Have you ever changed your hair and worried about what your coworkers may think? These women sure have. Saturday, Essence Fashion house hosted a panel featuring Candace Stewart, Ivory Walker and Sade Teyibo, discussing their struggles and victories as they master working in the luxury fashion space. Stewart is Senior Social Media Manager for Prada, Walker heads up studio services at Neiman Marcus‘ swanky new Hudson Yards outpost, while Teyibo serves as Senior Manager of Communications for luxury group Kering.
“Before I change my hair, I let my coworkers know,” laughed Stewert as she explained the anxiety she gets when walking into work. All three women shared similarities in working for major fashion companies where Black folks are underrepresented.
Still, they’ve all managed their success by not being afraid to speak up despite often being the sole women of color in the room. They each have used their personal experiences as Black women to achieve success and lead their companies to think differently when marketing towards Black people.
“I don’t want to be the only one in the room, I want to continue to move forward,” concluded Teyibo.