Early Life and Inspiration

   - Jason shares his background and how he was inspired by fashion from a young age.

   - His admiration for his grandmother's sense of style.

Career Beginnings

   - Jason's early career steps, including interning at magazines and assisting stylists.

   - His transition to becoming a stylist for celebrities and high-profile clients.

Defining Moments

   - Discussion of key moments that helped shape Jason's career.

   - Meeting Rachel Johnson and Kesha McLeod and their impact on his journey.

Highlight Event: The Paris dinner

   - Jason reminisces about the L'avenue fashion dinner organized by Rachel Johnson and Kesha McLeod.

   - His appreciation for the event's significance in his career.

Starting His Own Fashion Line: Aliette

   - Jason's transition from a successful stylist to a fashion designer.

   - The catalyst for creating his own fashion line, Aliette.

The Birth of Aliette

   - The moment when a client, Issa Rae, inspired Jason to start his own clothing line.

   - The significance of that initial dress designed for Issa.

Aliette's Clear Aesthetic

   - Discussing the unique and clear aesthetic of Jason's fashion brand, Aliette.

   - Personal experiences and stories of wearing Aliette's designs.

Balancing Styling and Running a Fashion Brand

   - The challenges and balance between managing a successful styling career and running a fashion business.

   - The importance of having a supportive team.

Advice on Personal Style

    - Jason's advice on how to approach personal style.

    - Emphasizing the importance of comfort and authenticity.

Advice for Aspiring Fashion Professionals

    - Jason's thoughts on young people entering the fashion industry.

    - The importance of validation and celebrating small wins.

Giving Back and Supporting the Youth

    - The significance of mentoring and supporting the next generation of fashion professionals.

    - Jason's commitment to investing his time and knowledge.

Jason Rembert's Instagram handle: @jasonrembert

Aliette's website: [alietteny.com](https://www.alietteny.com/)

In this episode, we dive into the captivating journey of fashion designer Nicole Benefield, exploring her path from childhood inspirations to becoming a renowned designer. Host Brandice Daniel, founder of Harlem's Fashion Row (HFR), leads the conversation, uncovering the remarkable story of Nicole's career in the fashion industry.

Part 1: The Early Years and Beginnings

Childhood Fascination with Fashion:

  - Nicole shares her early fascination with fashion and how her mother's sewing machine became her first tool for creativity.

Inspiration from Family:

  - The influence of her family, particularly her stylish grandmother and resourceful mother, played a pivotal role in shaping Nicole's passion for fashion.

Pursuing Design Education:

  - Nicole's decision to attend the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York City and how she ended up there through a serendipitous journey.

Foundation Year at Parsons:

  - The significance of the foundation year at Parsons in exploring various art mediums, three-dimensional design, and its impact on her design philosophy.

Part 2: The HFR Show and Beyond

Getting Noticed by HFR:

  - Nicole's entry into Harlem's Fashion Row through a recommendation and her experience in showcasing her collection during the HFR show in 2022.

The Power of Feedback:

  - How constructive feedback and learning from the first show influenced her approach to the second show in 2023.

Design Philosophy:

  - Nicole's desire for people to feel comfortable and chic when wearing her collections, emphasizing the importance of everyday wear.

Macy's Window Display:

  - The excitement of being featured in the windows of Macy's during Black History Month and the impact it had on her brand.

Upcoming Projects:

  - Nicole's future plans, including her focus on sophisticated yet casual designs, made-to-order collections, and potential collaborations.

Thank you for joining us on this inspiring journey through the world of fashion with Nicole Benefield. To stay updated on her latest collections and projects, you can follow her on Instagram @nicolebenfield_portfolio and visit her website at www.nicolebenfieldportfolio.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more fascinating conversations with creative minds in the fashion industry.

In this episode, we delve into the world of fashion and entrepreneurship with Nigeria Ealey, the co-founder of the fashion brand Tier. Nigeria shares his journey in the fashion industry, offering insights into navigating challenges, finding harmony in life, and the importance of paying it forward. He also hints at exciting projects and collaborations on the horizon.

Summary: - Navigating Challenges: Nigeria discusses the challenges faced by Tier in meeting fashion industry deadlines and the impact of fast-paced seasons on designers.

- Finding Harmony: He emphasizes the significance of finding harmony in life rather than just seeking balance, reflecting on the value of family, health, and work.

- Paying It Forward: Nigeria shares his philosophy of paying it forward and helping others succeed, encouraging listeners to continue the cycle of support and mentorship.

- Exciting Projects: Nigeria hints at upcoming projects and collaborations, including the Peanuts collaboration, with great enthusiasm.

- Inspiration from Usher: He recalls the excitement of Usher wearing Tier clothing for a Billboard cover shoot, illustrating the brand's journey and achievements.

- Connect with Nigeria: Listeners can connect with Nigeria on LinkedIn, explore Tier's online store, and follow him on Instagram for updates.

• LinkedIn: Nigeria Ealey
• Tier Online Store: shoptier.nyc
• Instagram: @nidespade

Join us for an engaging conversation with Nigeria Ealey as we explore his experiences in the fashion industry and his inspiring perspective on life and success.

**Podcast Show Notes:**

In this episode, Brandice Daniel interviews Kesha McLeod, a renowned stylist in the sports and fashion industry. Kesha shares her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful stylist and entrepreneur. Kesha McLeod is a trailblazing stylist and entrepreneur who has made a significant impact in the sports and fashion industries. She has dressed numerous athletes and celebrities, and her innovative approach to styling has led to brand collaborations and ambassadorships for her clients. Kesha's journey from a humble beginning to becoming a successful stylist and Creative Director of Sherwood hockey brand is an inspiring story of determination and passion. She is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and empowering the next generation of stylists and designers through her E-course/masterclass based on her book.

Key Takeaways:

- Kesha got her start in the fashion industry working as an assistant to Groovy Lew, who styled celebrities like Biggie Smalls and P. Diddy.

- She emphasizes the importance of asking questions and being vulnerable in the early stages of your career.

- Kesha discusses her decision to start her own business in 2013-2014, despite initial fears and uncertainty about her worth and value.

- She talks about her strategy of dressing athletes for their "tunnel walk" and how it has led to brand deals and ambassadorships for her clients.

- Kesha reflects on her recent role as the Creative Director of Sherwood, a hockey brand, and how she plans to bring her unique perspective to the industry.

- She shares her plans for the future, including launching an E-course/masterclass based on her book, "The Essential Guide to Styling and Understanding Your Business."

- Kesha also expresses her desire to mentor and uplift the next generation of stylists and designers.

Connect with Kesha McLeod:

- Instagram & Twitter: @KMCME17

- Website: kmcme.com

**Announcement:**

- Kesha McLeod has launched an E-course/masterclass based on her book, available through Advertising Week. Stay tuned to her Instagram for details on how to access the course.