What inspires you?

I'm an advertising professional specializing in strategic planning who loves sneakers and fashion, and express that love through my fashion apparel company Fresh Connection Brand.

Tell us about an issue that matters to you and how you became aware and involved.

Social innovation means the gateway to a more connected world, where we are able to combine our expertise with that of others in a number of fields to better assist the world in providing solutions to the obstacles we face everyday. On a small surface, social innovation means students and professionals being able to work together to solve problems, and on a grander scale it means people from across the world being able to assist others in making their environments a better place. It encourages a world fueled by social interaction, networking, and assistance which is what we as civilization need more than anything.

Share your perspectives on what makes a good leader.

Fresh Connection Brand is a fashion apparel brand I launched alongside a group of my friends with the intent to explore an interest and love for fashion we all shared. Leveraging our independent networks, social media presence, and individual skill, Fresh Connection Brand has been up and running for about two years to date. Since our start, we’ve been able to secure working partnerships with NBA Superstar Dwyane Wade’s Team Wade and Wade’s World Foundation organizations, Chicago’s Culture Yogurt, and Chicago’s Salem Missionary Baptist Church as creative drivers and social enthusiast for the building and forward movement of their current brand initiatives.
What obstacles have you faced thus far? What is your ultimate goal for this project or venture?
Since our start, we’ve faced many obstacles. The most prominent of all would be the ability to secure financial support to fund the business. With a group investment that my partners and I put together to launch, we were able to successfully drive profits to further push our apparel and brand presence. Another obstacle would have been our effort to maintain a business friendly corporation to continue securing creative partnerships with other brands, but also being able to maintain an appeal true to our customers who are much needed to purchase products.
How do you use technology as part of your project?
Technology is the most important component of our operation alongside apparel production. It’s the sole reason we’ve been able to reach consumers consistently as well as growing our current consumer base. We utilize multiple social network platforms to drive brand messaging, and often use each platform individually to connect to others, providing a complete message to our consumers that they appreciate. Remaining connected and “in the know” as a fashion brand is very important, so we make every effort to stay on the cusp of trends and what’s going on in the social sphere.
What project by another I4G member inspires you?
ImaginARTE currently inspires me the most because as a student I had the opportunity to attend art courses early on, and they really pushed my imagination and ability to create and see the world as my canvas. In this day in age, programs such as music, art, and other creative influenced programs are being cut from school systems and this is a huge issue as students are deprived from a very important experience. Children are the dreamers of society, where the ambitious thoughts start early on need to be offered areas of expression, and many times thats allowed through programs like art because you can create what you see in your head onto a canvas. While very important course such as mathematics, reading, science, and literature are high priority, they don't provide the outlet for creativity as art does. I hope to see this project grow and impact students in areas where they need it most.

Do you think TakingITGlobal can help you achieve some of your goals? Have we already? Please tell us how.

I would visit Paris, France for its influence on fashion. It's the fashion capital of the world and inspire the creativity and garments that we've seen over many years from the best luxury brands. I'm also very interested in the culture there, to get an experience much different than that of the United States. It's the one place I will be sure to visit as soon as I can in my life.