Latest news with #BIPOC
Business of Fashion
12 hours ago
- Business
- Business of Fashion
How Raisefashion Helps BIPOC-Owned Brands Navigate Fashion's New Realities
As the fashion industry navigates rising production costs and new trade dynamics, independent designers are facing new pressures when scaling their businesses. These challenges are exacerbated by ever-changing consumer expectations, with an increasing demand for brands that prioritise inclusivity, sustainability and authenticity. Kantar's Brand Inclusion 2024 Index found that 75 percent of consumers globally say diversity and inclusion – or a lack thereof – influence their purchase decisions. To succeed, brands must strike a balance between meeting these needs, maintaining their own creative vision and adapting to new economic realities. Beyond the business challenges, the emotional toll of navigating this complex environment on designers is significant. The pressure of managing production costs, market volatility and rising consumer expectations can lead to feelings of burnout. For many BIPOC and underrepresented designers, the weight of being seen as cultural ambassadors for their communities can amplify these stresses. This emotional labour highlights the need for more holistic support systems that address both the business and emotional wellbeing of these entrepreneurs. RaiseFashion — a non-profit dedicated to empowering emerging BIPOC designers — provides designers with access to grant funding, executive mentorship and strategic advice — helping them navigate the complexities of the fashion industry. Now in its third year, hands-on guidance from industry leaders help chosen designers to adapt their operations, and leverage new technologies, while remaining focused on their core community objectives. Through the support of RaiseFashion, brands like Gwen Beloti, Danzy and Vontélle are working to build businesses that have inclusion and community at their core, while still benefitting from commercial success and scale. Now, BoF speaks to three members of this year's RaiseFashion intake, whose businesses centre around inclusivity and accessibility. Here, we learn how they are striking the balance between purpose, community and scaling for success. Marshall Danzy Taulbert, founder of Danzy Design Studio. (Raisefashion) Marshall Danzy Taulbert, Danzy Design Studio Danzy Design Studio is a fashion brand founded by Marshall Danzy Taulbert, a Los-Angeles based designer blending American heritage with a modern, preppy style. Launched in 2018, the label reflects Danzy's creative roots and personal style, offering elevated essentials that balance nostalgia with the contemporary. Known for its signature varsity jackets, sweats and clean tailoring, Danzy has gained a cult following and was spotlighted in a collaboration with Abercrombie & Fitch in March 2025. What unmet consumer demands are you working to meet through your brand? MDT: I just want to meet people where they are. Right now, we're all getting hit with twenty new brands a day on social media, each one throwing a hundred products at us — it's overwhelming. For me, it's really about doing less and doing it with intention. I've kept my site and offering tight — core pieces, limited colours, no endless scrolling. If I add a new colour, I take one away. I want people to know that when they come to Danzy, they're not going to be flooded with options. They know what they are getting and that clarity actually helps them make a decision. What are some of the biggest obstacles you've faced in scaling your business? MDT: Access to capital — no question. Producing samples, funding shoots, updating your website — it all comes down to having the funds to execute your ideas. RaiseFashion actually pitched me to Abercrombie, they took a real chance on me. They believe I could deliver a 26-piece collection for a major global brand — and I did. It was such a pivotal moment because for the first time, I didn't have to think about cost — I could just create. It was the first time I was able to fully build the world I see in my head, with no restrictions. It reminded me just how much capital fuels scale — not just in production, but in storytelling. How did participating in the RaiseFashion masterclass shape your perspective as a founder or creative? MDT: They focused hard on the business side of fashion. Cash flow, scaling, financial planning — all the stuff creatives don't always want to deal with. Having that structure, those advisors, some from totally different industries like Apple — it gave me new ways to look at my brands. Fresh eyes and fresh perspectives, that's something you can't get when you're just talking to other fashion people. It also really pushed me to take a hard, honest look at what my brand is. Today, consumers are being so careful about where their money goes — the last thing they want is confusion. RaiseFashion made me confront that. Know your brand, know your market and build from where you are, not where you hope to be someday. That shift in mindset helped me to avoid overextending creatively and financially. Tracy Vontélle Green, co-founder of Vontélle Eyewear. (Raisefashion) Tracy Green, Vontélle Founded in 2019 by Tracy Vontélle Green and Nancey Harris, Vontélle Eyewear is a Black-female owned brand that offers culturally inspired and size inclusive eyewear. Vontélle's eyewear is available online and in over 900 America's Best retail locations, through its collaboration with National Vision Inc. Its products are also featured on platforms such as Amazon and Shop with BET. What unmet consumer demands are you working to meet through your brand? TG: Vontélle is about size inclusivity in eyewear. I've worn glasses since childhood and I've always struggled to find pairs that fit my face comfortably. I have fuller cheeks and a wider nose bridge, and so most frames left marks on my face or gave me headaches from being too tight. It wasn't just me — so many people in our community have similar experiences, but have gotten used to dealing with it. My co-founder and I — who I've known since college — both lost expensive