
Hobbies and interests
Knitting
Embroidery And Cross Stitching
Crocheting
Drawing And Illustration
Reading
Painting and Studio Art
Nails
Reading
Fiction
Countries
Childrens
Design
fashion
Cultural
mental health
Folklore
History
Bible
I read books multiple times per month
Ricky-Ann Smith
3,025
Bold Points2x
Nominee2x
Finalist
Ricky-Ann Smith
3,025
Bold Points2x
Nominee2x
FinalistBio
Hi, I am Ricky-Ann, a first-generation Jamaican immigrant and a passionate college student with a love for crocheting, knitting, sewing, and all things fashion. Alongside my creative pursuits, I have a strong interest in psychology, mental health, learning new languages, reading, and helping others through volunteer work.
I am a dedicated and talented student currently pursuing my degree in the Business & Technology of Fashion at CUNY NYC College of Technology after transferring from Pratt Institute with a major in Fashion Design, and a anticipate graduating in May 2026. With a GPA of 3.1, I am committed to developing my skills and exploring the world of the fashion industry.
However, coming from a low-income background, scholarships on bold.org would be invaluable in helping me fund my education. By earning scholarships, I can focus on my studies, graduate debt-free, and invest in my future business and other endeavors.
My aspirations include achieving happiness and financial security both in the present and future. Scholarships would not only support my education but also provide resources for my business ventures and other goals. I have completed an array of internships across multiple fields in the fashion industry, and participate in various clubs and programs in college.
Thank you for considering me for scholarships on bold.org. Your support would not only contribute to my education but also empower me to build a prosperous future. I am grateful for any assistance that will enable me to achieve my goals.
Education
CUNY New York City College of Technology
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
Minors:
- Psychology, General
Pratt Institute-Main
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Apparel and Textiles
Gotham Professional Arts Academy
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Apparel and Textiles
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
Career
Dream career field:
Apparel & Fashion
Dream career goals:
Fashion Designer
Social Media Content Intern
Indy Sunglasses2025 – 2025Production Assistant
Whole & Seen2025 – 2025Fashion Assistant
Style My Profile2024 – 2024HEOP (Higher Education Opportunity Program) Student Ambassador
Pratt Institute2024 – 2024Intern
Whole & Seen2024 – 2024Sales Associate
Uvamar2024 – 2024NYFW Volunteer
Lindsey Media2024 – 2024Public Relations Intern
Lindsey Media2024 – 2024Sales Associate
Shop Repurpose2023 – 2023Social Media Manager
Freelance2023 – Present2 yearsSocial Media & Ecommerce Intern
R132025 – 2025Influencer Management Intern
Zink Talent2025 – 2025Sales Associate
TJMaxx2023 – 2023
Research
Bard Sequence Seminar Program
Bard College — Student2020 – Present
Arts
Parsons Scholars Program
Fashion Design2020 – 2022
Public services
Volunteering
Lindsey Media — NYFW Volunteer2024 – 2024
Future Interests
Advocacy
Philanthropy
Entrepreneurship
Future Green Leaders Scholarship
In an era of climate urgency, sustainability is no longer a trend. It is a necessity. Nowhere is this more pressing than in the fashion industry, which is responsible for nearly 10% of global carbon emissions and enormous amounts of waste and water pollution. As a former fashion design student who later on studied fashion business, I see the impact and the opportunity within both aspects of the industry.
I believe that sustainability must be a top priority in fashion because of its global scale, cultural influence, and power to lead change across consumer behavior and industry practices. I am committed to making that change happen through conscious design, innovative business models, and community education.
Fashion is deeply personal and globally influential. People express themselves through what they wear, but often don’t realize the environmental cost of fast fashion, from synthetic fibers that shed microplastics to exploitative labor and overproduction. As someone who has always loved styling and garment construction, I have had to confront the uncomfortable reality that my passion can also be part of the problem. That is why I have chosen to focus my work on sustainable fashion. The industry won’t change unless we, as future designers, marketers, and business leaders, demand it and build alternatives.
