Today we’d like to introduce you to Bria Whitaker.
Bria, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My journey starting out was very unique because I always knew it was something special about myself but I didn’t truly grasp and understand my gift or purpose until I got to college as an undergrad. I feel as though, I got my entrepreneurial mindset and demeanor from my dad but after he was killed back in 2008, his charisma, contagious personality, authenticity, sense of style, wisdom and passion for helping others followed me and still lives within me till this day. I discovered I was intrigued by fashion as a young girl because I always loved touching fabrics, the assortment of various colors, spotting out spontaneous patterns or identifying unique silhouettes. I also remember as a young teen standing in line at Blockbuster or at the grocery store with my mama. I would always ask or beg for her to buy me fashion, pop-culture or African American empowered magazines such as Teen Vogue, Word Up, Cosmopolitan, Essence, Seventeen and many others. My desire for fashion really stemmed after high school and then later resulted in me majoring in Merchandising at the University of North Texas. My entrepreneurial journey began to blossom after I studied abroad in Europe and China/Hong Kong while at UNT. After that experience, I knew I would own some type of boutique or fashion showroom. But my life really changed after completing my summer internship back in 2016 with Nordstrom because that is when I discovered my passion and niche for menswear clothing especially suiting. Which happened unintentionally.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
ABSOLUTELY NOT! I cannot count how many times I wanted to just throw the towel in. Losing my best friend/father back in 2008 due to gun violence, discrimination and hate changed my life drastically. Then within the next few years, I felt I started to become accustomed to death because it was happening so frequently around me. The trials, tribulations, and tragedies triggered an on and off depression and anxiety that therapy later helped with. Overall, death really shaped my mindset and perspective about life but in a positive way. I learned that I am unique so I need to treat each day with gratitude as if it were my last. I learned to stop taking the little things for granted which helps me appreciate the simple things such as my health, my strong support system, my stronger faith in God, and my life-changing experiences so far.
Throughout my entrepreneurial journey as a philanthropist and business owner, I became more transparent about my personal journey with the hope of helping others and taking risks which helped put me in the position I am in now. Overcoming the fear of failure, rejection and what others think of me or my brand has helped me to become more tenacious and focus on the implementation of my ideas and execution as well.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
So I have two brands/businesses. The first one is my personal brand which is “I am Bria Charlise” (Charlise is my middle name). I think it’s important to be able to identify who I am before I just start throwing other ventures to my audience, social media followers, and the world. I feel as though I like to share more about Bria Charlise to get people intrigued and gain their trust most importantly. Bria Charlise is an author, a Certified Men’s Wardrobe Architect (Personal Stylist), a Philanthropist and a Serial entrepreneur (ties into me being a menswear designer, educator, and an influencer).
People mostly know me as a “stylist” and menswear designer that works only with men. However, I have women clients as well but my niche is men,
The second brand is “Foreign Closet,” which is my e-commerce menswear apparel and lifestyle brand. My focus in men’s clothing is more contemporary and sportswear with a hint of streetwear. My next goal in the future will be suiting (both ready-to-wear, made to measure or bespoke). What sets my brands apart from others is the unique story behind them, the seamless experience/customer service, transitional statement items from Foreign Closet, the exclusivity and the story each brand portrays. Plus it is not as many women emerging in a male-dominated industry.
What were you like growing up?
Many people do not see it but I used to be very shy and timid. However, I grew out that stage once my parents got me active in extracurricular activities and sports. But I will say I have always had a big personality to match my big smile. I think I am still goofy, caring, spontaneous, smart, witty, timeless but trendy (when it comes to fashion) charming and goal-oriented. I’ve always loved art, cultures, history, writing, music, fashion, traveling and indulging in the next cuisine (I love food btw). Lol
*Fun fact: I was a twin (Twins and triples run on my dad side of the family). 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: www.iambriacharlise.com OR www.shopforeigncloset.com
- Phone: B.Charlise: 469-232-7775 OR F.Closet: 1-866-942-7169
- Email: info@iambriacharlise.com OR info@shopforeigncloset.com
- Instagram: @IamBriaCharlise OR @ShopForeignCloset
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bria.charlise OR https://www.facebook.com/shopforeigncloset/
Image Credit:
Shederick Collins and I.K. Studios (Photographers)
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
