value or fighting for our designs or, you know, trying to make people see, like, we can give them value, right?
00:19:29So, it's a lot of the same conversation, but for me, it's all about the communication.
00:19:35You know, if I'm able to voice that, you know, I'm having troubles with something and I have people to talk that out with, you know, nine times out of ten, you're going to find a solution for sure.
00:19:45Yeah, your village is, like, super important.
00:19:47Finding those people that you can, like, connect with, build with, and sort of share your vulnerability.
00:19:53Nani, so, you worked with Jordan Nike, you're designing these shoes.
00:20:00How was that process, just the approvals and sending over sketches?
00:20:04Sort of walk us through that.
00:20:06Yeah, so, I found the news out, actually, when I was at Art Basel.
00:20:13So, I was already on a high, like, super excited.
00:20:17And the homie who literally started the Yard Runners campaign wanted to tell me in person.
00:20:21So, we were just at, like, this day party, and he's, like, you know, puts his arm around me, and he puts his arm around Caitlin Davis, who I think is also here.
00:20:32She was the creator of the FAMU Nike sneaker.
00:20:36And they were, like, he was, like, you know, Caitlin was the designer for the FAMU sneaker, and this is the first time Nani's going to hear this, but she's the designer of the Spelman sneaker.
00:20:45Right in the club.
00:20:47I was crying in the club.
00:20:48I was crying.
00:20:49I had to step out.
00:20:49Your dreams come true in the club.
00:20:50Sometimes they do.
00:20:53You know, and so, from that moment, I just got chills.
00:20:58I was, like, okay, guy.
00:20:59It's time.
00:21:00It's time.
00:21:01Let's do it.
00:21:02And, honestly, they, I got a text the next day from another person on the team and was, like, hey, the Nike production team wants to get started with a Zoom call this week.
00:21:15When are you available?
00:21:16Mind you, this was Sunday, and so I was, like, well, I leave town Wednesday, so really my only availability is tomorrow or Tuesday.
00:21:28And they're, like, all right, we'll make it happen.
00:21:30And I'm, like, okay, cool.
00:21:31Let's get it done.
00:21:32And so we had the call, actually, on Tuesday.
00:21:36And so Monday they sent me the silhouette.
00:21:38Okay.
00:21:38They said that you're doing a Terminator high.
00:21:41And personally, I'm going to be real, I'm not really a fan of the Terminator highs.
00:21:45But I took that moment.
00:21:47I was, like, you know what?
00:21:48I'm going to make it a fan for me now.
00:21:50Yeah.
00:21:50Uh-huh, uh-huh.
00:21:51And so I'm going to be able to design it.
00:21:54And, honestly, I didn't have to think too hard about the design.
00:21:59They gave me the silhouette.
00:22:01I knew what I knew, which was paint.
00:22:03I don't know if you all know about paint.
00:22:04There's a lot of Gen Zers in here.
00:22:06But I went on Google and typed in paint, and I uploaded the silhouette, and I did the old-school way.
00:22:14And I literally went on Spelman's website for the hex codes, for the color codes, went on there, found their logos, or the exact logos that I should, you know, use.
00:22:24And I pieced it together myself.
00:22:27Wow.
00:22:28That idea, the design, came to me within seconds, only because this is something that I know.
00:22:35So I've walked the halls of Spelman College.
00:22:39My mother went to Spelman College.
00:22:41My father went to Morehouse.
00:22:43I'm a Spellhouse baby.
00:22:45I know this through and through.
00:22:47So when you know something, it just becomes innate.
00:22:50And there's no, it's just spirit that's just moving through you at that point.
00:22:53Absolutely.
00:22:54Clap it up for that.
00:22:56So I came prepared.
00:22:57And one thing that I know is that you want to make people's jobs as easy as possible, right?
00:23:03You want to come prepared.
00:23:05You want to show them exactly why you're the boss and why they should listen to you respectfully.