Sustainability in fashion should go beyond fabric choices; it must be embedded in how we design, market, and distribute products. I plan to work in fashion marketing, helping brands not just sell products, but communicate values. I believe storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have to shift consumer mindsets toward slower, more intentional consumption. I also want to help emerging designers build sustainable strategies from the ground up, through circular design principles, ethical sourcing, and transparent supply chains. By promoting these things, I hope to help redefine what it means to be a “successful” brand in today’s world.
I have already begun taking action. As a student, I have completed the Inside LVMH Certificate, gaining insight into how major fashion houses are adapting to sustainable demands. I have also worked as a freelance social media manager for small brands and participated in influencer outreach campaigns, where I learned how to connect with Gen Z consumers who are increasingly demanding accountability. At Pratt Institute, I explored sustainable textiles, upcycling techniques, and low-waste design strategies in my coursework every semester.
In the future, I want to launch a business that merges digital styling with sustainable fashion consulting. My ultimate goal is to empower clients to shop less, love what they already own, and invest in pieces that align with their values. I want to lead workshops in underserved communities that teach people to mend, thrift, and style themselves sustainably. And I hope to one day partner with industry leaders to develop creative campaigns that make sustainability not only accessible, but aspirational.
The fashion industry needs voices like mine. Young, driven, and unwilling to compromise the planet for profit. With the right support and continued education, I know I can be a leader in shaping a future in fashion that respects both people and the environment. Sustainability is not a side project in my field. It is the only path forward.
Elevate Black Entrepreneurs Scholarship
Turning Passion Into Purpose: My Journey as a Black Entrepreneur
From a young age, I was fascinated by the power of fashion to transform not only how people look but also how they feel. I grew up watching my mother sew, creating beautiful garments from simple fabrics. Seeing the joy her work brought to others sparked my own passion for creating, which later evolved into my love for crochet. What started as a hobby in the 2020 pandemic quickly became a way to express myself creatively, and before I knew it, I was designing and selling my own handmade crochet pieces.
As a Business & Technology of Fashion student at New York City College of Technology, I have always been drawn to fashion, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. My crochet business, Stitch Collective, is rooted in slow fashion, prioritizing quality craftsmanship over mass production. Every item I create, whether a bag, hat, or swimsuit, is made with care, offering customers a unique, handmade alternative to fast fashion. However, my business is about more than just selling products; it’s about empowering others to embrace their individuality and appreciate the artistry behind handmade fashion.
When I first started crocheting, I was amazed by how underappreciated and undervalued handmade fashion was in the mainstream industry. In a world dominated by fast fashion, there is little recognition of the time, skill, and dedication that go into handcrafted pieces. I wanted to change that. My goal with Stitch Collective is to create a brand that celebrates craftsmanship, sustainability, and individuality, offering stylish and timeless crochet pieces while educating consumers on the value of slow fashion.
I was also inspired by the lack of representation of Black women in the handmade and sustainable fashion space. Many of the major crochet and knitwear brands I came across did not feature Black artists, despite the deep cultural roots we have in textile arts. I wanted to create a brand that reflects my identity, my culture, and my vision for an inclusive fashion industry.
I envision Stitch Collective growing into a fully developed sustainable fashion brand that not only sells handcrafted pieces but also provides opportunities for other Black artisans to showcase their work. I want to expand my business by increasing production capabilities and launching a full website and e-commerce store. A goal of mine is to educate consumers about slow fashion through content marketing, social media, and workshops. I also want to offer mentorship programs for young Black creatives interested in crochet, fashion, and entrepreneurship. Lastly, I want to partner with sustainable brands to push forward an industry shift toward ethical and conscious fashion.
Winning the Elevate Black Entrepreneurs Scholarship would allow me to greatly improve my business. With additional financial support, I would be able to invest in higher-quality materials, improve my branding, and scale my production.
