In anticipation of The #FashionAwards 2024 presented by Pandora, taking place today (Monday 2nd December), we celebrated the 2024 Pandora Leader of Change Recipient, #IssaRae with an intimate lunch in London on Sunday.
Issa Rae’s commitment to authentic representation and her transformative use of storytelling have profoundly shifted perceptions, setting a powerful example for the next generation. The Pandora Leader of Change Award, which will be presented to Rae by close friend #YvonneOrji at #TFA, celebrates a person who leads with innovation to create positive change globally.
The event recognised Rae's alignment to these principles, with attendees including #CandiceBraithwate, #PriyaAlhuwalia, #LivLittle, #ToniGarrn, #FedericalaBanca, #SapnaRao, #JuliaSokele, A. Filippo Ficarelli & #FrancescoTerzo, #AlexanderLacik, Berta de Pablos-Barbier and more.
Images: Marco Bahler and Sofi Adams
Love this! I watched via Issa's IG stories so felt like I had a little BTS seat at the table at this event which looked beautiful- well done to the team behind it!
As Ted Baker shuts down all its UK stores tomorrow (20 August), Drapers speaks to former executives of the business about its legacy and what the future holds for the embattled British brand.
"In a cookie-cutter world, Ted created something truly special and it is a loss to retail." Read the full story below.
#Ted#TedBaker#fashion#retail#retailnews#highstreet#UKretail
ATTN all smart, amazing people in my network who want to shake things up and bring a diversity of perspective to the table (and remind audiences that women over 40 aren't #invisible#ireelevant).
The Stella Collective is a new initiative from the passionate Lot Hawkins and Sasha Radford who are championing a new way. One that is a personal passion of mine in advocating against #genderedageism and speaking up rather than keeping silent...
They're hosting a launch event and its NEARLY SOLD OUT so get in quick. Juanita Neville-Te Rito is a guest speaker and know she'll be a 'must listen'.
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A brief blurb >>>
The Stella Collective was founded on belief that we could do better for people over 40 in general and women over 40 in particular. Our life and work experience showed us time and time again that people over 40 or often overlooked, even though the opportunity that we bring is so big. We founded The Stella Collective with a view that rather than accepting the status quo, we can actively change it by creating opportunities for brands to hear our collective voice.
We are a collective of women 40+ who seek to champion the voice, vision, and needs of women 40+ for better representation in media and brand and product innovation. An individual voice has little power, but as a collective we can amplify who we are and what we want and enable you direct access to the brands to change this.
martigne glosterAnna HenwoodAnna SubritzkyMelinda McKenzieMel CummingsMelanie Spencer
Always lovely to start a Monday on a high. Not just because I earned my free loyalty coffee from fave coffee shop here in Auckland, but also because our launch event for The Stella Collective has almost sold out!
Get in quick to nab one of the last tickets and see you there!
As Ted Baker shuts down all its UK stores today (20 August), Drapers speaks to former executives of the business about its legacy and what the future holds for the embattled British brand.
"In a cookie-cutter world, Ted created something truly special and it is a loss to retail." Read the full story below.
#Ted#TedBaker#fashion#retail#retailnews#highstreet#UKretail
"The art of blending is creating that ideal space where everyone can express themselves, allowing diversity, nuances, cultures, and unique stories to shine”. The 2025 #LavazzaCalendar, #LetsBlend, celebrates the collective effort that shapes our world.
Francesca Lavazza shares the story behind this powerful concept and how it comes to life in the Calendar.
Watch the full interview:
In a world where creativity meets integrity, SocietyJazz emerges as the ideal partner for your brand's journey. 🌟 Etana, with her remarkable vision, turns client dreams into reality, as eloquently expressed by Pamela Rineholt. Trust and creativity are more than goals here; they're a promise. 📈🤝 #LifelongLearning#DesignThinking - Etana
Yesterday, I had the honour to attend the UK Black Business Show with the CEO of Thinkovate BV, Raynald Okanta and the Brand manager, Mohammed Zar.
I listened to different CEOs, and these are some few pearls I brought with me at home from the overall experience:
1. The cost of embarrassment will cost you your dream so don’t allow it
2. Storytelling will help you to market your brand at a very low cost
3. Being stagnant will lead you to stagnation; your 20s are meant to explore, try and discover
4. You will never excel above your environment
5. Surround yourself with people who are going through similar experiences as you, or have successfully overcome challenges you are facing
6. A crucial element of establishing a strong online presence is effective search engine optimisation.
And you? What have you learned that can contribute to someone’s self-development?
🌟 Celebrating a Decade of Black Excellence and Progress 🌟
As we look back on the 2010s, it's inspiring to see the strides made in advancing Black wealth, power, and success. From the historic presidency of Barack Obama to groundbreaking initiatives in tech and entrepreneurship, the past decade has been pivotal. Black Enterprise has been at the forefront, highlighting key moments and driving change.
The Black Enterprise TechConneXt Summit connected African American executives with Silicon Valley to foster diversity and inclusion. Empowering women entrepreneurs was another focus through the Women of Power Summit, addressing challenges and celebrating achievements of African American women in business and politics. Our "Power in The Boardroom" report played a part in increasing black representation on S&P 500 boards, highlighting the importance of diverse leadership.
Entrepreneurs like Tristan Walker, Morgan DeBaun, John Henry, Gilbert Campbell III, and Natalie Madeira Cofield exemplify the spirit of innovation and resilience, breaking barriers and creating opportunities.
Let's continue this journey, supporting each other in building an inclusive and prosperous future.
💬 What stories of Black success and innovation have inspired you in the past decade? Share in the comments below!
#BlackExcellence#Leadership#DiversityInTech#WomenEmpowerment#Entrepreneurship#InclusiveLeadership#BlackEnterprise
Your Girl is proud to exhibit at the UK Black Business Week | UK Black Business Show
As the founder of Happiworkers, an anti-racist, culturally sensitive workplace mental health platform, I'm honored to be part of this incredible lineup of Black-owned businesses.
Our mission? To reduce the inequities racialised communities face in accessing mental health support at work. It's not just a business—it's a calling.
Why emphasize that we're Black-owned?
🔷 The disparities Black business owners face are real
🔷 As a Black female founder, the barriers are even higher
🔷 But this doesn't scare me—it fuels me
This isn't my first rodeo. Happiworkers is my second business, built on a foundation of deep commitment and expertise in mental health.
We envision workplaces where mental health care is accessible and culturally attuned to racialised communities. Why? Because representation matters, especially in healing.
🔥 Remember the race riots just weeks ago? 🔥
🔸 Racialised groups targeted for their skin color or religion
🔸In 2024, pure hatred still exists
🔸Daily microaggressions in workplaces can't be denied
That's why Happiworkers exists. That's why I'm here.
To the girl predicted to fail her GCSEs:
→You're now in the final year of your doctorate
→You've built one successful business
→You're launching another game-changing venture
To every aspiring entrepreneur facing doubts and barriers:
If I can do it, you can too. It's not easy, but it's worth it.
Join us at the UK Black Business Show. Let's showcase our resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Together, we're not just building businesses. We're changing narratives, breaking barriers, and healing communities.
#UKBlackBusinessShow#BlackOwnedBusiness#MentalHealthMatters#Happiworkers#RepresentationMatters
Wedding & Event Planner at Stacey Koks Weddings & Events (formerly Navy Tux Events)
3wLove this! I watched via Issa's IG stories so felt like I had a little BTS seat at the table at this event which looked beautiful- well done to the team behind it!