00:23:10Respectfully, yeah.
00:23:11Of course, always respectfully.
00:23:13But when I had the Zoom meeting, I actually, they're like, okay, Nani, you want to talk about colors?
00:23:19I was like, well, I can email you guys the folder of the exact design that I like and the logos, the P&G logos and the hex codes.
00:23:28And I had everything in a cute little package.
00:23:31And they were like.
00:23:31Oh, it was ready before you even took the Zoom call.
00:23:34Oh, they, before the, because of course Nike had to do their official mock-up.
00:23:39Right.
00:23:39But I gave them the mock-up.
00:23:40They thought we were going to talk about colors and logos.
00:23:44No.
00:23:44I'm like, oh, no, no.
00:23:45I have it right here.
00:23:47Yeah.
00:23:47I don't, oh, it's not wasting time.
00:23:49That was just like my, my journey with that.
00:23:53And so they were like, wow, Nani, thank you.
00:23:55Like you made our jobs easy.
00:23:56And this is the production team for, for Nike.
00:23:59And so they were listening to what I had to say because I, I knew what I was talking about.
00:24:05You came prepared.
00:24:06Yeah.
00:24:06And so fast forward, they gave me the mock-up, the official mock-up back.
00:24:13And I, I didn't like the cream at all.
00:24:17I was like, this is not the cream we discussed.
00:24:20Like, can we, can we try and find another cream?
00:24:22I mean, it was a lot of like back and forth.
00:24:25And so moving forward from that, they, they finally listened to me.
00:24:32You know, they were talking about putting 18.
00:24:33They're like, well, what if you put 18 right here and 81 on this shoe?
00:24:38And because right now I have thy name and we praise, which is a part of our hymn.
00:24:43Um, and I did that because I like when she, like two pairs of shoes can kind of come together
00:24:48like synonymously, but have two separate messages.
00:24:52Um, and I was like, well, thy name we praise is one phrase from our hymn.
00:24:5718 and 81.
00:24:58I don't know what 18 is, but I do know that 1881 is the year that Spelman College was founded
00:25:04and where black women could seek an education when it was unheard of.
00:25:07So I want that to be very clear on the sides.
00:25:09I want it to be all together to make sure it's known.
00:25:12So basically you stood on business because we're standing on business in 2024, right?
00:25:17Yeah.
00:25:18I mean, you have to just feel what you feel.
00:25:20And so fast forward, happy talking, but they, um, they sent me, they showed me the photo of
00:25:26the shoe.
00:25:27Mind you, this is all gone sight unseen.
00:25:29Okay.
00:25:30So I couldn't even see the shoe until it's here now.
00:25:34So I honestly, I just had to rely on faith, rely on what I know.
00:25:38I told him to please send it back and let me see a suede on it.
00:25:41And they're like, are you sure?
00:25:42Are you sure?
00:25:42It's sight unseen.
00:25:43And I'm like, God sees me.
00:25:46Yeah.
00:25:46So I was, let's do it.
00:25:48And here it is.
00:25:49I love that.
00:25:50Um, we're, we are out of time, but I'm going to five minutes, five, 10 minutes, Florio,
00:25:54please.
00:25:55Okay.
00:25:55Okay.
00:25:56Five, 10.
00:25:56Um, I love that because, uh, similar to my story, when I went for my essence interview,
00:26:03I came with a PowerPoint.
00:26:04I was like, Oh, y'all gonna hire me today.
00:26:06And I came with a PowerPoint, my favorite designers, just everything.
00:26:11And I got the job on the spot.
00:26:13So when you guys come prepared for anything, know that what's for you is for you.
00:26:18Testimonies.
00:26:19Um, I'm going to ask just two or three more questions and then we can wrap it up.
00:26:23Um, you guys are just dropping so many gems and I hope you all, you know, connect with
00:26:27them after, um, we know what happened in 2020, you know, designer brands and, uh, people started
00:26:36flocking to black designers all of a sudden.
