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Meet the CEO & Creative Visionary of EPIC
- Please tell us what your role is and what it entails?
I am CEO & Creative Visionary of EPIC Everyday. I am on a mission to cultivate products and partnerships that reflect, represent, & inspire historically excluded children. Visibility for the culture focusing on children & versatility in products that are anything but ordinary, that’s my focus! I’m the Chief EPIC Opportunity dreamer and inspiration seeker. However, my audacity to dream is complemented by a small team with a wealth of knowledge able plan and execute every aspect of the customer journey. My main role is to serve as design lead of all products, chatting weekly with our chief design officer and design to bring my vision to reality. Another vital part of my role as CEO is to foster long term community relationships. These include building a strong support system of business mentors, like-minded entrepreneurs, corporate sponsors, and specialty non-profits. I look forward to day-to-day operations management from beginning to end. From sample production to manufacturing to delivery for our retail partners, website, & Amazon storefront. But I must admit my favorite part is making connections. Connections with people and organizations that truly support women-owned, Black founders, and have a heart for diversity. Coordinating community outreach and mentoring opportunities that currently include Jack & Jill of America, Baylor University, Bowie State University, Boys & Girls Clubs, and various corporate social responsibility partners. Pouring into others and paying it forward are at the root of what I do in an EPIC way, every single day!
- How did you land this position?
This position found me out of necessity as a meaningful way to make a difference, I had been a “retired” oncology patient services director and stay-at-home mom since 2001. In 2017 my sister and I joined forces to start our family-owned business. She was working full-time & living in Scotland with her husband and two young daughters. She wanted to add some diversity to their lifestyle and thought I had tons of time to make it happen. I wanted to take the lead after research revealed that less than 2% of accessories, apparel, and home goods looked like our children even though ethnic minorities make-up about 30% of the U.S. population. I was disheartened by the lack of products that highlighted Black and brown children. Upon recognizing the extreme lack of diversity, I made a conscientious decision to empower children and took action to fill a void. In 2019, after 2 years of research, we launched our first collection. As a daughter, sister, AKA, HBCU graduate, wife, and Black mom, I knew firsthand the importance of building self-confidence and finding the beauty in diversity early in life. I started the mocha-hued movement to inspire EPIC kids to be “Empowered, Positive, Innovative, and Creative.”
- What does your everyday “workday” look like?
I’m very intentional about the beginning, middle and end of the day. When I wake, I pray or meditate in solitude before stretching. This is my time to get centered and set my intentions for the day. Midday is all about movement. Whether it’s yoga, or a quick dance break, movement is a form of meditation that yields inspiration. Emails and follow-up are always first on the agenda. Next, review of product inventory, sales, and market trends. By midday, I’m checking with team members to collaborate about production, goals, processes, marketing, and budget updates. Most importantly, I check with each team member weekly to chat about physical and mental health. Business burnout is real, and every day I check-in with how I’m finding balance. Late day meetings or updates with business collaborators and international vendors usually end the day before final emails and a quick check of the agenda for the next day. The end of the day always ends in prayer for allowing me the opportunity to get to do what I love, serving others in a unique way.
- What keeps you motivated?
I want children to feel seen & celebrated for who they are, naturally. When a child receives a gift from EPIC Everyday and squeals in delight, “it looks just like me,” it affirms that I’m creating joy and building hope. For the little black girl that is the only one in her class, to the black boy living in a transracial adoptive home where he looks different from his family members. The myriad of stories from black children being unable to attend specific school or participate in extracurricular activities. and sports because of their hair texture, and inherent cultural style. All of these children motivate me to add inspiration via representation in a vibrant and visible way. They motivate me to create each character as a relatable positive reflection of themselves. Our motto, “Never Ordinary, Always EPIC,” serves as an affirmation as I strive to exceed expectations with bright & bold inspiration with representation.
- Who/what inspires your drive as a woman?
Beyond my family, taking the lead from fierce, determined, courageous, confident & caring women drives my passion to use my limited time on earth to live life fully! Resilience and reflections from the past and present drive me as a Black woman. Such historical role models as Harriet Tubman who said, “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” Today, I draw inspiration from Janice Bryant Howroyd, the first black woman to own a billion-dollar business. She is a huge supporter of EPIC Everyday, children and the community. Who believes that in building confidence, “knowing your worth has to occur from the inside.” Both leaders’ aspirations and success continue to ignite my drive against all odds and beyond every challenge.
- If you could switch job titles with anyone in the world for one day, who would it be and why?
I would switch jobs with my mentor, Aisha Bowe for a day. Aisha is a former NASA scientist, and the founder of STEM Board and LINGO. As a highly recognized entrepreneur, global ambassador, and Inc. Magazines 2022 Top 100 Female Founders her achievements are admirable. As a self-proclaimed STEM nerd, I would like to trade places with her a very special day. This year she will be the first Black woman to fly to outer space with Blue Origin. Being the “first” is always a remarkable accomplishment. Talk about an inspirational and out of this world opportunity!
- What do you think is the first word that comes to mind when others describe you? Why?
Creative is the word that comes to mind when most people describe me. As a child I attended the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati, Ohio. Self-expression has always been a part of my life. Now I am coming full circle with a visual and verbal message that boldly speaks to children and adults. My creativity generates out of the box aspirations. I value the ability to build and believe in your dream before it can be visualized by others.
- Where can our followers connect with you on social media?
Join the mocha-hued movement and learn about all things EPIC Everyday on IG and FB @epiceverydayofficial. The mocha-hued movement is a global campaign to raise awareness regarding diversity and inclusion. I’m always looking to make meaningful connections and impactful partnerships!
