Behind the Spotlight: Fun Facts & Insider Moments

A curated look at the experiences, influences, and unexpected milestones that shape my perspective across fashion, education, and media—from early digital commentary to global collaborations and crown-worthy interviews.

1. A Global Footprint

Born in Columbus, Georgia, with formative years in Berlin and later Nassau, my worldview has always been shaped by cross-cultural immersion. That international lens continues to inform my work today, from consulting with luxury boutiques around the world to advising emerging brands in fashion capitals. A defining early chapter: co-launching a luxury boutique at Atlanta’s Phipps Plaza at just twenty-three—an experience that sharpened my understanding of retail, clientele, and creative direction long before it became my signature.

2. A Birthday Bond with Baldwin

I share an August 2 birthday with James Baldwin—a connection that has grown into a personal touchstone. His writing, moral clarity, and cultural critique continue to influence how I consider identity, storytelling, and the responsibility embedded in creative work.

3. Fashion Meets the Crown

One of the most compelling intersections of fashion and culture in my career came through interviewing Miss Universe 2022, R’Bonney Gabriel, in my role as an official media contributor for the Miss Universe Organization. As fellow fashion educators and advocates for sustainability, our conversation explored how style can become a vehicle for purpose, education, and global influence—an exchange that underscored fashion’s power far beyond aesthetics. Watch the discussion here

4. Reality TV Meets Fashion Commentary

Contributed expert insights to Project Runway and Project Accessory (2011–2012), recapping episodes and conducting interviews that connected fashion to narrative and storytelling:

• Episode 4 Recap

• Episode 5 Recap

• Episode 7 Recap

• Finale Recap

5. Published Children’s Author

Co-authored 9 Ways to Live Like a Prince, a book celebrating Black and Brown boys as future royalty. Get it on Amazon.

6. On-Screen Storytelling

I appeared in Hazel Simpson’s film The Prayer, exploring faith, friendship, and the power of a mother’s love Watch it here.

7. Fashion & Seniors—A Weekly Ritual

I teach a fashion class for seniors through Senior Day Out, a program born during the pandemic and now a cherished part of my life.

8. A Hip-Hop Documentary Feature

I’m featured in The South Got Something to Say, exploring fashion’s role in Atlanta’s cultural rise. Watch the trailer here.

9. Honoring André Leon Talley

André Leon Talley’s legacy continues to inspire my work, guiding my mission to elevate emerging and established talent alike. Honored to serve alongside Talley and other tastemakers on the planning committee for acclaimed designer Mimi Plange, whose custom pieces for Roche Bobois sold out at a major Atlanta charity auction, supporting Horizons Atlanta’s summer programs for underserved K–12 students. Watch the promo video here

10. Morning Motivation

An early riser, I launch each day fueled to create, learn, and serve—setting the tone for impact, growth, and purpose.

11. A Musical Milestone

I co-wrote the song Pause with Deone D'Alessio, Vince Roseborough, and Rudy Reed. Listen to "Pause" here on Apple Music.

12. My Joy List

Grateful for family, empathy, 90s R&B, House, Gospel, and a touch of Country, laughter, sunny mornings, meaningful conversations, inspiring podcasts, and anyone striving to make the world better.