00:26:38Right.
00:26:39And, and so now we are about to be in 2024 and I want you all as honest opinion on if
00:26:45you think there's been a change in the industry.
00:26:50Ooh, silence tells a lot, doesn't it?
00:26:53I mean, I think there's, there's a change.
00:26:58There's obviously room for way more change, but we are making movements and it starts with
00:27:03us.
00:27:04Yeah.
00:27:05Tori.
00:27:06I definitely think there's a change.
00:27:08Um, I think it's a change in, in fashion and we're now getting recognized for it, for
00:27:16the way that our clothes lay on us to the music we listen to.
00:27:20I feel like we've always, you know, been predominant in fashion.
00:27:24We've always ruled fashion and I think we're just getting recognized and we're able to put
00:27:29titles on it and CFDAs are getting handed out and stylists are getting more jobs.
00:27:34So yes, I do think there's a change.
00:27:37Okay.
00:27:38Amazing.
00:27:38What about you, Alaylee?
00:27:39Definitely think there's a change.
00:27:41Definitely think that there's a lot more work to do.
00:27:44I feel like I, um, you know, there's a balance.
00:27:47I'm always in street wear, but I'm always in high fashion.
00:27:49So, you know, when we're out in Paris, we'd be pushing through, you know, um, but we have
00:27:55to, right?
00:27:56Because, you know, not only for the next generation, but also for everybody who laid that foundation
00:28:01for us to even be here, you know, and who didn't have social media and who's working behind
00:28:06the scenes.
00:28:07So, you know, definitely a change, definitely a change, but, um, definitely we, we, uh, you
00:28:13know, just got to pull up together and mob out.
00:28:16Yeah.
00:28:16Yeah.
00:28:16And last question.
00:28:17I wanted to talk about social media.
00:28:19Um, as fashion creatives, what are some things you do to make sure you stay true to your
00:28:24brand, especially with just all the outside noise?
00:28:27How do you remain authentic?
00:28:30Just that, like, I don't try so hard to like keep up with the latest trends of TikTok and
00:28:37it's, it's nothing wrong with it.
00:28:38I'm not taken away from it, but I think for me, I just like to be a creative.
00:28:44I like to do the campaigns.
00:28:45I like to sort out exactly the meaning of what I want to do with this and keep it just
00:28:51as that, like, I don't want to copy.
00:28:53I love that.
00:28:55What about you, Nani?
00:28:56Yeah.
00:28:57I mean, there's a lot of content being thrown at you all day and sometimes you can get lost
00:29:03in the sauce.
00:29:04Um, but you know, we are all creatives.
00:29:07Okay.
00:29:08We are all destined for a purpose and for a meaning.
00:29:10Um, and when you really set forth your vision, there is nothing and no one that can take
00:29:16it away.
00:29:17And you have to just really understand that like people can chit chat about whatever you
00:29:21do, but what they got to say about you is truly none of your business.
00:29:26You just have to just stay focused and remember your why.
00:29:30And what Caroline said, you're aware, you know, and when you do that, I mean, trust me, I am
00:29:36a testimony.
00:29:36Okay.
00:29:37I mean, I hear, I, I've seen and heard a whole bunch of things that people got to say about
00:29:42me, especially recently, you know, with this, this new platform and you know, I'm human.
00:29:47Like at first I'm like, well, dang, that's mean, you know, whatever.
00:29:50But at the end of the day, my love, my village, my supportive is so much louder than the noise
00:29:56that you really, I really lean into that and I feel it.
00:30:00And honestly, like that's, that's why I'm here.
00:30:03Like everyone has their lane and you know, the people that have, that have, that come
00:30:08up with things to say or whatever, like they have their lane and I have mine.
00:30:12And like I said, that's why it's just none of my business.
00:30:15So it's none of my business.
00:30:17What about you, A'Leigh?