glasses within the same year. We joked about starting our own brand and that lightbulb moment led us to do serious research. We started attending trade shows like SILMO in Paris, which is one of the largest optical expos in the world. And we walked for hours and didn't see a single Black or Hispanic designer. It was that absence that made our mission clear — to create glasses that are not only stylish but actually fit diverse face shapes and sizes. We've redesigned everything — wider nose bridges, longer temples, frames that don't dig into your cheeks or press on the lymph nodes behind your ears. Our goal is for people to be able to wear their glasses all day without discomfort. It's about function, comfort and visibility — in every sense of the word. How do you balance innovation and accessibility, especially around pricing? TG: When we launched, our goal was to create luxury eyewear — bold designs, premium quality and better fit. Our original line, Vontélle's signature collection, sits in that middle-high tier with average prices around $235. But, we also knew affordability was important, especially for underserved communities. So, when National Vision — who owns America's Best — approached us, we saw it as an opportunity to meet people where they are. We created a special collection for them, with prices ranging from $90 to $150. With the same inclusive sizing, same colourful expression, just with fewer patterns or simplified silhouettes. Now we operate in tiers: the Vontélle signature line, our America's Best collaboration and a potential third tier for more expansive offerings. It's not unlike what brands such as Ralph Lauren do — offering Purple Label at the top and Polo for wider audiences. The common thread across all of our lines is the fit. Our products are a medical necessity first — but they can still be fashionable and culturally relevant. How has RaiseFashion shaped your business strategy and perspective as a founder and creative? TG: RaiseFashion has been truly transformative. Felita Harris and the entire team didn't just open doors — they gave us a new mindset. Before joining the programme, we had major wins — such as getting Vontélle onto — but we weren't always sure how to sustain that kind of momentum. Now, we have a framework. The masterclass has helped us to clarify our mission, tighten our branding and to think long-term. One session on brand identity really stuck with me. A speaker asked, 'if your brand is about colour, where is that colour in your storytelling?' — that was a wake-up call. RaiseFashion is teaching us that launching a product is just the beginning. Building a brand that lasts requires consistency, clarity and purpose. Even in the accessories world — which can be overshadowed by apparel — branding is essential. Ralph Lauren started with a tie. We started with eyewear. But now, with the right foundation, we can see Vontélle evolving into bags, scarves, maybe even apparel. We're thinking bigger — but with intention. Gwen Beloti, founder and designer at Gwen Beloti Jewellery. (Raisefashion) Gwen Beloti, Gwen Beloti Jewellery Gwen Beloti is the founder and designer behind Gwen Beloti Jewellery, a Brooklyn-based jewellery brand known for its minimalist and inclusive designs. Launched in 2019, the brand prioritises accessibility and versatility, offering gold-centric pieces that cater to a range of sizes. How do you ensure that your brand remains accessible as you scale, particularly with pricing and messaging? GB: My brand is deeply rooted in my own personal experience with fit and accessibility. Before jewellery, I was an apparel designer, and my frustration with finding flattering pieces that fit my body type pushed me to design. Jewellery became my creative outlet because it allowed me to express myself without the stress of sizing. But, I quickly realised that size inclusivity was a gap in the jewellery market too. Many minimalist jewellery brands overlook this, and so I wanted to ensure my brand wasn't just offering larger sizes; but truly designs for customers of all shapes and sizes. Inclusivity is a non-negotiable pillar of my brands. As for accessibility, it goes beyond just price points — it's about making people feel like the brand was made with them in mind. We offer a range of pricing options, from demi-fine jewellery that is priced between $85 and $350 to higher-end fine pieces. But the value we offer isn't just in the product — it's in the community that we are building. We aim to offer quality that lasts, which is why we only work with manufacturers who are committed to ethical production and consistency. We are also focused on creating a brand that feels inclusive and welcoming, not just to those who can afford luxury; but to a broader community that values both design and diversity. What obstacles have you faced as a small, minority-owned business? GB: Access to capital and the right networks have been some of the biggest hurdles. As a Black, female-owned business, it's challenging to break into spaces that are often gated by relationships and industry perceptions. But, I've been persistent — the RaiseFashion platform has been invaluable in connecting me to networks that have helped propel my brand forward. In fact, participating in RaiseFashion events led directly to placements at Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue. While the industry is often biased, these platforms are helping to create a level playing field by opening doors and providing access to those of us who might otherwise have been overlooked. How has RaiseFashion impacted your approach in scaling your business? GB: RaiseFashion has not only helped me to build relationships with major industry players, but has also given me the confidence to advocate for myself and my brand. I've learned how to navigate tricky business spaces, stand up for my value and position my brand in a way that highlights our unique perspective. It's a space where small businesses like mine are not just given a seat at the table — but the tools to truly succeed. This feature is part of a community partnership with Raisefashion.
