THE BGDC TEAM

The Basics

Lenese Calllea is the CEO and Founder of the Black N Fashion Podcast, Black Girlz Designer Club Non Profit, Calleea Vatein and LC Consulting and Apparel. She has been in this field for more than 15 years. You can find her in Brooklyn, NY. Lenese is the Founder & President of BGDC.

About Her from Her

My grandmother taught me how to sew when I was six--we used to have these little lessons with needle, thread, and her machine nearly every time I saw her. Alongside her wisdom, she passed down to me a love for creation. I graduated high school with this aspiration in mind, and leapt head-first into Columbia College to become well acquainted with the business and artistic aspects of the industry. I had resolved myself to own my place in the fashion industry. And in founding BGDC years after that life changing decision, I chose to instill in my mentees the ambition, dedication, confidence, knowledge and skill I had to build from scratch to make it to where I am now.

Her Skills

Fashion Merchandising, Product Development, Sewing, Pattern Making, Draping, Apparel Costing, Fashion Inventory Management & Entrepreneurship.

Her Hobbies

Lenese likes to cook, dance, and loves self care. She spends her time traveling, reading, mediating and journaling.

Contact Her

Phone: 773- 301-2267
Email: lenesecalleea@lcapparelconsulting.com
Website: calleea-vatein-inc.myshopify.com
Instagram: @calleeavatein
Facebook: Calleea’Vatein

The Basics

Zina Lenay is the Fashion Designer and Creative Director behind Zina Lenay LLC. She has 10 years if experience in the field. You can find her place of business in New York City, NY. Zina is the Vice President of BGDC.

About Her from Her

I am an accomplished veteran Custom Designer. As a child, my dream was to be a teacher that dressed like she was on a catwalk. My desire to be affiliated with fashion and education simultaneously, has led me to working in both fields for over a decade. I mentor because I am an advocate of the advancement and nourishment of our youth and subsequent communities.

Her Skills

Sewing, Pattern Making, Draping, Photoshop, Illustrator, Web Design, Fashion Stylist, Editor, Technical Design, Fashion Blogger, Social Media Management, Marketing, Costume Design

Her Hobbies

Zina enjoys gardening, meditating, attending self development workshops, dancing, listening to music, and learning to play the piano.

Contact Her

Phone: 804.721.0817
Email: zina@zinalanay.com
Website: www.zinalanay.com
Instagram: @tailormadezinalanay
Facebook: ZIna Lanay
Twitter: @zina_lanay

The Basics

Symone is the Owner of Chaos the Brand. She is a Fashion Designer for women's Apparel & Accessories. Symone is the treasure of BGDC.

About Her From Her

I am a Fashion Designer from Milwaukee, who moved to New York City. I've always been a lover of fashion but never knew the first step to pursuing an actual career in this industry. After working in retail for some years, I decided to start my own fashion business. I wish I had someone who looked like me, to hold me accountable and guide me through my journey, back then. I mentor because it is important to me, to be that someone for my mentees-- to motivate and lead others in the fashion world.

Her Skills

Sewing, Pattern Making, Draping, Photoshop, Illustrator, Graphic Design, Web Design, Fashion Stylist, Editor, Merchandising, Technical Design, Fashion Blogger, Social Media Management, Marketing

Her Hobbies

Symone enjoys playing Billiards(pool), reading, and cooking new recipes.

Contact Her

Phone: 414.324.5376
Email: chaos.thebrand@gmail.com
Website: www.chaosthebrand.com
Instagram: @chaosthebrand, @ladysymonea
Facebook: @chaosthebrand

The Basics

Shaquanna Shontaè is the Designer/CEO of Phénix Elite LLC she has worked in the industry for many years as a custom designer/Seamstress she is now focused on building her brand as a Bag Designer. You can find her in NYC, NY? She is the Events Coordinator for BGDC.

About Her from Her

I am a Custom Designer from Brooklyn, NY; I have been sewing since I was 13 years old. I was inspired by my seamstress aunt. As a child, I sat in her studio while she created-- I remember taking the scraps of fabric to make clothing for my dolls. I mentor because we don’t have many outlets for young girls in black communities. My mentee can expect my help with sewing, sketching, draping, as well as guidance through some of life’s challenges.

