Having a platform where thousands of people tune in daily is both a privilege and a responsibility. It’s a gift, but one that demands care and intention. Recently, I’ve realized that posting a black square or sharing a trending hashtag, while well-meaning, barely scratches the surface of what true allyship requires. Symbolic gestures are not enough. Real change demands consistent, tangible action.
I don’t pretend to have all the answers—I’m still learning, unlearning, and stumbling along the way. But I’m committed to moving beyond performative gestures and into meaningful steps that create lasting impact. If I misstep, I hope this community will continue to hold me accountable with compassion and honesty. Growth comes from uncomfortable conversations, and my hope is that by sharing my process, I can encourage others to take action too.
What It Means to Be an Ally
The word ally has been circulating widely, but it’s important to understand its weight. An ally is not a title you claim; it’s an ongoing practice. It means standing beside people whose struggles are not your own and using your privileges to amplify their voices, dismantle barriers, and fight for justice.
For Black communities, the fight against systemic racism is not new. Generations have poured their energy, voices, and even their lives into demanding equality. What’s happening now is not a fleeting cultural moment—it’s the ongoing call to confront a deeply entrenched system. For me, this means questioning ingrained habits, addressing blind spots, and showing up with humility and consistency. It’s about listening, learning, and doing the work to actively support anti-racism efforts.
Listening First, Then Acting
Some people take to the streets in protest. Others engage in online conversations or organize petitions. For me, the first step has been listening. When I pause my own perspective and truly absorb what others are saying, I gain a clearer understanding of what is being asked of me. That understanding then shapes how I act—whether it’s initiating difficult conversations with family, reassessing the brands I partner with, or rethinking how I run my own business.
Listening is not passive. It’s the foundation for meaningful action.
Mentorship and Representation
As I thought about the ways I could contribute, I reflected on how much I enjoyed mentoring interns in the past. Those experiences not only supported their growth but also challenged me to think differently. Living in South Florida, where opportunities in fashion are limited, I see an opening to give back. I plan to select one or two students from underrepresented communities—whether in high school or college—who are curious about blogging and digital media, and offer mentorship.
Representation matters. In fashion especially, diverse voices and perspectives shape culture. Last year, we launched a series highlighting “Emerging Latin Designers I Love.” Moving forward, this series will evolve into Emerging Designers I Love, with a stronger commitment to spotlighting Black designers and other minority-owned businesses who deserve more visibility. Designers like Sindiso Khumalo, a 2020 LVMH Prize Finalist, and Indego Africa are just two examples of the brilliance that deserves a broader stage.
Partnering With Purpose
Allyship isn’t just about what I create on my own platform—it’s also about the partnerships I choose. I’m committing to work with brands that are vocal and transparent about their stance on racial equality. Collaborating only with companies that align with these values ensures that the messages I amplify are not just surface-level, but grounded in authenticity and integrity.
The Work Doesn’t End
Posting a black square on Instagram was a moment. But allyship is not a moment—it’s a commitment. It’s about holding myself accountable to keep learning, to diversify the voices and stories I highlight, and to use my platform for meaningful conversations that challenge systemic racism.
As writer Cleo Wade said, “We cannot overcome what we ignore. The more we talk about things, the more we see that the issues are connected because we are connected.”
So I’m choosing to lean into the more. More listening. More mentoring. More supporting underrepresented voices. More aligning my actions with my values.
The work is ongoing, and I know I won’t always get it perfect. But I’m committed to showing up anyway—with humility, consistency, and the belief that together, we can build something better.