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

Hi Charlene, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I always had a very critical approach to systems that overlook and exclude global majorities, focusing their interests and resources to benefit power structures.

However, I wasn’t looking to take the risk of using words like ‘de-colonisation’, until I met Dr. Dori Tunstall. Her candor and ground-breaking work persuaded me to be factual, frank and unapologetic in my pursuit for change as I gain the courage to advocate for my myself and others on a larger stage, and learn to stand my ground as a black woman who knows her value.

What should our readers know about your business?
Society views fashion as a frivolous and self indulgent artform, but it has always given me a clear sense of purpose to lead social change, challenge ideas of gender and body image, and make a political statement.

Following 6 years in public relations and marketing in fashion, I continued my education in visual merchandising, wholesale, buying and retail management.

With each semester there was a growing number of students who had ambitions to own their career path through entrepreneurship.

They were increasingly questioning their worth and value in the industry, and wanted to understand the impact and roles they can play in developing their own brand.

During that time many fashion and design schools faced significant backlash from students, alumni and former professors who felt the schools had a history of failing to recognize student concerns.

It inspired me to recognize the vast knowledge I had as an entrepreneur, and how I could intentionally use that position to create a learning solution for everything, from entrepreneurship to transforming hiring practices to prioritizing inclusion, ushering a new era of fashion education.

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.
Its a must to keep your ear to the ground and visit every rooftop, hot spot openings, beach, festival and nature trail. Right now that’s :

1. Soluna – Restaurant & Rooftop Terrace

2. Lavelle – Restaurant, Rooftop & Swimming

3. Any nature trail in the city

4. Toronto Beach Club – Restaurant on the beach

5. Salsa On St. Clair – Salsa Dancing in the Street

6. Caribana – Largest Caribbean Carival in North America

7. Afrofest – Largest Free African Festival in North America

8. Lula Lounge – Live Latin Music & Dinning

9. Bastid BBQ – Non-Stop Live Hip Hop Dj Event

10. Taste of Danforth – Canada’s Largest Street Festival

11. Anywhere R&B violinist Yosvanii is performing

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Dr. Dori Tunstall – First Black Dean of a Faculty of Design

Jennifer Reitano – Fashion Program Coordinator

Website: https://www.charlenemcfarlane.work

Image Credits
Black Tux Photography- Toronto, Canada

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.