Her Skills

Sewing, Draping, Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketching

Her Hobbies

Shaquanna enjoys painting, sewing, and making Mood Boards.

Contact Her

Phone: (347)209-0514
Email: phenixelite@yahoo.com
Website: www.phenixelite.com
Instagram: @PhenixElite_LLC
Facebook: Shaquanna Shontaé

THE BASICS

Dai is a creative artist and self taught custom fashion designer. She earned a bachelors in Communications and I currently serve in the nonprofit space with an intention to bring valuable resources and outlets to the next generation of creatives. Dai is the Secretary for BGDC.

ABOUT HER FROM HER

I believe that fashion design, its skill and its creativity can be a great way for young girls to not only be ‘impressive’ but ‘expressive’ in a new and inviting way, especially our girls of color.

HER SKILLS

Sewing, Draping, Creating

HER HOBBIES

Fashion has become my way of connecting. Whether I'm connecting with myself or others, fashion is not just about looking beautifulI, but being beautiful, through my act of service. I am excited to be an example of service, grow our fashion community and to continue to push the intention with BGDC forward.

CONTACT HER

Email: handsofdai@gmail.com

THE BASICS

Clenisha Dortch is from Dallas Texas, she is a self taught Designer and Owner of Heirloom. She relocated to NYC in 2023. Clenisha is one of our newest members of BGDC

ABOUT HER FROM HER

I plan to be a rising star in the world of fashion. In 2023, I made a bold move from my hometown of Dallas, Texas, to the bustling fashion capital of the world, New York City. I believe that fashion is not just about clothing but also about self-expression and creativity. In addition to my dedication to fashion, I’m the proud owner of the fashion company, "Heirlume." I plan to unveil a remarkable new collection in 2024 that promises to captivate fashion connoisseurs travel wardrobe. My journey from Dallas to New York reflects my determination, creativity, and a deep-seated love for fashion. With Heirlume and my upcoming collection, I will continues to make my mark in the fashion industry while finding inspiration and joy in my diverse range of interests.

HER SKILLS

Design & Sewing

HER HOBBIES

Interior Design Theatre Arts and Film Cooking

CONTACT HER

Social Media Facebook: HeirlumeCouture Instagram: @nishathedesigner Tiktok @nishathedesigner Contact: assist@heirlumecouture HeirlumeCouture.com 214-924-2579

THE BASICS

Melissa Cano is owner and Founder of Audacious by Melissa since 2017, started since 2017. She has been in the fashion fields for over 10 years. She is from Harlem but based in Queens, NY. Melissa is one of our newest members.

ABOUT HER FROM HER

I am a fashion designer with goals of becoming Haute Couture Fashion designer and own a fashion house here in NY. Since high school I knew I wanted to do something in fashion, I’ve always been creative in everything I did whether it was painting, sketching, or illustrating but didn’t know what direction I wanted. Once I went to college for fashion design – I knew this was my calling. One of my younger sisters was graduating high school and she wanted a prom dress, but my parents couldn’t afford it. Being the oldest and how much I love my sister I wanted to make her dreams come true. In 2017 I launched my brand by creating my first couture dress for her. Since then, I’ve been on the wave creating garments, whether its costume, bridal or special occasion. When I design and start draping, I feel like I’m in my peaceful place and no one can stop me in my creation.

HER SKILS

Sewing, Draping, Pattern-Making

HER HOBBIES

Dancing, draping, blasting music, Karaoke, making my kids laugh

CONTACT HER

Phone: 347-827-7032 email: mightyaudaciousdesign@gmail.com Instagram: @audaciousbymelissa, @audaciousmelz Facebook : @AudaciousbyMelissa

Our Mission

No matter our backgrounds, we all aspire to guide young black women on their own successful journeys into the world of fashion. We will help pull our fellow designers through the hardships of the industry to proudly stand at the top.
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