Today we’d like to introduce you to DaNae Harrison.
Hi DaNae, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always had a deep love for fashion. As a child, I was fascinated by fabrics and textiles, often spending hours styling my dolls in creative looks. In high school, I took a summer sewing course in Washington, D.C., where I learned the fundamentals of sewing. Though challenging at first, I found immense joy in the craft — and from there, I never looked back.
In 2020, I launched my fashion brand, Update, reworking vintage and pre-owned tees with soft tailoring and rhinestone embellishments. Over the past five years, I’ve experienced the full spectrum of entrepreneurship — highs, lows, and everything in between. But I’ve always kept philanthropy at the core of my brand. Whether it was offering complimentary tailoring, donating handmade sanitary napkin holders to nonprofits, mentoring youth regarding business acumen, or supplying sewing machines and kits to aspiring creatives in underserved communities — giving back has remained essential to my work.
These values have shaped not only my brand but also my personal journey. I’ve been honored as a 2023 Gucci Changemakers Scholar, a 2024 and 2025 repeat Fashion Scholarship Fund Neiman Marcus Group and Saks Global Scholar, and a 2023-2025 Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholar for Public Service. These recognitions remind me that fashion can be a powerful force for good — and that I’m just getting started.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. Before attending Spelman College, I was able to rely on my local community, family, and word of mouth to build momentum for my brand. But once I relocated to Atlanta for college, I quickly realized that my model — designing one-of-one pieces, managing content creation, and selling at pop-ups — was no longer sustainable.
That shift forced me to pivot. I began offering tailoring and alteration services, which quickly became a necessity for students seeking tailored business attire, performance wear, or last-minute adjustments before major events like pageants or Homecoming. What started as a small service became something much more meaningful. I felt honored to empower people through their clothing and to be a part of their most special moments — stitched into their stories, quite literally.
Tailoring proved to be both in-demand and more time-efficient. It gave me a consistent stream of work and taught me the value of flexibility in business. Looking back, pivoting to tailoring was one of the best decisions I made — and I know it’s a skill that will remain valuable and portable throughout my career, wherever life takes me.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Although I primarily offer tailoring services, upon request, I also offer one of one pieces. Tailoring serves as a foundational catalyst for my life and career aspirations to reshape how we think about fashion, policy, and sustainability. By reworking and revitalizing clothing, we can create a sustainable environment. My work sits at the intersection of environmental justice, ethical fashion, and public service. In the future, I aim to drive systemic change in the fashion industry through legal advocacy, sustainability consulting, and thought leadership rooted in both creativity and policy analysis.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My best advice for finding a mentor is to reach out to people who are doing work you genuinely admire — whether or not they have the exact title or job you’re aspiring to. Be prepared when you connect. Come with thoughtful questions and a clear understanding of what you hope to learn — and most importantly, offer value. Mentorship should be reciprocal, not transactional. You should bring just as much to the table in terms of energy, intention, and effort.
What’s worked well for me is leading the relationship. I never leave it up to my mentor to drive the dynamic — I’m proactive about scheduling time, following up, and applying their advice with intention. I respect their time, and I make sure to show how much I value their guidance. I’ve also learned that it’s not always about connecting with the most senior person in the room. Some of my most valuable mentors have been just a few years ahead of me — their insights feel current, relatable, and incredibly impactful.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/updatellc?igsh=YTRmbWdtczRrbWFj&utm_source=qr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danae-harrison?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