00:30:18Um, yeah, definitely there's levels to it, you know, um, not only just outside in the
00:30:24social media, but when you start working with corporate companies as well and, um, you know,
00:30:29through, I would say every one of my designs, you know, just there'd be a lot of back and
00:30:34forth, you know, because, uh, you, what you thought is not what I'm trying to get at.
00:30:39Um, and so again, having that moment to be like, okay, how can I communicate to them that
00:30:45this is not it, you know?
00:30:47Um, and being able to be like, no, because I know, first of all, y'all hired me for a
00:30:53reason, right?
00:30:53Yep.
00:30:54Hello.
00:30:54And so here I am to bring my A game and, um, y'all got to trust me.
00:30:59Yeah.
00:31:00And, uh, I have definitely been, you know, very blessed to be able to work with people
00:31:05who are actually like myself.
00:31:08And then, you know, again, we run into the hiccups where, you know, not only if it's
00:31:13production wise, you know, that you're running into problems, but again, also the overall
00:31:17team, because, you know, when you're working with somebody like Nike and Jordan brand, you're
00:31:22getting on a zoom call and it's like pages of people.
00:31:25You're like, uh, hello.
00:31:26Um, yeah.
00:31:28And then, you know, your next call with them, you're like, yeah, so we'll like to introduce
00:31:32you to 10 more people that we added on the call.
00:31:34And you're like, okay, so trying to speed y'all up on the process and, you know, my story.
00:31:40So, you know, it's, it's never bad to keep reintroducing yourself and where you came from
00:31:45in your story, because you got to let people understand it.
00:31:48And then that's when they'll be able to take it and help you create, you know, the best
00:31:53outcome for your shoe when it launches or product or anything you're working on.
00:31:58But, um, yeah, it is definitely levels to it, but you got to just, you know, just very calmly
00:32:06just be like, this is not it.
00:32:09Thank you for that.
00:32:10I think something that I've learned today from all of you ladies is grace and, you know,
00:32:16making sure and perseverance.
00:32:18I think each of you have persevered in unique ways.
00:32:22And then also you all have both each spoken about being gracious.
00:32:25I think you never know where you're going to end up y'all.
00:32:28You never know who's going to be your boss.
00:32:30You never know who's going to be in a room.
00:32:32And I know, you know, we've been getting our attitude sometimes, but I think it's super
00:32:36important to be gracious with everything that you do.
00:32:39If there's nothing that you take away from this conversation, know that all three of these
00:32:42ladies are gracious, gracious at what they do.
00:32:45So let's give a can clap for them.
00:32:48Um, can you tell us where to follow all three of you?
00:32:51Let's start with you.
00:32:52I mean, do y'all follow her already?
00:32:55But where can we follow you?
00:32:57Yes, you can follow me on Instagram where I started a TikTok, but I'm trying.
00:33:03I'm like, I'd be forgetting about it.
00:33:05But, uh, yes, Alele Mae, A-L-E-A-L-I-M-A-Y.
00:33:09What do you think, Tori?
00:33:10What about you?
00:33:10And it's I, Toriana, I-T-O-R-I-A-N-N-A.
00:33:15And your brand?
00:33:16Oh, Tori, T-R-O-D-R-O-B-E-S.
00:33:21And Nani, what about you?
00:33:22Hey, so my name is Nani, and my Instagram is NaniTheBoss, N-A-N-I-V-T-H-E, Boss.
00:33:30And when can we get those amazing shoes on your feet?
00:33:32Yeah, so, um, yeah, so I'll just let you guys know now, because I haven't made an official announcement.
00:33:39Wait, are we getting an exclusive?
00:33:40I guess it's an exclusive, but we'll do it at the Girls' Summit.
00:33:44Like, I feel like it just, it feels right.
00:33:46I feel, I feel connected.
00:33:48There's a lot of my Spelman sisters here, so I'll go ahead and state it.
00:33:53So the official release is-
00:33:55Drumroll, drumroll, drumroll.
