“EQUITY FOR BLACK FASHION PROFESSIONALS, FOR ME, MEANS OWNERSHIP—HAVING YOUR NAME ON THE DOOR WITHOUT HAVING TO ASK FOR A SEAT AT ANYONE ELSE’S TABLE. I HAVE WORKED LONG AND HARD IN AN INDUSTRY WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN EQUALLY BALANCED. THE ONE THING THAT I HAVE ALWAYS PROMISED MYSELF IS TO STAY FOCUSED ON THE GOAL OF BUILDING A BUSINESS THAT I COULD CALL MY OWN WHICH IN RETURN WOULD GIVE ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO ASSIST AND HELP OTHERS LIKE MYSELF. HAVING MY OWN BUSINESS HAS CONTINUOUSLY ALLOWED ME TO MAKE ERRORS, LEARN FROM MY MISTAKES, AND TEACH OTHERS WHAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED.

WE MUST CALL INDUSTRY LEADERS TO TASK WHICH COULD ALSO MEAN QUESTIONING THOSE LEADERS THAT WE LOVE AND RESPECT THAT HAVE BEEN HOLDING COURT FOR YEARS AND REFUSE TO HEAR AND SHOW CONSIDERATION FOR ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS. WE MUST NOT FIND OURSELVES IN THE POSITION TO ALLOW THE FEAR OF NOT BEING ABLE TO ADVANCE PREVENT US FROM SPEAKING LOUD AND CLEAR. KNOWLEDGE IS THE GREATEST ASSET BLACK PEOPLE POSSESS, ALONG WITH PURCHASING POWER, AND THE DESIRE AND NEED TO SUPPORT AND ASSIST OTHERS LIKE OURSELVES. EDUCATION AND MENTORING ARE SO INCREDIBLY URGENT AND IMPORTANT. EXPERIENCED INSIGHT AND HONESTY CAN COMPLETELY CHANGE THE TRAJECTORY OF A CAREER. WE MUST TAKE RESPONSIBILITY.” 

–EDWARD BUCHANAN, CREATIVE DIRECTOR, SANSOVINO 6