Welcome!

About Me:

Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, I was constantly inspired by my surroundings. Fashion became my first language. Not just following trends, but interpreting them in a way that felt uniquely my own. Self-expression through clothing came naturally to me.

​

Some of my favorite memories are trips to the mall with my mom, where I would confidently model next to mannequins, perfecting new poses until she noticed my latest addition to my repertoire. What started as playful imagination soon turned into an opportunity. At just 13 years old, I signed with Ford Modeling Agency in Chicago, stepping into the industry professionally. Modeling for brands like Nike and Abercrombie & Fitch gave me a behind-the-scenes look at fashion shows and photoshoots, an energy that sparked something in me long before I had the language to describe it.

​

While fashion was shaping my creativity, Chicago was shaping my consciousness. As gun violence continued to rise, I became increasingly aware of the narratives attached to my city, especially the nickname “Chi-Raq.” I wanted to contribute something different. In 2016, I founded Straight From The GO, a brand inspired by the Chicago flag and rooted in resilience. A portion of the proceeds supports innocent victims of gun violence, families of fallen first responders, and positive community initiatives. Through this work, fashion became more than aesthetic; it became advocacy.

​

That same year, I began my academic journey at the University of Missouri–Columbia, initially pursuing Athletic Training out of a shared love of sports with my father. I was 1 of 30 students accepted into the program and 1 of 15 who graduated with honors in 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although I was proud, I felt a persistent creative pull that I could no longer ignore.

​

I returned to Mizzou to study Product Development in Textile and Apparel Management. During this chapter, I refined my design voice, traveled to New York for industry exposure, mentored peers, and re-envisioned my brand's future. I graduated with honors again in May 2023, this time feeling fully aligned with who I was becoming.

​

After graduating, I returned home to Chicago and stepped into creative direction more intentionally. Through Raeted R Creative Co., I have curated and produced multiple conceptual fashion shows centering emerging designers, immersive storytelling, and community building. These productions are not simply runway events; they are narrative-driven experiences that explore futurism, resistance, identity, and access within fashion. By building platforms for young creatives and strengthening partnerships across Chicago’s arts ecosystem, I have continued to position fashion as both cultural dialogue and community infrastructure.

​

Alongside my creative work, I joined Arc'teryx as a full-time Lead, where I merged performance innovation with styling and brand storytelling. Through collaborations with retailers like Macy’s and my involvement in the Creative Futures Collective, I’ve hosted pop-ups and experiential activations that expand visibility and access for creatives.

​

In August 2025, I returned to the University of Missouri to pursue my Master’s degree in Textile and Apparel Management. As a Graduate Instructor in costume construction, I teach and mentor undergraduate students, guiding them in developing technical skills while fostering creative confidence. Being back in the classroom, now as an educator, has deepened my commitment to research, leadership, and the long-term impact of creative education.

​

Everything I build, from Straight From The GO to Raeted R Creative Co. to my work in academia, exists at the intersection of creativity, community, and impact. My journey has been defined by reinvention, resilience, and the courage to return to what calls me most...and I am still evolving.