Axios
3 days ago
- Business
- Axios
How Minneapolis' Cultural Districts tell their stories through food
From golden raisin lattes to shawarma, the many restaurants of Minneapolis' seven Cultural Districts serve up more than meals — they're an invitation to connect with the history, culture and community that have shaped the city across generations. The background: Each Cultural District reflects a distinct identity shaped by generations of Indigenous, immigrant and BIPOC communities. Some districts began as industrial or transit corridors; others were built through necessity as communities of color were denied access to housing and commercial opportunities elsewhere. Over time, Minneapolis' neighborhoods became home to a layered mix of cultures, from Dakota and other Indigenous nations to Scandinavian, Eastern European and Middle Eastern immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries. In more recent decades, Latinx, Somali and Hmong communities have added new voices, flavors and traditions to the city's cultural fabric The impact: That cultural vibrancy comes to life in the restaurants, cafes and markets that anchor each district. Here are just a few spots where you can eat well and learn more about the communities that make each district unique. 🫓 Maria's Café (Franklin Avenue East) Located inside the Ancient Traders Market, Maria's is beloved for its Colombian-style sweet corn pancakes and breakfast burritos. About Franklin Avenue East: This district is home to a thriving Indigenous community. It's a hub for Native-led organizations, artists and food entrepreneurs working to preserve — and evolve — cultural presence. Plus, plus, plus: Check out All My Relations Arts or take the "Unholy Tour," a guided group tour of the origins of the American Indian Movement and the Indigenous history of the area. ☕️ Bichota Coffee (38th Street District) Just a short walk from George Floyd Square, this Black- and woman-owned café is known for ethically sourced beans and Capriotadas, or sweet, spicy golden raisin lattes. Community events and craft nights make it a gathering space as much as a coffee stop. About 38th Street: The café sits in a district shaped by Black entrepreneurship and resilience — and continues to anchor conversations around justice and healing. Here's what else: Swing by Listen2Us Studio, a living photographic archive of the 2020 protests, or catch a show at Pillsbury House & Theatre. 🥙 Holy Land (Central Avenue District) Originally a deli, Holy Land has now grown into a full-service restaurant and market, known for its shawarma, hummus and fresh pita made in-house. About Central Avenue: Shaped by a working-class population of Lebanese, German, Polish and Eastern European communities brought to the city in the 1930s to work in Northeast's railways, the district has long been a hub for immigrant entrepreneurship and heritage. 🍦 La Michoacana Purepecha (East Lake Street) A colorful ice cream shop serving mangonadas, paletas and bubblegum-pink piñon (pine nut) ice cream. About East Lake Street: Surrounded by mercados and murals, this district is a cultural and commercial center for Minneapolis' Latinx and Somali communities. The takeaway: Across Minneapolis' Cultural Districts, restaurants are more than just places to eat — they're places to linger, to learn and to connect more deeply with the stories rooted in each neighborhood.
