Key Highlights of the Black and Indigenous Women and Non-Binary Members in the Fashion Zone Prize
It's essential to create space for marginalized groups in all industries, but creating space is only one of the hurdles. Many companies also need financial support to grow their business. This is why the Black and Indigenous Women and Non-Binary Members in the Fashion Zone Prize was created and will support one of our companies.
The Black and Indigenous Women and Non-Binary Members in the Fashion Zone Prize will provide one active fashion zone member who identifies as a Black, Indigenous woman or non-binary with a $2,500 CAD cash prize along with one fee-free year of incubation and business support in the Fashion Zone. Here is a roundup of our Judges and Top 3 applicants!
Event Judges and Top 3 Finalists
Ashley Alexis McFarlane
- Owner and Creative Director of Omi Woods (external link) .
Justine Woods
Jaymin (Jalisa) Luces-Mendes
- Founder of Toni Marlow Clothing (external link) .
Emefa Kuadey of Israella Kobla (external link)
Rosalee Mitchell of Raonraon Creations (external link)
Edo Odozor of Naij Hair (external link)
Words of Wisdom
During the pitch, the judges had an opportunity to ask questions to our top 3 based on their video pitch submissions, based on which the winner was chosen. Before announcing the winner, the judges had an opportunity to impart some words of wisdom to all applicants and here is what they had to say.
Q: "What will you like our finalists to know as they continue on this journey of entrepreneurship?"
- Ashley McFarlane: Focus; this goes across the board for everyone. In terms of strategizing your business against competitors, Hone in on the main problem you solve and repeat that to your customer. Then, prioritize the development of solving that problem in your overall business. Especially right when you begin because that's the first thing people will remember about your business, so make it very clear.
- Justine Woods: When you're an entrepreneur, things get hectic. Ensure that you prioritize self-care and stay in a sound mental state because all of that good energy will infiltrate back into your business. Take the time that you need to rest, prioritize yourself and your self-care to continue to work hard, and it will make a massive difference in the end.
- Jaymin Luces-Mendes: When it comes to pitching, "know your business." At the end of the day, it's really about knowing your business, knowing your why and being able to articulate it. So how can you keep knowing your business? Get better at it, like it's your best friend, continue to tell your story.
