Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandi Wallace.
Hi Brandi, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have always been drawn to creativity, fashion, and building community, but my path to this point was not a straight one. I studied Mathematics at Spelman College, which taught me discipline, problem solving, and how to think analytically. After graduating, I decided to take a leap and pursue my creative side more formally by studying Fashion Design at Parsons in New York. That experience opened my eyes to the world of design at the highest levels and also showed me the gaps in representation for HBCUs and Black Greek life in the fashion space.
Even with that training, I initially took more traditional career steps before fully stepping into entrepreneurship. The turning point came when I realized the power of the pivot. You do not have to stay in the lane you started in. All the math, the discipline, the design training, and even the detours were preparing me to build something of my own. As a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., I also carried with me the commitment to service, sisterhood, and excellence, which continue to influence both my business and personal journey.
Sacred Heart Collections began as a passion project with me designing pieces that reflected pride and elegance for the institutions and organizations that shaped me. What started with small custom designs for friends and chapters grew quickly. People connected with the quality, the attention to detail, and the fact that these pieces felt elevated, not like the typical mass produced Greek and collegiate gear on the market.
It has not been easy. There were sourcing challenges, production issues, and many pivots along the way, but each challenge was a lesson. Today, Sacred Heart Collections is a licensed brand that partners with national organizations, campus bookstores, and alumni chapters across the country. We have created collections for thousands of members, provided boutique experiences at national conventions, and tied our work to fundraising efforts that pour back into scholarships and giving. Recently, we opened our own warehouse and retail showroom space in the Dallas Design District, which feels like both a milestone and a new beginning.
For me, the story is about the beauty of reinvention. I took the foundation from Spelman, the creativity nurtured at Parsons, the logic from my math degree, and merged it all into a brand that celebrates culture, legacy, and pride at the highest level. Sacred Heart Collections is proof that a pivot can unlock your purpose.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Like many small businesses, we were hit hard in 2020. Global supply chain disruptions, factory closures, and unexpected tariffs created major production delays. There were moments when it felt like everything was out of our control.
We have also faced challenges with scaling quickly to meet demand, navigating fulfillment issues, and learning how to manage costs when import and shipping prices skyrocketed. Those moments taught me how important it is to stay flexible, problem solve, and lean on creativity to find solutions.
The beauty is that we always seem to figure it out. Every obstacle has pushed us to grow stronger, refine our processes, and deepen our commitment to quality and service. Looking back, I see those struggles as the foundation that helped shape Sacred Heart Collections into the resilient brand it is today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Sacred Heart Collections, we design and produce apparel and accessories that celebrate HBCUs, Divine Nine organizations, and other legacy-based institutions with a luxury, fashion-forward lens. We specialize in creating elevated collections that go beyond the standard collegiate or Greek paraphernalia. Our work includes everything from custom jackets and knitwear to handbags and accessories, all designed with thoughtful details, quality fabrics, and an emphasis on style.
We are known for delivering boutique experiences on a large scale. For example, we have created exclusive collections for national sorority conventions, producing tens of thousands of custom pieces while still giving members the feeling that their items were crafted just for them. We also collaborate directly with alumni chapters to design fundraising merchandise that not only builds pride but also raises money for scholarships and community programs. Through initiatives like Jeremiah’s Journey and alumni partnerships, Sacred Heart Collections has helped raise more than $60,000 in scholarship funds for students.
What I am most proud of is that Sacred Heart Collections is more than just clothing. Our products tell stories of heritage, culture, and excellence while also fueling real impact through fundraising. Seeing members wear our designs with pride, or hearing how a fundraiser helped fund a student’s tuition, is incredibly rewarding.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I would love to personally invite readers to visit our boutique in the Dallas Design District, where we have curated a true luxury experience. Every detail of the space was designed with intention, including the custom wallpaper I created that weaves together school hymns, vintage photos of campuses and Greek life, and powerful imagery that tells the story of Black life. One wall features an image of the student protest at Jackson State following the Gibbs-Green tragedy, a reminder of both the resilience and the sacrifices within our history.
The boutique is more than a store. It is a space where heritage, style, and storytelling come together. It celebrates the joy, the pride, the culture, and even the pain that has shaped our communities. When you shop with us, you are not just purchasing apparel, you are stepping into a space that honors legacy while offering a modern, fashion-forward experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sacredheartcollections.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sacredheartco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrandiRussell02
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/sacredheartcollections
Image Credits
Alex J. Martin
Marcus Owens
