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In this week’s episode - we continue the conversation with  Ryen Williams - The Storyteller   Ryen is the Founder of Under Her Empire - a community of creatives of color — dreamers and passionate doers — who connect and inspire others through video, stories, and artistic expression.  It is a  collaborative, inclusive, and soul-focused platform that offers content as nourishment for audiences hungry for substance. The aim is to help drive actionable change around how individuals and brands think about content to create a joyful, uplifting, and inspired world for everyone.  Please be sure to stay tapped into Destined to Disrupt. We drop weekly episodes about design, disruption, and diversity. Please follow us @destined2disrupt on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Streaming on all platforms.  Welcome to the Disruptors! Ryen Williams Under Her Umpire Instagram: @uhempire

On this week’s episode - we have Ryen Williams - The Storyteller  Ryen's dream has always been to direct and entertain. — and she is now making that dream a reality. She went from wanting to be an actress, then a stylist, then becoming an actual makeup artist, to travel and experience the world as a flight attendant. What a life - She actually wrote and produced a dramedy series all about her life as a NY creative trying to find her way -  Here We Go.  Surprisingly, her Economics Degree (from Florida A&M University) opened um, zero doors in fashion and media, but I finally landed a part-time, temp job in the beauty industry.  As she grew from  Part-time turned into more robust full-time, she soon realized the barriers she would face in the industry. Being the only black woman on a team full of creatives. Experiencing stagnation in an industry where she didn't feel valued or heard. Despite these challenges, her determination and lack of opportunity led her to bust my a$$ and work my way into managing upwards of $10 million of revenue in campaign productions for some of the world's leading organizations like Refinery29, Glossier, Bombas, and L'Oreal. But, seeing brands using the same talent over and over again — when there are so many other individuals to be discovered — led her to do something about it. In an effort to change her narrative, she founded Under Her Empire. HER goal is to tell untold stories, create world-changing content, and amplify diverse voices — all while strengthening community  She has been featured on Facebook Business and recognized as an ‘Inclusivity Champ’, ‘Dreamer Doer and Changemaker’, and ‘Magnetic Collaborator’. She currently resides in Brooklyn (the most beautiful borough of NYC). When she is not working (which is rare these days), you can find her either traveling the world, basking in the sunlight and enjoying nature or taking strolls around her beautiful Brooklyn neighborhood, dreaming of which brownstone (with a garden in the backyard) will one day be a part of her Queendom.  Please be sure to stay tapped into Destined to Disrupt. We drop weekly episodes about design, disruption, and diversity. Please follow us @destined2disrupt on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Streaming on all platforms.  Welcome to the Disruptors! Ryen Williams Under Her Umpire Instagram: @uhempire

Welcome back to Part II of our episode with Eugene Lumpkin - The Strategic Designer.  Dive deeper as we talk about the intersections of design, disruption, and diversity with Eugene. We start the conversation by discussing the context of diversity and leadership as it relates to nationalities within Europe. We share our love for Parsons School of Design - Global Executive Strategic Management (GEMS) and how the program has driven us to solve problems through diverse and inclusive design. Eugene tells all about how he is using 3-D digital design, sustainability, and innovation to transforming and disrupt the world of fashion in Europe.    Find out more about Eugene's design and concept studio  - Atelier Tens https://www.ateliertens.com/about/ Check out Eugene made to fashion house and clothing line - La Maison Quincaillerie https://www.m-qc.com/  

In this week’s episode - we have Eugene Lumpkin - The Strategic Designer Eugene is a multi-disciplined multi-faceted designer that uses creativity and design thinking methodology to come up with innovative ideas to solve problems, not only fashion but social and ecological problems alike.  Growing up in the Midwest, he completed his degree in Clothing Design from the University of Minnesota. He began designing private label collections for Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, the Takashimaya department stores, and a signature collection for American designer Alexander Julian. He extended his portfolio of work into Canada and started his own label out of Italy. All this happened before landing in New Year city to further advance himself working for the world-renown Perry Ellis.  Eugene and I met through our exclusive Global Executive Master's program studying strategic design and management at Parson School of Design. The unique opportunity has given Eugene the opportunity to envision, research, study, and design new sustainable business models in apparel that will help improve the lives of people and create more balance and well-being for our planet.  Eugene and I instantly vibe as we are both passionate about sustainability and both talk about how to incorporate strategic design and design thinking as tools to revolutionize the fashion and apparel industry.  We recorded this episode with Eugene from his studio, in Brussels Belgium,  Atelier Tens. You can follow Eugene's journey LinkedIn Eugene Lumpkin IG: Design Studio @ateliertens | @ateliertens  Management Brand- MQC- Maison Quincaillerie | @maison_qc 

We continue the conversation with Dyandra Raye - The Sustainable Vegan Designer of Joanne Verney. Dyandra declares the importance of seeing more inclusion in the luxury industry. She opens up on how she was able to raise money for her brand to cover daunting expenses and start-up capital. She also discusses the importance of minimizing debt early in the business - A major gem.   After countless applications and pitch decks, she finally scores the grant and publicity she needs to take her business to the next level!  Tap into this episode as Dyandra carefully describes how she started and how she is staying sustainable and accessible in the luxury industry. Be sure to follow us on Instagram for a special promo code exclusively for the D2D tribe and Joanne Vernay fans! @destined2disrupt on Instagram @joannevernay on Instagram  @joannevernayofficial on Facebook

In this week’s episode, we have Dyandra Raye - The Sustainable Vegan Designer  of  Joanne Verney  Dyandra tells us about how disrupting her lifestyle habits (going vegan) opened up a whole new avenue as a plant-based luxury shoe designer and advocate.  Her fashion journey started by sketching when she was a child and writing business plans on cardboard. After attending Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, and obtaining a degree in Economics. She took her talents to New York to pursue her dream in fashion by becoming a wardrobe stylist and digital influencer for celebrities and brands. During this time she dug deeper into education and pursued a Master's in Global Fashion Enterprise to learn more about the business of fashion. While learning to sew, visiting factories overseas, and constructing business plans, she began working with brands that had a mission to not only provide fashion and beauty to the world but in a healthy way! Using her eye for detail and quality plus her bold style and aura, Jo-Anne Vernay will fill the void of fashionable vegan footwear worldwide. Ready to learn more about this Disruptor? Tap in. 

