Meet Briana Burton | Founder & Project Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Briana Burton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Briana, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I founded Hems & Brims because there is an urgent need for change in the fashion industry. There is a long history of disparity within fashion. Countless Black fashion creatives have been overlooked despite their tremendous impact on the industry. Our talents deserve to be recognized and celebrated.

Hems & Brims is a celebration of our impact in the world of fashion. Our virtual mentorship program is designed to create a safe space for Black youth to pursue their fashion goals, which is something I didn’t have growing up. My aspirations were often stifled by a lack of resources and an industry steeped in racial bias and exclusivity.

Mentorship is an integral part of our program, and I firmly believe in its transformative power. Through mentorship, we will empower the next generation of Black fashion creatives, ensuring they receive the support and opportunities they need to succeed.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What I want people to know about my brand is that I am dedicated to this work because the fashion industry urgently needs to change for the better. I will continue to work diligently towards creating opportunities for Black youth in fashion.

There are plenty Black fashion creatives who came before me that started the movement to highlight our contributions, and I want to continue in their footsteps. To quote my favorite fashion icon, Ms. Lois K. Alexander Lane:

“There is an oft-quoted myth that Black people are ‘new-found talent’ in the fashion field, and we want to change that.”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Eat: I love to eat, and Atlanta has many great places for breakfast and brunch. My favorites are First Watch, Another Broken Egg Cafe, and Flying Biscuit.

Drink: Copper Cove is a must-visit! It has great vibes and music.

Hangout: Atlanta has plenty of cool spots to explore. Check out the High Museum of Art, Buckhead Village, and Ponce City Market.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to everyone who has helped me realize my brand—our mentors, students, advisory board, and all our partners like Creatives Want Change, Seed Public School of DC, and our recent fiscal sponsor, Community Initiatives. Thank you for your incredible support!

Website: https://www.hemsandbrims.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hemsandbrims/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hems-brims

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Hems-Brims/100083080552801/

Image Credits
Lindentree Photo