Brandice Henderson is one woman who always steps out with her most fashionable foot! The CEO and creator of Harlem’s Fashion Row has branded and promoted fresh and innovative designers of color for the past 5 years. Harlem Fashion Row is a movement that increases diversity in the fashion industry by producing events to teach, inspire, and encourage as well as by providing a platform for designers.Combining passion, drive and courage,  she has created an avenue for others to shine!

She  first  started hosting her event in a small restaurant venue and now debuts her shows at the striking Allen Room at Lincoln Center.  Harlem Fashion Row has gained  corporate support from major companies such as Target Stores, Iman Cosmetics, Sprite Green, and BET.  This business with a purpose has also been covered by NY Daily News, New York Time Out, and Jones Magazine, NYC TV “That’s So New York”, The Cut, NY Racked, Black Enterprise, and Centric just to name a few!

Let’s get to know Brandice Henderson…

There is nothing better than getting a fresh idea! How did you turn your vision of Harlem Fashion Row into a full movement?
I was having coffee with a friend the other day and she said to me that movements start when people are inspired. In everything that we do with HFR, the ultimate goal is to inspire and so maybe she was right. We have received incredible support from the fashion industry and I’m so thankful for it.

Fashion is a difficult field to break into, why did you feel that it was important to diversify the industry?
I believe that fashion is art and in any area of art you need need all perspectives at the table. Currently, there are several perspectives missing from the table and my goal is to create a seat for them.

What piece of advice would you give to young women of color who want to tap into the fashion world?
Work hard, network, get the right education, and put God first.

Who are 3 fresh designers that everyone should look out for this season?
Oh, there are so many but if have to narrow it down I would say HFR 2010 designer Sammy B., HFR 2011 Designer Bethune Bros, and K. Milele by Kiki Kitty

Being a woman of color and being an entrepreneur comes with different challenges, what has been the biggest trial you had to overcome and what did you learn from it?
Ha, I believe I’m overcoming them now! There are constant challenges, but if you have faith it will all work out. My biggest challenge was putting together the very first HFR show. That was taking an idea that I had never seen before and bringing it to life. I look back and still can’t quite believe that the show happened. There were so many things that went wrong in the process, but from it I learned that sometimes you just have to do it. Don’t think about your idea too long, just start doing it. What’s the worst that can happen?

Where do you see Harlem Fashion Row in the next 5 years?
In the next 5 years, HFR will be a brand that assists in funding emerging designers globally employing a diverse staff of 50 – 75 fashion professionals.

What makes you a Styleaholic?
I do whatever I feel when it comes to my style. I only follow my rules!

Check out more here…

Harlem Fashion Row

-Ellisa Oyewo