Join us again as we continue the conversation with Robert Ector, the iconic photographer to the stars. Rob educates us on the importance of photography in society and culture. He also tells us all about what it's like being on the scene during Paris Fashion Week. Think Hunger Games -  the fashion elite do not come to play nice at all! We dive deeper into the "Why" behind his photography and how design has influenced him. We talk about his latest creative endeavors, his inspirations, and why the DETAILS matter.  Welcome to Destined to Disrupt!

In this week’s episode, we have Robert Ector the iconic photographer!  Cleveland, Ohio native, Robert Ector, has earned the respect of international audiences as well as his industry peers. As a personal photographer to stars such as Mary J. Blige, Wendy Williams, Steve Harvey, Toni Braxton and La La Anthony, Ector’s captivating images have quickly helped cement him as a recognizable talent in the entertainment and fashion industry. Robert tells us about how he got his start in the industry, his extensive time abroad in London, Paris, and Italy photographing runway shows for elite designers such as DOLCE AND GABBANA, VERSACE, and FENDI, and his latest project DETAILS - a 400-page masterpiece capturing fashion weeks all over. We talk about what it takes growing up in a small town when you are destined for greatness and how creative confidence is a major key to making it out! 

Join us again as we continue the conversation with Badara, The Creative Director.  We talk about his latest creative project +  film Transmission. He shares gems on how to creatively collaborate,  listening to your body, and using your natural gifts.  Badara Ndiaye is a Senegalese-born, former Division I basketball player turned Model, Artist, and Creative Director in Paris, France. His striking, unusual, perspective on the world of fashion is what really impressed me and his remarkable height cannot go unnoticed. Steeped in academia - studying Sociology, Anthropology, and Psychology at the Florida International University in Miami, Florida; Badara tells us about how his perceived setback due to a basketball injury, set him up for a completely different career path by breaking into modeling. Towering at 6’11, his experience as a contributor and editor at various major digital fashion outlets,  working with top fashion icons, as well as luxury brands internationally have allowed him to develop a distinctive creative eye. Badara has been featured on top international publications such as GQ Australia, GQ Spain, GQ Italia, GQ Spain, Vogue Italia, ELLE South Africa, the Wall Street Journal, Harper’s Bazaar, etc.    Badara has taught courses at the Parsons School of Design as an expert in marketing specializing in color. Badara continues to amplify his true purpose as an artist by sharing his love for aesthetics and culture to deliver powerful messages through his photography, films, and up-cycle clothing. 

 Badara Ndiaye is a Senegalese-born, former Division I basketball player turned Model, Artist, and Creative Director in Paris, France. His striking, unusual, perspective on the world of fashion is what really impressed me and his remarkable height cannot go unnoticed. Steeped in academia - studying Sociology, Anthropology, and Psychology at the Florida International University in Miami, Florida; Badara tells us about how his perceived setback due to a basketball injury, set him up for a completely different career path by breaking into modeling. Towering at 6’11, his experience as a contributor and editor at various major digital fashion outlets,  working with top fashion icons, as well as luxury brands internationally have allowed him to develop a distinctive creative eye. Badara has been featured on top international publications such as GQ Australia, GQ Spain, GQ Italia, GQ Spain, Vogue Italia, ELLE South Africa, the Wall Street Journal, Harper’s Bazaar, etc.    Badara has taught courses at the Parsons School of Design as an expert in marketing specializing in color. Badara continues to amplify his true purpose as an artist by sharing his love for aesthetics and culture to deliver powerful messages through his photography, films, and up-cycle clothing. 

Madikela Dikgale is a multidisciplinary artist and digital designer from Polokwane, Limpopo, South Africa with a dream of making a difference in someone's life through impactful design. Being a designer has allowed her to bring purpose to her work and a renewed perspective on life.  A mysterious introvert with a purpose.  Graphic Designer, Illustrator & Art Director Madikela has worked on brands such as MTV Base, SA Tourism, Ithuba lotto and Trending SA to name a few. Madikela is currently pursuing her passion at MakeReign as User Experience Designer and is the creative mastermind behind all the dope visuals for @destined2disrupt Madikela has been recognized for the following honors for her contribution to design.  1.  Fak'ugesi Festival 2019 Poster Illustration: Runner Up Third Place 2. The One Club Creative Boot Camp 2019: Third Place_Rain Campaign 3. 67 Logos Designathon 2019: Selected as One of the 67 Designers for Mandela Day. Perfect Music By: Romero Mosely DMV Love Music Provided: By Romero Mosely 

This epsiode is the kick-off to Season 1 of Destined to Disrupt.  Meet Felicia,  a designer, creative activist, and business maven  and epic storyteller.  Embark on this season's journey by getting to know more about the WHY behind the podcast and how Felicia uses strategic design to creatively problem solve and address issues within the adorned fashion industry.  This episode was recorded live at The Goodtimes Hotel located in the heart of South Beach Miami. Podcast Cover Art by Madikela Dikgale Podcast Music by Romero Mosely  Perfect Music By: Romero Mosely DMV Love Music Provided: By Romero Mosely