Meet Portia Brewer: CEO & Lead Designer

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

Hi Portia, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
My end goal is to build a Global Fashion brand not only recognized for making timeless beautiful clothing but also providing a comfortable living for my employees while inspiring and empowering women. By the end of my career, I want to be known as an assiduous businesswoman, philanthropist and influential Fashion Designer. I want to pave a way for women by creating sustainable programs such as scholarships, internships, mentorships, and small business funding initiatives for emerging designers and entrepreneurs. My sole purpose here on earth is to make a difference, I am a small integral part in God’s master plan and I just want to do my part to the best of my abilities.

What should our readers know about your business?
Portia Renia is a Ready-to-Wear (RTW) women’s clothingline. PR designs premium fashions for influential women. The sophisticated ambitious woman to be exact. A woman that gives her clothing true character and is not defined by her clothing. She exudes confidence in every aspect of her life. Portia Renia is artfully crafted with precision to provide the perfect fit to accentuate all of her curves and embrace the female form. We embody the classic silhouette with an even combination of elegance and sexiness. PR embraces femininity by indulging in embellishments such as leather, lace, and studding. Whether it is a day in the office, running errands, or a night on the town PR has pieces for every occasion.

What sets us apart from our competitors is that we strive to offer luxury clothing for affordable pricing while still providing an opulent shopping experience. Our efforts doesn’t cease there, we strongly support women’s empowerment. PR donates 2.5% of its annual sales to a well deserving nonprofit that promotes women empowerment as well as 2.5% to nonprofits that supports autism.

I am most proud of stepping out on faith and starting my business. This was a formidable experience because as a mother you don’t want any financial obligation to affect your household and livelihood. When I was in my early 20s, I was fearless but now as a mother I have make sure I take calculated risks.

How I got to where I am today is by creating momentous goals, making realistic expectations, setting attainable milestone targets, learning how to pivot when necessary and remaining persistent.

This journey is not easy at all. I have had moments where I felt lost, insecure about my abilities, questioned if can I afford this tremendous undertaking. I overcome my fears daily by remembering God’s promise and believing in myself. Some days are tougher than others but knowing there is no such thing as perfection and it takes time to build something amazing keeps me pushing forward.

There are many lessons I have learned along the way but a major one is when door closes another door is there just waiting on you to attempt to open it. And if you feel like you can’t open it, just build your own door. Wink**

I want the world to know that Portia Renia will be releasing the Caviar Collection in May/June. We ran into some serious production delays but we have some great pieces in store for you. Follow us at @portiarenia on Instagram and immediately go to sign up for our mailing list on www.portiarenia.com. This members only subscription grants you with exclusive access to new arrivals, promotions, and brand events. Stay tuned, and let’s grow together.

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.
If one of my best friends came to visit, we would have a fun-filled time. I would start by visiting the High Art Museum to view some cultivating artwork, then head for dinner and drinks at the Garden Room or Marcel’s. The next morning brunch at Breakfast at Barney, a black owned establishment. Then on to a girls favorite pastime, shopping… We would start at the Village Market ATL and end at the Buckhead Shops. Walk or bike the belt line. The nights would be filled with live music at the City Winery or Cassette Atlanta hosted by Kenny Burns enjoying live nostalgic performances from some of our favorite 80s to 2000s artists. The final segment of the visit would be dedicated to relaxation. High tea and a full day of massage/spa services at the Waldorf Astoria. Lastly, a farewell dinner at the Agency Socialthèque to toast to friendship, love, family, goals, and to our accomplishments.

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?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my mother. She is hands down my #1 supporter, from the first day I mentioned the slightest interest in something, she sacrificed her personal time and money to make sure I gave it a try. My mom has always taught me to follow my dreams, have tough skin, be resilient, surround yourself with positivity, it’s all or nothing, and most importantly keep God first. She not only taught me these principles but she also led by example. So SHOUTOUT to my mother, my queen and backbone. I pray, I am at least half the mother you are to me, to my son. I love you and appreciate you!

I also have to recognize and shoutout my tribe; the best sister in the world Dominique and friends Nicole, Erin, Janica, Rana, Queena, and Melanie (cousin). These ladies are phenomenal, supportive women that has prayed with me throughout this journey and provided much needed late night business council advice. There is no greater feeling than receiving heartfelt “I’m so proud of you, I see all of your hard work” messages, or “What can I do to help you grow your business?” This means the world to me because starting a business is extremely tough. If any of these ladies are in a room full of opportunity, they would not only think of themselves but of those close to them. SHOUTOUT to my beautiful sisters, I genuinely thank you for your encouragement, love, unwavering support, and I admire each of you.

Website: www.portiarenia.com

Instagram: @portiarenia

Facebook: @portiarenia

Other: Pinterest: @portiarenia1

Image Credits
Christopher Sebastian