00:33:58December 2nd.
00:33:59Hey, after the Beyonce movie, it's great timing.
00:34:03Perfect timing, yeah, it's Saturday, December 2nd.
00:34:05Nike and I on my page, um, I will be making an announcement.
00:34:09Nike Sportswear, um, and, yeah, it's lit.
00:34:14It's gonna be on Sneakers app, um, Nike.com, Nike stores.
00:34:19I'm having a pop-up.
00:34:20We're working on a pop-up, um, on Spelman's campus as well, so just stay tuned to the, the updates.
00:34:26It's a blessing.
00:34:27We're just claiming that your shoe will be sold out.
00:34:29Oh, it will be, it will be sold out.
00:34:31Yeah, we're claiming that right now.
00:34:32Within 30 minutes.
00:34:34Yes, yes.
00:34:35Well, give these ladies a round of applause.
00:34:39Thank you all so much.
00:34:41Please stay in your seats because we have great performances from Aaliyah's interlude and Mariah the Scientist coming up.
00:34:46Thanks, y'all.
00:34:47Thanks, y'all.
00:35:17Thanks, y'all.
00:35:19Thanks, y'all.
00:35:27Bye.
00:38:03Should be good.
00:41:16Hey.
00:41:17Please.
00:41:23Good morning.
00:41:24I'm here.
00:41:24Hey, you're on.
00:41:25Good.
00:41:26Hey hey, bye bye to you, thank you.
00:41:28Thanks.
00:41:29You're sitting here.
00:41:30the smiles it's tough performing when people are giving you a mean look on the face hi mama
00:41:38how are you you have fun today i love to hear it
00:41:50y'all ready
00:41:51you guys know that song already so if that's what's going on i need to hear it
00:42:03right who are you with mama is that is that your daughter where's mommy at oh mommy i'll come and
00:42:16talk to you
00:42:26hey
00:42:46it's not too late to get up by the stage
00:43:16it's not too late to get up by the stage
00:43:46it's not too late to get up by the stage
00:44:16it's not too late to get up by the stage
00:44:46it's not too late to get up by the stage
00:45:16it's not too late to get up by the stage
00:45:46it's not too late to get up by the stage
00:46:15it's not too late to get up by the stage
00:46:45it's not too late to get up by the stage
00:47:15it's not too late to get up by the stage
00:47:17it's not too late to get up by the stage
00:47:19it's not too late to get up by the stage
00:47:21it's not too late to get up by the stage
00:47:23it's not too late to get up by the stage
00:47:25it's not too late to get up by the stage
00:47:29it's not too late to get up by the stage
00:47:31it's not too late to get up by the stage
00:47:33it's not too late to get up by the stage
00:47:35it's not too late to get up by the stage
00:47:37it's not too late to get up by the stage
00:47:39it's not too late to get up by the stage
00:48:11Ew, ew, ew, ew, ew, ew, ew, ew.
00:48:16Hey, family.
00:48:18Turn my mic up.
00:48:19Turn my mic up.
00:48:20Turn that music down.
00:48:21Turn my mic up.
00:48:22All right, cool.
00:48:23Hey, family.
00:48:25It was about to turn into my performance.
00:48:27I was about to start freestyling.
00:48:28Y'all had eight more bars, and I was about to get up here being Aaliyah's interlude's opener.
00:48:34But we have moved and progressed through so many different emotions, so many different things that we learned, and it's time to turn up.
00:48:40Y'all ready to turn up?
00:48:42Okay, I had such an amazing time with all of y'all.
00:48:45Just give me some love, y'all.
00:48:46I'm going to give y'all some love back.
00:48:48Yes.
00:48:49Again, my name is Rachel Jackson, and I thoroughly enjoyed today's Essence Girls United Summit with you today.
00:48:58All right, I'm not going to talk y'all heads off because I know why y'all are here, okay?