Axios
4 days ago
- Sport
- Axios
St. Pete Pride's new leader has big plans despite anti-LGBTQ+ attacks: "I'm a fighter"
She may be 4'11", but don't underestimate Bior Guigni. State of play: She can squat 450 pounds. She's a women's wrestling pioneer, mixed martial arts fighter and former rugby player. And, after an award - studded career in nonprofits, she recently took over as executive director of St. Pete Pride — Florida's largest Pride celebration, which kicks off Sunday — amid a barrage of attacks on LGBTQ+ people in Florida and beyond. In other words,"I'm a fighter," Guigni, 42, told Axios in a recent interview. After visiting family in the Tampa Bay area for the last 20 years, she moved here from Boston with her two standard poodles, Kingston and London, and is enjoying the bungalows, brick-lined streets and beaches. Driving the news: She's got big plans for St. Pete Pride. We caught up with her to learn more. Editor's note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity. What is your vision for St. Pete Pride? There's a lot of opportunity to continue to deepen the year-round presence that St. Pete Pride can offer through advocacy, cultural programming [and] equitable access to resources. I want to really expand our partnerships, not only within the city of St. Pete, but also with other Prides statewide. Considering things that are happening, not only in this country but in our world, it's important for us to remember that we are stronger together and that our voices, when unified, are more powerful than separating each other, right? So [we're] especially focusing on BIPOC (being that myself), trans voices, youth voices [and] elders that have been through so much to get us to where we are today, and I want them to all feel seen and supported through St. Pete Pride. What are you most excited about heading into Pride Month? I know the blood, sweat and tears that comes not only from our team here at St. Pete Pride, but just the entire community. So what I'm really looking forward to is actually getting to celebrate together. And then on top of that is rolling out our summer cool-down series this year where we'll be thanking people who have served half a million people throughout the entire month. We've partnered with a few of the amazing pools in the city and have actually worked out where there's going to be open accessibility on a Monday or Tuesday [for workers and locals who helped make Pride happen]. In Florida, we've seen threats to Pride celebrations and drag shows. We've seen all kinds of attacks on life and expression for queer people, especially trans people and trans youth. How are you addressing that? We are going to continue to be that resource and that organization that provides these safe, inclusive spaces, through our community events, through our advocacy and through the educational part of our work, and doubling down on that, because I think the more that people try to take away, the more we need to come together and keep pushing forward. Did you have any perceptions about Florida coming in that sit with you differently now that you're here? And were you nervous about anything about coming to a place like Florida? I'm not just queer. I am an immigrant. I'm a woman of color, right? And so, driving from Boston to Florida, there are so many things that I had to worry about. But racism and hate is not just centered in certain states. It's actually a country-wide epidemic. I was pleasantly surprised — coming to St. Pete for the last 20-some-odd years — just to see the development of the city and to see all the different businesses that have the rainbow and have beautiful, bright art and collages. It really reminded me of P-town [Providencetown, a queer-friendly destination on Cape Cod]. So it felt very safe here, and I was just really excited to be able to find an opportunity like St. Pete Pride. St. Pete Pride events June 7: Youth and Family Day June 12: Stonewall Reception June 18: Transtastic June 21: Womyn in Comedy June 28: Trans March
San Francisco Chronicle
5 days ago
- Politics
- San Francisco Chronicle
Letters: What the Yosemite reservation system tells us about our dependency on cars and traffic
Regarding 'Here's how it went on the first day of Yosemite's controversial reservation system' (Outdoors, May 24): The Yosemite reservation system should be a nonstory but, unfortunately, it has become one. I am an annual-ish visitor to Yosemite National Park and have visited multiple times during the COVID-era reservation system. I've been before and after that iteration of the reservation system. It was significantly easier to enjoy the park without having to deal with delays and traffic. Going back to the reservation system seems like a no-brainer. I hoped that the reservation system and the ease of transport in Yosemite Valley could have translated into some moving opinions about our over-reliance on automobiles in San Francisco and elsewhere. With BART, Muni and other public transportation agencies facing financial uncertainty, a system that is already over-reliant on private automobiles will face the traffic and lack of parking that Yosemite had without reservations. We must rethink the place cars have in our society. Brian Hoang, San Francisco Photos too graphic But the pictures of a tattooed shirtless male kneeling over a depressed woman on the street and a tent with a woman surrounded by three San Francisco police officers are troubling. Other photos are of two guys smoking fentanyl and a couple out of a Dickens novel on the street. This hardly invites sympathetic appreciation. The story talks about a woman