Over the weekend, rolling out had an awesome opportunity to encounter some of Chicago’s biggest pioneers in the fashion, communication and media industries in the area. StyleChat, which was introduced by fashion veteran Bebe Jones, had an awesome panel. The panel consisted of Natalie Bryant, fashion model with FACTOR Women Modeling Agency; brand builder of Phli Clothing Store, Dave Jeff, Iman Jefferson Riedel, PR specialist, and communication manager for U.S. Cellular; Sean Rush, publisher of KISS Magazine; Dutch Davis, fashion stylist of PRSVR; and Suzette Opara, fashion stylist of EighttwentyEight Collection, who all shared their industry stories and keen business advice.
This was the first installment of StyleChat in the Chicago area. Many aspiring fashion designers, models and future entrepreneurs came out to gained professional expertise that the panel provided. Bebe Jones, who’s a vibrant and free spirited style maven, led the open forum with three intriguing questions: When did you fall in love with fashion? How did you break into the industry? Finally, she asked the panel to explain the pros and cons of their network being their net worth. The audience was captivated with how candid the panelists were about breaking into the industry and the struggles they faced.
For instance, fashion model Natalie Bryant expressed that, “Modeling for me was my way of making my weird beautiful.” After overcoming rejection,she eventually secured a contract with, FACTOR Women Modeling Agency, which represents some of the most beautiful and elite women in the Chicago and Atlanta areas.
Panelist Dave Jeff, brand builder and owner of Phli Clothing Store, admitted that he’s had a few run-ins with the law, but by the grace of God he’s on the right side of the law and continuing to build his brand.
Stylist Dutch Davis offered keen networking advice to attendees. “Learn how to network and be prepared to bring something to the table,” he said.
StyleChat was a great success thanks to marketing and management team of Chicago Merge and style maven Bebe Jones. Jones hopes to see StyleChat continue to grow and educate more aspiring fashion stylists.
–dana williams
