SwagHer Spotlight: Lenese Calleea

World-renowned designer Lenese Calleea, known to the world as the Fashion Fairy Godmother, is on a journey.

Despite being 30 years young, Lenese Calleea has accumulated two decades of expertise in fashion, design, and garment creation. Calleea has evolved from a young skilled seamstress and adolescent entrepreneur to an industry expert, consultant, and budding Creative mogul. 

She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts at her Alma mater, Columbia College of Chicago. Calleea then attended LIM., where she studied for a Master of Fine Arts in Fashion Merchandising & Management. 

After completing her degree, Calleea relocated to New York in the winter of 2013. Today, Calleea is the creator and curator of the BlackNFashion podcast, a medium dedicated to the growth & enhancement of Black designers and merchandisers, stylists & their subsequent entrepreneurship. 

Calleea also lends her knowledge to the next generation of designers via her class, Fashion Dreams to LIFE, which covers the life of design from production to pricing. 

Calleea also hosts New York Garment District tours, operates an independent fashion consulting business, and continues to be a resource to designers at varying degrees of the journey. Calleea is an advocate for education, unity, and inclusion for Black Creatives in fashion.

Her new book releasing summer 2020, A Life Designed, BLACK N FASHION, One Woman’s Journey to Finding tells a story about…

 

Christina: What is your SwagHer? What makes Lenese, Lenese?

Lenese: My SwagHer is my passion for leading and for teaching others. I find purpose and joy in elevating my family and peers authentically through education and resources. 

Christina: Why did you decide to pursue a career in fashion? 

Lenese: I watched my grandmother create things as a child. She taught me to sew and crochet at eight years old. I fell in love with creating things. I started making items for friends and family in junior high and continued that passion into high school, focusing on arts and communication. I then went to college and obtained a BFA in fashion design. 

Christina: You moved to New York in the winter of 2013. How was that experience for you? How did moving to New York help your career? 

Lenese: Moving to NY was a very interesting transition from Chicago. I moved to NYC and attended LIM to pursue my Masters in Fashion Management & Merchandising. Adjusting to the NYC culture, food, music, and expenses was an adjustment for me. I struggled at first and did not make friends easily. I worked full time and got my master’s at night. I moved to NY alone and had to figure things out, make connections, and build my experience. Moving to NY gave me the resources and opportunity to grow my skill set, network, and grow into an entrepreneur. 

Christina: Tell our readers about your podcast, BlackNFashion. Why did you start it? 

Lenese: The BlackNFashion podcast is a forum dedicated to the education, mentorship, and development of Blacks in fashion, from the novice to the professional; this includes designers, stylists, merchandisers, boutique owners many other Black creatives. The BNF podcast is built on two foundational beliefs. The first is the essential push toward entrepreneurship for all who are called or inspired. The second is our commitment to consistently promote and support Black businesses to keep the Black dollar in the Black community.

Christina: What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career in fashion? 

Lenese: Education is key; take your time and trust the process. The more you learn your craft and invest in knowledge, the more successful you will be without wasting money.

Christina: You have a new book coming out, A Life Designed, BLACK N FASHION, One Woman’s Journey to Finding. What inspired you to write this book? 

Lenese: I want people to know that dreams do come true with resilience, patience, and hard work. No matter what life throws at you, you have the ability to react and adapt to every situation you are put in. I want to share my story, and I’m hoping it motivates and inspires someone else.

Christina: In your opinion, what’s the difference between luxury fashion and fast fashion?

Lenese:  Luxury fashion is quality and exclusivity with attention to fabrications and the country of origin the product is created. Fast fashion is cheap, poorly made, and for everyone to have. Fast fashion lacks integrity. 

Christina: How was your experience being the only black girl working in corporate fashion?

Lenese: I maintained who I was in all my corporate environments. I never switched up my dialogue, appearance, or personality. Some companies embraced my blackness, and others couldn’t stand me because I was confident and used my voice. Needless to say, they didn’t work out, but I learned a lot. 

Christina: Do you have anything upcoming projects or events that you would like to share?

Lenese: I have a few events currently. The LCAC NYC Garment Tour is on the first Friday of every month. The Learn your craft Pattern Making & Mimosa Saturdays are going on all November. The BNF Podcast Black Ass Friday POP up is November 27th. The BGDC Clothing Drive is on December 18th, and we are now accepting donations. They can be sent to our studio.

Christina: Is there anything else you would like to say?

Lenese: Let passion lead your purpose, always be a student in your business and learn your craft. 

 

Connect with Lenese below:

Website: https://www.lenesecalleea.com

Instagram: @LeneseCalleea

Facebook: CalleeaVatein

LinkedIn: Lenese Calleea