The Mentors

The Basics

Lenese Calllea is the CEO and Founder of the Black N Fashion Podcast, Black Girls Designer Club, 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.

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

Sewing, Pattern Making, Draping

Her Hobbies

Lenese likes to cook, dance, and sew.

Contact Her

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

The Basics

Simone is the Owner of Chaos the Brand, a Fashion Buyer for GentlemanVS, and a Fashion Designer.

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

Simone 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

Tatiana Hatcher is the CEO and Founder of Hatchers by Tatiana Hatcher. She has been in the field for more than 10 years. You can find her in Brooklyn, NY.

About Her from Her

I was raised by a strict but nurturing grandmother, who structured our days with academics and sewing. It wasn't until the birth of my daughter, in May of 2012, that I was ready to take my craft more seriously. Hatchers.Inc was founded 8 years ago. As a mentor, I want to inspire and help young girls flourish and grow in not only self-confidence, but in fashion knowledge.

Her Skills

Sewing, Photoshop, Illustrator Fashion Stylist, Technical Design, Fashion Blogger, Social Media Management

Her Hobbies

Tatiana likes to sing, dance, read poetry, and write a few herself.

Contact Her

Phone: 347-988-2302
Email: Hatchers.inc@gmail.com
Website: Hatchersinc.com
Instagram: @Hatchers.inc, @tempistsky
Facebook: hatchersinc

The Basics

Shaquanna Shontaé Sprinkle is a Custom Designer and Seamstress. She has worked in the industry for 8 years. You can find her in New York City, NY.

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: @phenix_elite
Facebook: Shaquanna Shontaé

The Basics

Zina Lanay is the Fashion Designer and Creative Director behind Zina Lanay LLC. She has 10 years if experience in the field. You can find her place of business in New York City, NY as well as Atlanta, GA.

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

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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