If you are a lover of fashion, a designer or stylist, one of the people you hope to meet is celebrity stylist, designer, author and rock mom June Ambrose!
Last Thursday, Harlem Fashion Row CEO Brandice Henderson celebrated the launch of Harlem Fashion Row University and the 2014 McCafe Design Student Competition by hosting Conversations with June Ambrose. Click HERE for more information about the competition.
Prior to the start of the event, I had a chance to go backstage and meet with June. I served as the recorder for Naseya of The Seventh District who interviewed Ms. Ambrose. It was a great interview; please check it out below. I wanted to take notes while recording! Following the interview, the three of us chatted briefly about styling and things to think about when transitioning from part-time to full-time. Following our conversation, of course we all took pictures. I’ll be the first to admit, I was HYPE! I mean, how often do you get a chance to chat with someone you look up to in the industry?
After the private interview and taking pictures, we returned to the auditorium. For the next two hours, June Ambrose provided her insight and wisdom on a variety of topics including success, self worth, racism in fashion, branding and more! The conversation was a mix of questions asked by Brandice and students in the audience.
Here are some key takeaways from the conversation:
- You have to assume that people are always watching. Especially with social media.
- Styling is about branding. Branding of ourselves is important. That is how we tell our story.
- We are the CEO of our lives. Whether you take on a job or start your own, you can still think like an entrepreneur.
- Don’t worry about being famous. If you do the work, you will be celebrated.
- Don’t take for granted the small things. Those small things are going to lead you to great things.
- An opportunity can be presented to you and you can miss it if you don’t know what to do with it.
- Consistently exercise your craft.
- You should be glamorous in anything you do in life.
- Don’t be afraid of yourself.
- Know that you are WORTHY!
One thing I love about June Ambrose is that she is so humble and down to earth. What you see is what you get. Following the event, she spent time taking selfies with Howard University students and chatting with attendees until it was time for her to depart.
This event was truly the highlight of my week! As successful as this inaugural event was, I think Harlem Fashion Row University is on a path to providing great opportunities for undergraduate students of color seeking to pursue a career in the fashion industry.
If you are a fashion student at an HBCU, be sure to check out Harlem Fashion Row University and the 2014 Cafe Design Student Competition.
