We recently connected with Lenese Calleea and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lenese, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
I have learn to be effective and successful regardless of being the only person in the room that looks like me, buy being assertive and confident. I’m not in these rooms because of luck but because of my skill set, my education and my work ethic. Sometimes as black woman CEO’s or black women in leadership roles in the corporate space we are just happy to be there so we keep our mouths shut. I am the complete opposite. I use my voice to make a difference and create change. Although I am sometimes I am look at as the aggressive black woman…..I call it not being the passive black woman. I earned my spot so they are the lucky ones to even have my presence in these rooms.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am the CEO & Founder of LC Apparel Consulting, Calleea’Vatein Inc, The BlackNFashion Podcast & The Black Girl Designer Club Nonprofit. My focus is the growth and development of black creators and designers. I offer many different services and courses, mentorship and services to add in this initiative. I have just released a new jacket collection via my brand Calleea Vatein. The collection is for the creative entrepreneur on the go but doesn’t want to jeopardize her style even with her busy schedule. I’m releasing a TV show 02/02/23 on The Fashionology entitled “The Stitch Life”. The show will focus on technical & business education in the fashion industry. I am going on Tour 02/04/23 to kick off my 10 city technical tour. We are hitting 10 major cities to educate on garment construction, pattern making, fitting and fabrics. The Black Girlz Designer Club is hosting a “Shades of Brown” Fundraising Brunch in Brooklyn 02/26/23. We are raising money for our Kids Summer Fashion Camp. LC Apparel has just launch 5 new digital apparel production templates. Needless to say! I have lots of things going on lol.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I would have to say the 3 most important quality skills are: Problem Solving, Pivoting & Time Management. To folks early in their journey I recommend planning out all your goals quarterly and keeping a task list to execute those goals within a strategic schedule. Always stay in tune with what is going on in your market and industry so you know when to make changes and or update your services and products. Keep a level head through prayer, journaling and meditation to aide in your problem solving skills. Stay solution oriented.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful things my parents have done for me is teaching me independence. Nothing was handed to me. I worked for everything I have. They taught me resource-fullness. They also did not push their agenda on me. They both encouraged me to do whatever I wanted in life. They supported everything I ever wanted to do whether they agreed with it or not.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lenesecalleea.com
- Instagram: @LeneseCalleea
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CalleeaVatein/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenese-griffin-b3b98446/
- Twitter: @lenesecallee
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRdn0vKPZCi0CPF–30JRFQ
Image Credits:
All images: Creative Director: Lili Solomon Photographer: Adrian Bisono
