TSU Fashioni$taS win $$$ for dreams

TSU Fashioni$ta$ win $$$ for dreams

By JOAN KITE

Five young women in the College of Agriculture Human Sciences’ Fashion Merchandising Program were each awarded $1,000 scholarships bestowed upon them by Gap Inc. & Harlem’s Fashion Row (HFR), and ICON 360, a nonprofit subsidiary of HFR.

The students who each earned $1,000 are Jasmine Broner, Kailyn Hart, Faith Reeves, Tiara Taylor, and Jada Wilder.

The students who received the scholarships wrote essays describing what attracted them to fashion, what was missing in fashion, and what they might do about it.

“Being a fan of fashion and a plus-size black woman, I had never seen myself in the industry, wrote Faith Reeves, 22. “There was never any inclusivity in the industry. So, the idea of developing my products or even working for a company in the product development area has always been a goal of mine. I want to make other women who feel that same as I do about the inclusiveness in fashion feel seen and involved.”

Today, Reeves is designing a capsule collection of TSU wardrobe items for Urban Outfitters in Philadelphia, Penn., while also interning as a buying assistant for the company. The collection, which will include shirts, a pair of bottoms, a trucker hat, and possibly a jacket will be sold online in Spring of 2023.

“It is amazing,” Reeves said of her current experience. She graduated in May and her internship with Urban Outfitters ends in August. “I still want to learn as much as I can. I am able to pick my brain and challenge myself.”

Reeves has an online presence and can be found on Instagram at msraichelleb@instagram.com and on TikTok at faithraii@tiktok.com.

Jasmine Broner, 22, has found herself extremely busy this summer working as an intern at the LOFT at Green Hills Mall while also working a second job as a server at Ruth’s Chris Steak House.

At the LOFT, Broner is learning how to stock, restock, and buy. Her position is currently Sales Lead, but she has spoken with store

FASHION, Continued on page 41

GAP Inc. & Harlem’s Fashion Row scholarship recipients from TSU are (back row from right to left) Tiara Taylor, Jasmine Broner, Faith Reeves, Kailyn Hart and (front) Jada Wilder. The young women are a blend of fashionistas, entrepreneurs, designers and stylists. All of them combine these talents into forging career paths that bring them income and personal satisfaction. Photo by Joan Kite