“It’s because of that I could do what I’m doing full-time. Gallery, Ayoung Chee’s longtime love and creative partner also does his fair share of work around the home – especially with child care when it comes to raising the couple’s two-year-old son, Kairi. And now, fast forward, my husband (photographer Wyatt Gallery) is really supportive of me and my work.” “It started with my parents being willing to put me through design school. She wants to be that support for others the way her family and friends are for her. We have to benefit in a more significant sustainable way.” That’s a huge part, I think, of what motivates me with Nudge… How to protect the livelihoods of the ones who do. We are the creatives in the community, the ones who bring all the vibes – we bring all the effort of what eventually becomes commodification. On the outside, we’re all really good at branding and marketing but on the inside of it it’s a struggle. This would help not just her, but other designers in TT access use and grow a pool of local talent.Ī huge part of what drives her, Ayoung Chee said, is a desire to encourage and help creative professionals like herself, but who don’t always get the respect and credit they deserve. And this year, she’s hoping to get grant funding for Spool, an off-shoot of her Together WI foundation, that will create a database of skills and competencies among women, particularly low-income and migrant women who are trained in tailoring and other arts necessary for apparel production. She also launched Nudge last year, a social enterprise in partnership with regional conglomerate Massy, to give a space and visibility to small and micro enterprise owners. Her core interest that underpins her empire remains fashion design, with the Anya Ayoung Chee Limited Edition brand as the flagship and WYLD FLWR – a new brand launched last February (not the best timing, she laughs) with a focus on festival wear. “What is the Anya brand? It’s really a complicated question because it has really kind of expanded to where design and creative industries have become married in as many ways as possible with social impact and entrepreneurship.” She’s a model, a businesswoman, an influencer, social activist and even a member of the Inter-American Development Bank’s Next-gen Board in TT as one of the shapers of the future.īut behind the glitz and glamour is a woman who just wants to make the world a better place. She was the plucky season nine winner of hit US reality fashion design series Project Runway – despite learning to sew just barely six months before shooting. She was TT’s feisty 2008 representative to the Miss Universe beauty pageant. “My work has evolved beyond fashion in a sense where I’ve started up something that has to do with where entrepreneurship meets social impact and with an emphasis on small business – and I guess if you want to get more granular, creative industries,” the 39-year-old fashion designer, reality TV star and creative entrepreneur told WMN.Įveryone knows Anya’s story. And she wants to use that platform for good. She understands and appreciates the unique power and influence she has as one of the Caribbean’s brightest creative stars. Sunday 24 January 2021 Anya Ayoung Chee'sĪnya Ayoung Chee doesn’t take the opportunities she’s had in life for granted. If you missed the first 2 episodes or want to sign up for upcoming episodes, leave your email in the box above.Features Anya Ayoung Chee: The making of a social activism brand Next up is Nikitha Cornwall (June 11th 2:30pm) and Fallon Seymour (June 18th 2:30pm). Finding your “WHY” is important and hopefully these conversations will help you do that.ĭesign Director Cherese Thornhill (adidas) and lifestyle brand Founder Fe Noel were the first 2 in the series. BANYAN is a platform created to inspire women, with a focus on Caribbean creatives, to pursue their dreams and turn their passion into a career. These conversations are meant to serve as inspiration and motivation for other women who are looking to do the same thing. While Fashion is Anya’s area of expertise, she lends her knowledge and shares her stories with women in the Streetwear, Sneaker Design, Music, Hospitality, Beauty and Sports Management industries. The Banyan series was created to showcase women entrepreneurs across a variety of different industries. She is slated to moderate the BANYAN Webinar series LIVE talks powered by Yellowbrick. From winning Project Runway to starting her own fashion line, Anya can offer some solid industry tips. Fashion Designer and Social Entrepreneur, Anya Young-Chee is willing to lend her expertise. Being able to lock down a designer for a conversation isn’t an easy task but we managed to get it done. If a career in this industry is something you are passionate about, it is important to know the journey. The Fashion Industry holds a wealth of talented designers.
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