LIM-Connected Businesses To Look Out For

When most students enter college, they're about 18 or 19; however, LIM students are not ordinary teenagers. I’ve found my fellow classmates to be particularly gifted in creativity, logistics, and more. While our College focuses on the business side of fashion academically, our students actually focus on quite a lot. Many learn sewing, cutting, and designing on their own, while using LIM as a resource for creating and growing their businesses.

In this blog, I'll be sharing some businesses run my members of the LIM community who I think you’ll be eager to learn more about:

Designer- Flava Stylings

Flava Stylings includes a range of products from suits to jerseys to fanny packs. Tatiana L. Jones, a 2020 LIM graduate, is the CEO/Creative Director of Flava Stylings.

I asked Tatiana what she does for the business and she responded, “As the CEO and Creative Director, I design unisex streetwear ranging from size small through 3x for the millennials. I also do the marketing and finance for Flava Stylings not to mention host multiple events for local small businesses/brands, to bring exposure to them. My biggest project was hosting A Brand So Exclusive fashion show, which was a huge and successful turn out. It was a night full of fun, laughter, unity, and coming out your comfort zone. It was the first time I ever hosted a fashion show. It was a wonderful experience that made me feel very accomplished, thankful and filled with happiness.”

Tatiana says that LIM's internship program helped her gain knowledge she applies to her business: “I’m glad LIM encouraged internships as early as freshmen year. My other friends' schools didn’t until their sophomore or junior years.”

Check out Flava Stylings on social media! Tatiana is currently taking orders through DM, text, WhatsApp, or email.

Instagram: flava.stylings

Facebook: Flava Stylings

Influencer- Ayzia

Another amazing alumna from the graduate studies program, Ayzia a la Mode, happens to be an amazing writer. She is a fashion and lifestyle blogger.

When I asked what her business provides, she answered, “I work with mostly local (Central Jersey based) businesses and promote them on my social media channels and website. I also try to promote female owned/run and minority owned/run businesses. I use my platform to engage the community and promote local events, ways to get involved, etc. I’m looking to start selling goods from my website in the next year or so.”

Ayzia has many answers to the question of how LIM has aided her career. “It completely changed the trajectory of my career. Our in-class discussions and the emphasis on entrepreneurship in the fashion industry helped me to make informed decisions about starting my own company. The relationships I formed have also helped me to stay connected to people in various positions in the fashion industry!”

Follow her on Instagram @Ayzia_ to learn more!

Verly Melanin

While this is a new business, it’s definitely one to keep an eye on. Terrence Bivins Jr., a sophomore at LIM, does everything from funding to filming to designing. He’s selling art and clothes, along with taking photos and videos.

His advice to other up and comers: “Stay focused and never give up! School comes first but if you have an idea for creativity, don’t give up on it. Stay motivated.”

Terrence states LIM helped his career in the following way: “LIM put me in NYC, where I could be anything I want to be. Being in NYC is a big part of fashion to me because it’s everywhere and I get to see it all. LIM makes me want to get out there before I graduate. They don’t want us to wait; they want us to be working on our dreams now, and honestly I love the college for that.”

Check out his website here for when things are available: Verlymelanin.bigcartel.com

Also, stay connected with him on Instagram @custom_kingg and @verlymelanin

Envy Her Fashion

This company sells women’s apparel for all shapes and sizes. Monique Sullivan, a 2019 graduate of LIM, co-owns this brand. “As the co-owner I wear many hats,” she says. “I am in charge of production and operations. I work mostly on the backend, communicating with different vendors on select styles that I will be introducing with the shop. I list all products on our website and handle any other maintenance that needs to be done. I also have a heavy hand in social media engagements.”

Of her education at LIM, Monique says, “LIM College gave me access to many tools that I use in my business every day. Classes like Buying and Merchandising Math showed me how to successfully price my products so I make a profit. And classes like Product Development really gave me knowledge on what makes a good product.”

She also added that, “LIM has overall been extremely helpful, especially when I initially launched; a lot of my first customers were my peers supporting me from LIM. I'm very thankful.” 

You can purchase on @envyherfashion on Instagram and Facebook for more information.