Today we’d like to introduce you to Kali McClendon.
Hi Kali, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve spent most of my career working in leadership roles in the fashion/retail industry during and after college. I started working as a sales associate through college, then Leadership roles in Atlanta, GA, where I moved after college to Alabama State University. I was first exposed to the Luxury retail space, visiting my aunt, who working in the fashion industry in New York City during the summer. I was later awarded an internship working with brands during NYFW (New York Fashion Week) & instantly fell in love with the Luxurious side of the fashion industry. After living in ATL for about 4 1/2 years, I then moved to New York to pursue a career in fashion. I worked in Visual Merchandising, designing window displays, working in showrooms, and working New Store Openings. A year later I decided to move back to the south to be closer to family and landed on a role that would lead me to Nashville, TN. I served as an Area Manager, & Store Management roles honing in on my niche in leadership. I then applied to work at Louis Vuitton, got the role, and absolutely loved it! I fell in love with Luxury all over again, from hosting VIC clients, private appointments to leading a team of the industry’s Top sales experts. I remember thinking, “Wow, look at all of these beautiful black sales professionals doing BIG Things! They were well pressed, conservative, tailored, and could deliver the best-selling ceremonies I have ever experienced over my 15 years working in the industry. It made me so proud. After a few months of working, I noticed a few issues that were familiar, I started keeping record of them as my associates would vent to me and tried my best to help them navigate through them. How to communicate, how/ when to reach out to HR for support, and provide resources that they would need. They confided in me because I was 1 of the only black managers, and they felt more comfortable speaking to someone who could relate to them. I eventually realized that there was a huge problem and that enough is enough.
After countless hours of research and studying DEI topics. I was finally able to put terminology with all of the experiences we faced in the workplace.
It inspired me to create a space for psychological safety, networking, and resources for those like me experiencing the same issues.
I decided to Launch The Ivy Lead because I saw a need in the retail industry. Less than 1% of BIPOC executes get considered for promotions or career advancement.
I spent every penny that I had to invest in my startup. I hired a branding company to design my website and structure my business page. Then, I sent invites to everyone I’ve known in the retail space here in Nashville, Atlanta, and nearby cities to come out to an event that I curated just for them. I then reached out to the only 2 organizations that I could find that supported the same cause to potentially speak at my event. I reached out, offering to provide them with flights and hotel accommodations for the weekend of the event to dine with a selected few industry professionals for a panel discussion.
I was able to lock in two C-Suite Leaders, Felita Harris (CEO Raise Fashion) and Kimberley Minor (CEO Women of Color Retail Alliance) discussing topics that would provide insights and psychological safety for retail executives to share their stories over dinner.
My aspiration for the The Ivy Lead is to offer the necessary resources to retail leaders in smaller communities outside of New York and Los Angeles, enabling them to flourish in the retail industry.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Personal challenges: I have suffered many hardships starting the business. DEI is a tough space and requires a lot of educating yourself. Managing a retail store and managing my newly found organization can get exhausting, and I am unable to fit as much family time into my schedule as I would like. When I am not working my 9-5 at David Yurman, I am working on my brand, networking, and trying to maintain a social life.
The Challenge in the industry:
Leadership in Americas C- suites is not reflective of the population. Currently, only 5.9 % of all chief executives are black, and only 1% are women, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
BIPOC retail executives continue to face significant disparities within the fashion industry, with less than 1% achieving Creative Director roles. This gap in opportunities and representation highlights a systemic issue of underrepresentation and exclusion from key decision-making positions. Addressing this disparity is crucial for the industry to harness diverse perspectives and innovations, requiring a shift towards more inclusive hiring practices, mentorship, networking, and a commitment to promoting diversity in both design and leadership to ensure equitable opportunities for all talented individuals.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As I manage my newly found Organization. I currently work as an Assistant Store Director for David Yurman. Luxury Jewelry Brand.
Founder & CEO of the Ivy Lead: a network that puts retail executives and entrepreneurs of color, located in smaller communities outside of LA and NYC, in close proximity to C-Suite Industry leaders, ensuring that they have opportunities and the proper resources to thrive and succeed in the luxury retail industry.
I found that there aren’t any organizations that assist with bridging the GAP between retail executives and the C-suites located in the South. This sets us apart from other organizations.
The Ivy Lead is a network dedicated to providing comprehensive and engaging platforms for discussing the vital role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the luxury retail industry.
Our mission is to provide a support network that creates a psychologically safe environment, provides direct access to C- Suite Leaders, and providing guidance and the resources needed for retail leaders in smaller communities enabling them.
I am most proud of the fact that I have had the pleasure of meeting so many amazing people that look like me to further inspire me to lead an organization that can assist in making a different in the industry that we love.
I think a lot about my experiences over the years that have shaped me to be the person I am today.
Growing up around a lot of strong women over the years prepared me to fight against the odds. I am also proud of the lives that I have influenced and the positive impact that I have made thus far.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t believe in luck.
I believe in God and his grace. It’s sufficient and has played a vital role in my success. My faith in God has protected and blessed my life in ways that you could not Imagine.
Jeremiah 29:11 is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. because it ensures us that He knows the plans that he has for each and every person in this life, providing hope and a future during times of uncertainty.
Contact Info:
- Website: theivyleadinc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_beautiiiful_silhouette?igsh=cjNsNzRwNDU2OG9k&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kali-mcclendon-429515b0?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Image Credits
Hannah Lyvers
Felita Harris
Kimberly Lee Minor
