We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lenese Calleea a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lenese, you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?
My generosity comes from mother and grand mother. I grew up in a house with the both of them. They are very giving people. I come from a family from the south side of Chicago that are products of their environment. I saw them take in family members after being incarcerated, returning from rehab and being evicted. They always helped me and gave people support. My mom and grandmother were also amazing foster parents to 5 different children.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m focused on growing The Black Girlz Designer Club Nonprofit and making our organization a force to be reckoned with in the nonprofit space. We want to be able to change lives and offer scholarships to black creatives to get the education needed to be successful in the fashion industry and entrepreneurship. We have a lot of new events coming this 2024. April – Black Girl Pop Up
June – Annual Brunch
July – Handbag Making Class
August – Sketch & Sip
September- Fashion Game Night
November- Reef & Ornament making
December – Vision Board Party
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?
Time management, standard operating procedures and financial literacy. I was say, take some classes, intern and develop their practices and strategies into your business.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My mother is my rock! She always keeps me grounded and is very resourceful and full of ideas. She always knows what to say to keep me pushing forward and coming up with ideas and tactics to grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lenesecalleea.com
- Instagram: @BlackGirlzDesignerClub
- Facebook: Black Girlz Designer Club