defecating at a bus stop and rendering it unusable. Another woman is quoted as saying she wished she had never started fentanyl and details how she spends most of her days trying to score the drug with her husband. How is the average reader to see these individuals as worthy of care and treatment? Treatment is available, and I commend Mayor Daniel Lurie for his focus on the problem. These are real and needy people. Mel Blaustein, San Francisco Bill discriminates Regarding 'California anti-discrimination bill faces blowback' (Politics, May 21): The story underrepresents the opposition to AB715 and fails to recognize the fallacies in the arguments about antisemitism in our schools. At the Assembly's Education Committee's hearing, over 140 people opposed the bill to 70 in support. Many organizations not listed also filed letters in opposition. AB715 was rushed, requiring a waiver of legislative rules — an abrogation of the democratic process. The voices of BIPOC communities were never included in the process, and that constitutes racism. The bill would allow for anonymous complaints against teachers accused of antisemitism. It is important to allow time for teachers and the California Teachers Union to discuss the bill. Studying Palestine and the politics of Israel has led to the censorship and reprimanding of teachers. This creates an environment of fear and silencing. Criticism of Israel, studying and critiquing the genocide against Palestinians — as it has been named by several human rights organizations — should not be conflated with antisemitism. If AB715 passes, it will set a dangerous precedent for attacking teachers for curriculum that only a small and specific group of parents don't like. Carla Schick, Oakland No free lunch But I have to respond to her comment, 'Everyone in this country deserves to live a life of ease, and so do we.' Sorry, Carolyn, but no one deserves a life of ease. Here in the U.S., you have to earn it. Give the people of East Oakland the opportunity of education, good jobs and affordable housing, and your mission will succeed. Kevin Hangman, Yountville
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Meet Edmonton's Arjun Atwal, the hockey star who walked away from a pro career to build a diverse future for South Asian and BIPOC players
Arjun Atwal (Image via Instagram) When most athletes get the call to go pro, they pack their bags and don't look back. But Edmonton's Arjun Atwal? He did the exact opposite and it's turning heads across the hockey world. Instead of heading to Europe to chase a professional hockey career, Atwal chose to build something even more powerful at home: a community where South Asian and BIPOC players could finally see themselves thrive in a game that hasn't always welcomed them. Now, the NHL is giving him his flowers as a finalist for the Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award and it's easy to see why. Arjun Atwal turned down pro hockey dreams to uplift others instead Atwal isn't just a talented player, he's the real deal. Once crowned MVP in the Alberta Junior Hockey League and a standout for the University of Calgary, he had professional contract offers on the table from teams in Europe. But the 26-year-old Edmonton native saw something more important than personal stats or shiny trophies: representation. After spending years being one of the only non-white players in every locker room, he knew firsthand how isolating that could feel. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Retirement Villages in Bangalore (Search Here For Results) Senior Living Communities Undo 'Usually going into teams or rooms and not really seeing anybody who looked like me,' Atwal told CTV. Instead of ignoring that, he decided to change it for the next generation. Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award 2025 Finalist: Arjun Atwal His AZ1 Hockey program is changing the game for South Asian and BIPOC athletes That's where AZ1 Hockey comes in. Founded by Atwal, the program isn't just about drills and ice time, it's about guidance, mentorship, and making sure no kid gets lost in the shuffle just because they don't fit the mold. AZ1 helps young South Asian and BIPOC players train and navigate hockey's often confusing (and expensive) system. It's a space where culture, confidence, and skill-building meet, something many kids have never had access to in the world of Canadian hockey. And it's growing fast. With AZ1 expanding across Canada, the vision is clear: hockey should belong to everyone, not just a select few. The NHL gives Atwal his flowers with Willie O'Ree Award finalist nod The NHL is recognizing what Atwal's been quietly building for years. He's one of the finalists for the prestigious Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award, which honors people using hockey to positively impact society. For Atwal, the nomination isn't about him. 'It's the kids that are making this happen… I'm just one part of the puzzle,' he said. But let's be real, that one piece is doing a whole lot of heavy lifting. The winner, announced in June, will receive $25,000 for a charity of their choice. Fans can vote daily on the NHL's official site. Arjun Atwal isn't chasing clout, he's creating change. In turning down pro hockey contracts to invest in his community, he's proving that leadership doesn't always come with a captain's 'C.' Sometimes, it looks like showing up for kids who never saw themselves on the ice before. Also read - Why Brad Marchand's Blizzard break is the chillest moment of the Panthers-Hurricanes series Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