00:49:01So, hitting the stage first is a social media personality and influencer whose song, It Girl, is taking over TikTok, YouTube, all over the internet as we speak.
00:49:13Y'all make some noise for Aaliyah's interlude, y'all.
00:49:16It's a lot of it girls in the crowd, period.
00:49:28And I just want to say the music video for It Girl comes out tomorrow at 6 p.m.
00:49:34So, stay tuned for that.
00:49:37Okay, y'all can play it.
00:49:38Aaliyah's interlude in this bitch.
00:49:44You already know.
00:49:46Aaliyah for today, tomorrow, yesterday, and forever.
00:49:49The fuck?
00:49:52Bitch, you know I'm sexy.
00:49:56Ugh, don't call, just text me.
00:49:58Bitch is slow, can't get on my speed.
00:50:00They stare because they know I'm the ITGIRL.
00:50:04You know I am that girl.
00:50:06Shh, bitch, don't kiss and tell.
00:50:08It Girl from ATL.
00:50:09I-I-T-G-I-R-L.
00:50:12You know I am that girl.
00:50:14Shh, bitch, don't kiss and tell.
00:50:16It Girl from ATL.
00:50:18How you mad at me?
00:50:18Because I'm cuck, bitch.
00:50:19How you mad at me?
00:50:20Because I'm fudge shit.
00:50:21Be mad at yourself, because you ain't done shit.
00:50:23Talking all that shit, it's redundant.
00:50:25Trends settled, bitch.
00:50:26Don't be acting surprised.
00:50:27Aaliyah called to the moon, want to see my demise.
00:50:29But I'm the fuck, bitch.
00:50:30Look in my eyes.
00:50:31I'm a star girl, bitch.
00:50:32Bout to y'all alive.
00:50:32That bitch today, tomorrow, and the day after, dad.
00:50:36Don't give a fuck about all you little hoes.
00:50:39And that's a fact.
00:50:40Not arguing with bitches who too scared to show they face.
00:50:44Bitch, if you said that, it will last.
00:50:46I swear you would get mace, bitch.
00:50:48Pretty bitches love me.
00:50:50And the ugly hoes hate me.
00:50:52But while y'all busy hatin', I'm flying across the country to be in Vogue, bitch.
00:50:57To walk in shows, cause I'm that bitch.
00:51:01You already know.
00:51:02The fuck?
00:51:03Bitch, you know I'm sex.
00:51:06Don't call, just text me.
00:51:07Bitch is slow, can't get on my speed.
00:51:09They stare cause they know I'm the I-T-G-I-R-L.
00:51:13You know I am that girl.
00:51:15Bitch, don't kiss and tell.
00:51:17It go from A-T-L-I-I-T-G-I-R-L.
00:51:21You know I am that girl.
00:51:23Bitch, don't kiss and tell.
00:51:25It go from A-T-L.
00:51:27Don't be mad at me, cause I'm cut, bitch.
00:51:29Don't be mad at me, cause I'm bullshit.
00:51:31Be mad at yourself, cause you ain't bullshit.
00:51:32Talking all that shit, it's redundant.
00:51:34I-T-G-I-R-L.
00:51:36You know I am that girl.
00:51:38Shh, bitch, don't kiss and tell.
00:51:40It go from A-T-L.
00:51:42When you a bad bitch, you'll never give a fuck about a mad bitch.
00:51:44Stay true to yourself, you a sad vision.
00:51:46Don't never let these hoes see you down, bitch.
00:51:49When you a bad bitch, you'll never give a fuck about a mad bitch.
00:51:52Stay true to yourself, you a sad vision.
00:51:54Don't never let these hoes see you down, bitch.
00:51:57I-T-G-I-R-L.
00:51:59You know I am that girl.
00:52:01Shh, bitch, don't kiss and tell.
00:52:03It go from A-T-L.
00:52:06Yay!
00:52:09Period! Stream it, girls.
