Meet Renee Williams, M.S. Ed.

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Renee Williams, M.S. Ed.. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Renee below.

Hi Renee, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?

For me, self-care means doing what brings me joy—and one of the things I enjoy most is creating something from scratch and seeing it come to life. I engage in self-care every time I design and sew a peplum belt. I didn’t realize how deeply I enjoyed sewing and designing until the pandemic, when that passion was unexpectedly reignited.

With my sons at home and homeschooling in full swing, I needed to create space for myself—to recharge, to reflect, and to reconnect with what made me feel balanced. I found myself returning to something I loved as a child: sketching outfits, imagining accessories, and expressing myself through design. During that time, I started sewing tablecloths, blankets, tote bags, and skirts—initially just for fun, often gifting them to friends and family.

This practice of creating became an essential outlet. It brought me joy, and joy has a powerful way of unlocking creativity. That creative energy makes me more effective—not only in my craft, but in how I show up for others. What started as a form of self-care has blossomed into a business, and with each peplum belt I make, I’m reminded that what brings me joy can also bless someone else. That knowledge motivates me to give my best every single time.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I was born in Liberia, a beautiful country on the West African coast, and emigrated to the United States as a young child. I was raised between the dynamic streets of New York City and the vibrant communities of Westchester County. From early on, I was captivated by the power of fashion—it felt freeing, expressive, and deeply personal.

My earliest muse was my mother. Her ability to effortlessly merge the bold, radiant styles of West Africa with the sleek, feminine fashion of 1980s New York made a lasting impression on me. Through her, I learned that fashion is more than fabric—it’s identity, heritage, and storytelling. She inspired me to dress not just to fit in, but to stand out and show up fully as myself.

I later attended Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, and earned a B.A. in Economics. Though I didn’t initially see a career in fashion in my future, my time in Atlanta—another cultural and creative hub—deepened my appreciation for diverse, expressive style. The city, like New York, carries an energy that celebrates individuality, art, and history. It left an imprint on me that would resurface years later in unexpected ways.

In 2020, like many families, our lives shifted dramatically during the pandemic. I left my career in finance to care for my two sons, who were then four and seven. My youngest son had been diagnosed with autism at just 22 months old, and during that time of uncertainty, I focused wholeheartedly on helping him communicate and thrive. It was a season of challenge and deep transformation. Through my dedication to him, I pursued and earned a Master’s degree in Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis in 2023, graduating with honors.

Amidst those intense and emotional years, I found myself needing a creative release—a return to joy. That’s when I reconnected with my love for design. What began as simple sewing projects—totes, skirts, and dresses—evolved into something more meaningful. When I made my first peplum belt, I felt a spark I hadn’t experienced in years. It combined structure with creativity, heritage with modern flair.

A peplum belt is a wide accessory designed to accentuate the waistline with a gathered or flared ruffle—adding both style and silhouette. But for me, it’s more than fashion—it’s a form of storytelling. Each peplum belt I design is part of a curated collection—*Sparkle and Shine*, *African Heritage*, *Celebrate Neurodiversity*, *Royal Blue*, and my *Limited Edition* series. Every collection is crafted with intention to help women feel confident, empowered, and free in their expression.

When a woman wears a Naissance peplum, she’s making a bold declaration of individuality. Our logo tells that story: the *Gye Nyame* symbol, which means “fear nothing but God,” stands proudly at the center. Paired with the palm tree, a universal emblem of resilience and victory, the logo reflects my hope that every woman wearing Naissance feels unshakable in her beauty and strength. Just like the palm tree bends but never breaks, so too should we walk in grace and power—no matter the storm.

I’m excited to be sharing this journey through upcoming events. I’ll be featured in a Virtual Pop-Up on June 28th from 12:30 to 4:30 P.M., and you can follow along on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok for details. I’ll also be showcasing my pieces at the Montclair Flea Market in New Jersey on July 26th for the Celebration of Black Businesses and Artists, and at the Makers Only Market & Workshop on August 23rd.

Naissance means “birth” in French—and this journey has been exactly that: a rebirth of purpose, creativity, and joy. It’s an honor to create pieces that empower women to express who they truly are.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey to launching my peplum belt business are courage, faith, and community—each one shaping not only how I began, but how I continue to grow.

Courage gave me the strength to start. Walking away from a secure career in finance, especially during a global pandemic, to follow a creative calling took more than a leap of faith—it took boldness. Courage allowed me to embrace uncertainty, take risks, and trust that what I was creating had value—even before anyone else could see it.

Faith kept me grounded. There were moments when doubt crept in, when resources felt limited, and when balancing motherhood, advocacy, and entrepreneurship seemed overwhelming. But my faith—both spiritual and personal—became my anchor. It reminded me that purpose doesn’t always come with a roadmap, but if I stayed true to why I started, the path would unfold.

And then, there’s community—the lifeline I didn’t know I’d need so deeply. Whether it was family encouraging me, friends wearing and promoting my early designs, or fellow entrepreneurs sharing knowledge and support, community lifted me when I felt weary and celebrated me when I succeeded. No business grows in isolation. It’s the voices around you that remind you that your dream matters.

My advice to other entrepreneurs is this: cultivate these three qualities intentionally. Be courageous enough to begin before you’re fully ready. Stay rooted in your faith—whatever that means to you—because belief in something greater than your fear is fuel. And build genuine relationships. Your community will become your sounding board, your support system, and your biggest advocates.

These values don’t just shape a business; they shape the person building it.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I’m always open to meaningful and creative collaborations. It’s been such a blessing to build this business and watch it flourish, and now I’m excited to grow even further by partnering with others who share a similar vision. I’m especially interested in connecting with:
• Fashion designers whose pieces complement my peplum belts and apparel
• Accessory designers (jewelry, handbags, shoes, headwear) that can elevate a complete look
• Stylists and wardrobe curators looking to feature bold, versatile fashion statements
• Influencers and content creators whose personal brand and audience align with the values of confidence, culture, creativity, and purpose
• Photographers, videographers, and creatives interested in styled shoots, brand storytelling, and visual campaigns
• Boutique owners or pop-up curators looking to feature unique, handcrafted pieces
• Event planners and lifestyle brands interested in meaningful brand partnerships

If you’re reading this and feel inspired to collaborate—whether you’re in fashion, content creation, retail, or creative media—I’d love to hear from you. Please email me at tolbertrenee@naissanceus.com or reach out via the contact page on my website: www.naissanceus.com.

Let’s create something beautiful, empowering, and unforgettable—together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.naissanceus.com
• Instagram: NaissanceUS
• Facebook: Naissance US
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneewilliams333/
• Youtube: Naissance-US