We recently connected with Re’Nae and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Re’Nae, 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 was not faced with being the ‘only” until I got to college. I attended DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. That’s not a hot spot for Black people, but I went anyway. My initial visit to DePauw was great. I met all the Black people on campus because it was like 5 of them(jokes). Even when I attended a class with my host, there were also Black people and other people of color in the class. So, you can understand why I had little reservations to attend. But of course, the visitation experience never truly paints a picture of what the next four years will look like. Before freshman year started, I went on a trip with DePauw’s Service en las Americas Spanish program. Of 13 freshmen, 3 student leaders (upperclassmen), 3 professors, the former DePauw president, and his family, I was the only Black person on the trip. There were 3 other POCs on the trip, 2 were of Spanish descent, and one was Asian. This trip was one of the many times I noticed I was the only Black person in the space at this school. The thing that separates me from lots of Black people is that I do not code-switch. I think code-switching is a way to please people and truthfully code-switching is too hard. I lose my personality like that, so it’s easier if I don’t. Because I do not code-switch, there were many times where I became the stereotype and surrounding students would assume my life because of the way I carry myself. Don’t get me wrong, I am not your traditional hood-rich Black girl from Atlanta. I do have a little decorum, but overall, Atlanta and other southern cities like to come out, and I’d rather embrace my accent than change or hide it.
The long story short is this: I have been effective and successful in spaces where I am the only because I value myself and everything that comes in the package that is ME. To change me is to change my success because I wouldn’t be the person I am now had I changed my personality to keep people from being uncomfortable.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a fashion designer. I have been designing and creating fashion since I was 9 years old. The most exciting part of my job is seeing my designs come to life. From fashion shows and photoshoots to stage plays, everything I have made or designed has been much more satisfying at the end of the process, and watching the models and characters use what I have made to fully engage into the moment. I like to think I make things that are different and tasteful. I focus on creating designs for a variety of body types so that anyone can feel beautiful and comfortable with what they have on. I have a published magazine called ROYAL. My magazine is meant to showcase the authentic beauty of Black and POC folks while also educating the masses about Black culture as well as changing the world’s perspective of ethnic (non-European) cultural fashions.
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?
Patience, drive (determination), bravery
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I am always looking to collaborate. I am looking to collaborate with nonprofit organizations that cater to Black people, mental health, and the LGBTQIA+ community. That is very general but there are so many small nonprofits that are doing amazing work when assisting these communities from kids and education to autism, to political issues. I also like to collab with other fashion designers, as well as groups that need costumes or outfits. I have a magazine and am always looking to promote organizations and businesses within it as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.itsroyalchic.com
- Instagram: its_royalchic
- Facebook: its_royalchic
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@royalchicindustries5267
Image Credits
Chaide- Dieachy Tree Productions