This business isn’t just about me. It’s about creating space for Black crochet designers in an industry that often overlooks us. It’s about building a brand that prioritizes sustainability, ethical production, and individuality. It’s about challenging the norms of fashion and proving that slow, intentional craftsmanship has a place in the modern world.
My journey as an entrepreneur is just beginning, but I am committed to making Stitch Collective a brand that inspires, empowers, and creates a lasting impact. With the right support, I know I can take my business to the next level and contribute to a more equitable, diverse, and sustainable fashion industry.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Bold Hobbies Scholarship
Throughout the pandemic, I've learned how to crochet through YouTube, and it didn't take me long to start making hats, bags, and other accessories. Before the pandemic, I always wanted to learn how to crochet but never had the time or resources to start. However, while I was in lockdown I took a pre-college class on Saturdays focused on knitting, and even though it wasn't crocheting, I kept an open mind. Towards the end of the class, I learned how to knit a shirt for the very first time using fabric strips, which reignited my interest in crocheting. Even though I still didn't have any yarn, I continued to use fabric to further my passion for crocheting. Now that I've made a collection of items, I created an account on social media dedicated to my works and to connect with other people who crochet around the world. In the near future, I look forward to having a successful crochet business, with the skill that I've acquired during the pandemic.
Pandemic's Box Scholarship
“One, two, three,...” I counted single crochets as I made the bucket hat I promised my aunt back home. For 11 hours in my room, I completed rows and rows until I finished my last one. I ran into my parent's room, smiling with the hat on my head, “Done!” The next week, I showed my aunt and she was delighted.
Throughout the pandemic, one thing I learned is how to crochet through YouTube. I always wanted to learn how to crochet but never had the time or resources. During lockdown, I took a knitting class. It wasn't crocheting, but I kept an open mind. At the end of the class, I knitted a shirt using fabric strips for the first time, which reignited my interest in crocheting. After the class ended I still didn't have yarn, so I continued to use fabric to crochet. Currently, I've made many items that I share on my social media account and connect with crocheters worldwide. The pandemic allowed me to expand on my interest and develop the skills to create things for myself and the people I love.
Nikhil Desai "Favorite Film" Scholarship
My favourite film from when I was young and continues to be my favourite film today is Matilda. Every time I watch it, I think about the fact that Matilda suffered so much loss (both her parents died) and mistreatment from family relatives with bad intentions at such a young age but she didn't let her family members or the evil principal get to her because she utilized her powers not only to help herself, but to stand up for others. I really like this movie because when I watched it as a child, I didn't know that the plot of the movie would prepare me for my life in the future. There were times when people treated me unfairly, but I had to stand up for myself, and there came times when I had to advocate for others too. Moving forward, I realized why I love watching movies/shows that teach me something, preferable a life lesson, because it started with the film Matilda.
John J. DiPietro COME OUT STRONG Scholarship
My biggest role model is my older sister. Ever since I was young I always felt moved to be as driven as her, as I used to admire her and the things she did from a distance. Whether it’s her job, her getting her pursuing her university degree, her swimming lessons, her knowing 4+ languages, etc it made me excited to pursue my own interests and passions.
From her, I have learned that I have to be confident and self-reliant at times, for people not to take advantage of me or underestimate me. I have learned that I have to speak my mind, even when I feel scared deep down. At times when I feel I’m not good enough or qualified enough, and not as confident in my life pursuits she always encourages me to keep going and says "You're a star! You know that right" She taught me to be proud of myself, and to have no room for self-doubt when I am doing my greatest. I have used what she taught me into learning spanish and in the near future, french, and applying for the appropriate college programs, the Parsons Scholars Program and the Bard Sequence Seminar Program and have successfully got into both that I applied to, for which I am now a participant.
In the future, I will use the support and opportunities that I received to encourage someone else and inspire them to keep moving forward and to not give up when it becomes difficult. I would want them to aspire to their goals, just like I did and to dream big because everyone’s life pursuits are different but achievable.