00:52:11Today, tomorrow, yesterday, and forever.
00:52:17Bye, y'all.
00:52:36All right, all right, how many it girls do we have in the crowd?
00:52:58Okay.
00:53:00So I wanted to do something a little special as we close out.
00:53:03So I don't know where the rest of the Girls United team is.
00:53:08Okay, all right.
00:53:10Well, I got some of them here, and I just wanted to really quickly let you guys know that events like this aren't easy to put on, right?
00:53:17We love you guys so much that all of us work so hard.
00:53:20So I wanted to bring my team up here because they work behind the scenes, in front of the scene, on the side of the scene.
00:53:30And so with that, it wouldn't be proper for me to close out without also honoring everybody that makes this happen.
00:53:37So please give a round of applause to everybody on the Essence team, on the Essence Girls United team.
00:53:44We got our social managers who's being a little shy.
00:53:47Ryan, raise your hand.
00:53:49All right, that being said.
00:53:54Oh yeah, Isaiah, also raise your hand.
00:53:56You'll be behind the scenes too now.
00:53:59All the creative that you see today was this guy right here.
00:54:03So let's give it up for him.
00:54:04Stage design.
00:54:06Everything you see, Isaiah did it.
00:54:08So we're so proud of you.
00:54:09I don't know where Danielle and Kenyatta are, but they lead our editorial.
00:54:14So if you guys want to write or are interested in writing, Danielle Wright and Kenyatta Victoria are who you guys should tap into.
00:54:23All right.
00:54:24Come on.
00:54:25Clap it up one more time as we close out the 2023 GU Disruptor Summit.
00:54:33I better see all of y'all throughout the year.
00:54:35Essence Festival.
00:54:36Essence Festival.
00:54:37You name it.
00:54:39And all the great things that we have planned for 2024.
00:54:42So how many of you guys are ready to see Mariah, the scientist?
00:54:50I need y'all to be even louder than that.
00:54:51Come on.
00:54:52Energy.
00:54:53Energy.
00:54:56All right.
00:54:58With that being said.
00:55:07I would like to introduce, to come up to the stage, Mariah, the scientist.
00:55:12Thank you, everybody.
00:55:14Thank you, everybody.
00:55:15Thank you, everybody.
00:55:44Thank you, everybody.
00:55:45Every time you kiss me.
00:55:47Well, well, well.
00:55:49with me, you got no regrets
00:55:51Fuckin' on me, know I do it best
00:55:54Fuckin' on, you only want to miss
00:55:57I know how it goes
00:55:58They fall in love every time you kiss me
00:56:01Well, well, well
00:56:03And you always right on time, that's what gets me
00:56:07Never on your mind when you not with me
00:56:10Baby, you and I just got a family
00:56:13What you saying, follow through
00:56:14Baby, take the lead, show me what to do
00:56:17I'm intrigued, everything about your demeanor
00:56:21I'm comin' crazy, but I'm never livin'
00:56:24I ain't comin' around the same, it's me
00:56:25Well, well, well
00:56:28Guess you better send that private out to get me
00:56:31Expect this to be a long cold winter
00:56:34You walkin' with a storm close in her
00:56:37Fuckin' with me, you got no regrets
00:56:40Fuckin' on me, know I do it best
00:56:43Fuckin' on, you only want to miss
00:56:46I know how it goes
00:56:48I ain't impressed
00:56:49Baby, I seen this before
00:56:51I assumed you wanted more
00:56:54Just wanna up the score
00:56:57Know that you know there's more to life
00:57:01Tell me, is it true?
00:57:05Baby, can you follow through?
