Today we’d like to introduce you to Briana Burton.
Hi Briana, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. My entrepreneurship journey began at a very young age. Like most entrepreneurs, my first business was a lemonade stand – Lemonade & Things. I sold cups of lemonade and toys I didn’t want, utilizing a humble shoebox as my makeshift storefront.
This is important to my story because as a child, I was unknowingly sowing seeds toward my future.
When it was time to attend college, I decided to major in Entrepreneurship at Temple University. All of my courses taught me how to exist within a business instead of how to successfully run your own business. I quickly learned that I didn’t need to take courses to own a business. My business savvy began as a child when I started my first business. Entrepreneurship and creativity have always been innately a part of me.
In my sophomore year of college, I decided to switch my major to Strategic Communications with a focus on Public Relations. I’ve always loved writing and was somewhat interested in opening a fashion PR firm, so it seemed like a perfect fit. And it was! Throughout my time at the Klein College of Communications, I learned a lot, like how to define your personal brand, and improved my writing skills and interpersonal and strategic communication skills. All of which have been extremely instrumental in my business journey.
My interest in fashion began around age eight when my grandmother taught me how to sew by hand. Once I learned how to sew by hand, I would sew clothes for my Bratz dolls. Fast forward to college, I decided to purchase a sewing machine and taught myself how to use it. Although I didn’t necessarily have the extra money at the time, I saw it as an investment toward my future. Now, I was making clothing for myself and my friends. Since then, I’ve designed for fashion shows at my Alma mater, Temple University, and in the local Philadelphia area.
Throughout my professional career, I’ve worked directly for non-profit organizations and schools as an educator. I have over ten years of teaching experience. As an educator, my goal has always been to positively impact the lives of the children I’ve had the privilege to work with. It’s been so rewarding to witness the progress of my past and current students.
Hems & Brims came to my mind one afternoon as I was resting in my college apartment. I thought the name was so catchy! At the time, I thought I would use the name “Hems & Brims” for a fashion blog. Since I’ve always enjoyed writing, I thought starting a fashion blog would be appropriate.
Little did I know that Hems & Brims would turn into a mentorship program for Black youth interested in a career in fashion.
As a Black woman, I’ve never really felt like pursuing a career in fashion was achievable. Not because I’m incapable but because of the racial biases and blatant racism in the fashion industry. I also didn’t see many individuals like me working in the fashion industry. While in college, I could probably count on my hand how many Black creatives I knew of working within the fashion industry. Throughout my business journey, I’ve made it my priority to educate myself on Black fashion creatives/brands within the fashion industry. I’ve learned about an endless amount of talented individuals from the past and current who have paved the way for us to continue their legacy. As Black people, we’ve made a tremendous impact on the fashion industry (and in every industry; we influence EVERYTHING). There is no reason why we should feel uncomfortable working in the fashion industry. Our contributions should be recognized and celebrated. There would be NO fashion industry without us. Our goal at Hems & Brims is to close the disparity gap in fashion by offering resources, connections, and support.
Hems & Brims was inspired by a simple yet powerful vision – a vision born from the desire to provide the kind of support and opportunities I wish I had encountered during my formative years. If I had a program like Hems & Brims back then – my fashion career would have reached even greater heights!
Hems & Brims is not just a program; it’s a vibrant community designed specifically to make the path to a flourishing fashion career smoother for Black youth. At Hems & Brims, creativity is not just nurtured but celebrated, and dreams are not just acknowledged but fueled with unwavering support.
This is more than just a safe space – it’s a tapestry of possibilities where students can weave their talents into the vibrant fabric of the fashion industry. At Hems & Brims, we’ve crafted an environment where the next generation of fashion trailblazers can connect with seasoned professionals, forming alliances that will propel them forward on their unique journeys.
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?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. However, life isn’t particularly easy for most. I believe that most challenges have the potential to teach you life lessons. And you can either choose to let challenges suffocate you or work through them.
As a Black woman in America, I deal with challenges that are not unique to me. I try to push through challenges and not allow myself to succumb to them. I’m human, so of course I have times where I’m completely overwhelmed but the important part is to always pick yourself back up and keep moving forward.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Hems & Brims is a virtual mentorship program for Black youth interested in a career in fashion. We connect our students to fashion industry professionals who will support them through 1:1 and group sessions. We aim to close the disparity gap in fashion by offering resources, connections, and support.
As a welcome into our program, each student receives a sewing machine, sewing kit, and fabric. Our available group sessions are Basics of Sewing, Business of Fashion, Sustainable Fashion, Black Representation in Fashion, and Fashion Culture & Identity.
Our Basics of Sewing course is currently mandatory, while the other courses are available on Saturday and Sunday, and students have the option to attend the two group sessions they prefer.
Our mentors offer invaluable insights derived from their extensive careers, enriching the learning experiences of our students. We have mentors who have over 15 years of experience working in fashion. Many of our mentors are also entrepreneurs, so they not only offer fashion industry insights but also a wealth of guidance on how to successfully navigate a business.
We are a virtual program so we accept students from across the U.S. and even internationally. In 2023, we were very fortunate to support one of our students who resides in Saint Vincent & the Grenadines.
Our program is cost-effective, with the registration fee being $275. Once we transition to a non-profit organization our program will be free to our students.
What are you most proud of?
I’m proud of trusting myself enough to take that leap towards following my vision. I’m proud of our mentors who have made a long-lasting positive impact on our students. I’m also proud to say that we have partnered with amazing schools and organizations along our journey.
Last year, we partnered with Creatives Want Change, an organization dedicated to the cultivation of Black creative talent, beginning at the high school level and continuing into early professional development. They referred a very talented group of students to us, which we had the absolute pleasure to support.
I have been extremely blessed to have many people around me who’ve supported Hems & Brims. I’m forever grateful to everyone who has been a part of this journey. This is only the beginning, and I am looking forward to the trajectory of Hems & Brims.
What were you like growing up?
I’ve always been very creative. Since a child, I’ve had a very vivid imagination. I love the ability to create something out of nothing. I believe that is an ancestral thing. As Black people, we’ve always created our own spaces out of necessity. I love that about us, and I hope to continue to support and inspire the next generation of Black fashion creatives!
Once I learned how to sew by hand, it sparked my interest in fashion. I knew from then on, that I wanted to work within the fashion industry. Recognizing the significance of mentorship early on, I proactively sought connections with individuals who could champion and guide me toward my aspirations in fashion. Understanding the pivotal role mentors play, I prioritized reaching out to professionals who could lend their expertise and support to my journey.
Pricing:
- $275 – registration fee
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hemsandbrims.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hemsandbrims/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083080552801&paipv=0&eav=AfaPZ-gjMK1ppWC_K0a9TkO8hSqNQ8dkTXr-hrpIe0pKcSGcZFWdh7d-gs5lCdRnSOs
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hems-brims
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@hemsandbrims
Image Credits
Lindentree Photo