00:57:06Baby, I'm by this chin
00:57:08Won't you fuck me and I'll roll
00:57:10You won't leave, baby, let me sit down
00:57:12Remember when I'm famous
00:57:14Well, well, well, well, well
00:57:16Guess you better send that private out to get me
00:57:19Expect this to be a long cold winter
00:57:22Yeah
00:57:23You walkin' with a storm close in her
00:57:26Fuckin' with me, you got no regrets
00:57:29Fuckin' on me, know I do it best
00:57:32Fuckin' on you, only want to miss
00:57:35I know how it goes
00:57:37I ain't impressed
00:57:38I ain't impressed
00:57:39I know how it goes
00:57:41I know how it goes
00:57:42So he calling from Atlanta
00:57:44Say he miss me
00:57:45Okay
00:57:46So let's see
00:57:48You know, I dropped a project recently
00:57:50I hope that you like it
00:57:54So I'm gonna do this one
00:57:57You gotta clap like this though
00:58:00Thank you
00:58:07Y'all look beautiful, by the way
00:58:09Shout out to Essence, okay
00:58:12California
00:58:13Everything can move forward
00:58:18I'm all in, I'm all for ya
00:58:23I'm dependin' on this one
00:58:30If I were you, baby
00:58:35Believe
00:58:37What you make me believe
00:58:39Believe
00:58:40That I'm all out of love
00:58:44Love
00:58:46Love
00:58:47Okay, that was for you
00:58:49Okay, now, do you know this other song?
00:58:53This is, it ain't a throwback, but, you know, a little bit
00:58:56Thank you
00:58:56And it goes like
00:58:57Are you gonna sing it with me?
00:59:04I hope you're having a good time
00:59:05Dad
00:59:09All day
00:59:12Now I cannot trust you
00:59:15See an app
00:59:16I'm forced to let you go
00:59:19That's what's spreading thin on us too
00:59:24Hate to see you lose control
00:59:28Now I must spend all my time
00:59:32Thinking of all your lies and cover-ups
00:59:37No switching up on everyone who loves you
00:59:41But that doesn't stop the show
00:59:45And I think you should know that
00:59:48Baby, you're the reason
00:59:51You always think the only one who needs
00:59:56And the attention is you don't be so contented
01:00:00Hope you all know this day was the only thing
01:00:03That could keep me from leaving
01:00:05Baby, you're the reason
01:00:09You always think the only one who needs
01:00:13And the attention is you don't be so contented
01:00:18Hope you all know this day was the only thing
01:00:21That could keep me from leaving
01:00:23Let's wonder how I let this go under
01:00:26How I could watch it rain for so long
01:00:29It ain't hit no thunder
01:00:31How we let all our Hollywood dreams and dinner blunder
01:00:35Now I may never see you again
01:00:38But it always would
01:00:40But it always would
01:00:42Always be disappointed
01:00:45Cause you're insecure
01:00:46Just in thinking that you want it
01:00:49Like you thought you could
01:00:51Just get further with writing it
01:00:54If Hollywood is falling out in love
01:00:56I said it's only where I've been all my time
01:01:00Thinking of all your lies and cover-ups
01:01:04You're switching up on everyone
01:01:07I love you
01:01:08But that doesn't stop my show
01:01:12I think you should know it
01:01:15Baby, you're the reason
01:01:19You always think the only one who needs
01:01:23And the attention is you don't be so contented
01:01:27Hope you all know this day was the only one who needs
01:01:33Baby, you're the reason
01:01:36You always think the only one who needs
01:01:40And the attention is you don't be so contented
01:01:44Hope you all know this day was the only thing
01:01:48That could keep me from leaving
01:01:50Baby, you're the reason
01:02:11You always think the only one who needs
01:02:15To need
01:02:16Don't be so
01:02:19Hope you all know
01:02:21Hope you all know
01:02:22Hope you all know
01:02:23Hope you all know
01:02:24Hope you all know
01:02:30Bye guys!
01:02:31I hope you had a good time
01:02:33Cause I did
01:02:34And you look so beautiful
01:02:36And hopefully I see you the next time
01:02:38Essence throws us a little function
01:02:40Okay?
01:02:41Bye!
01:02:42Bye!
01:03:12Bye!
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