To me an "It" girl is a woman who strides into the room with confidence, leads gracefully and exists with purpose. She inspires others, loves herself and leaves an unforgettable stamp not just on her look but on her character. Tamika Angelica Nurse was that. She was not simply fashion forward—she was forward thinking, faith driven and committed to empowering women. As an aspiring Christian woman seeking Apparel Design and Merchandising at Alabama A&M University I desire to follow in her footsteps by creating a fashion career built on purpose, service and integrity. Fashion to me encompasses something more than clothes—it's a change agent. Growing up in the US, I had been exposed to trends but became aware of the damage caused by fast fashion: waste, unethical labor and harm to the environment. If I were to venture into this business, I knew that I needed to stand for something different. My dream is to establish a sustainable fashion business that not only creates beautiful clothes but also inspires women to honor their identity and worth by what they wear and do. As Tamika, I wish to have faith in the use of fashion as a means of impacting and inspiring others. It is for this reason that I have made my own "rules" in fashion that reflect my values and belief system: walk in truth, lead with love, create with purpose. My aspiration is to utilize my platform for mentoring young women, specifically from underrepresented populations, and informing them that they can be bold, beautiful, and business-savvy, all while staying grounded within themselves. Overcoming adversity has characterized me. Becoming fashion-savvy was not easily accepted by my circle of peers, and I've broken through disbelief and discouragement. Prayer, faith and persistence held on to me as I stayed firm on my passion. I've learned to embrace and pursue my vocation and treat every challenge as a driving force. I also give back through volunteering, especially at community events and church activities, since service is a part of my walk with Christ and my promise of lifting others. In the future, I envision creating spaces—both physical and virtual—where young women can learn fashion design, entrepreneurship, and self-esteem. I would like to spend my days writing books, teaching workshops, and mentoring girls who don't yet know their power. Like Tamika Nurse, I would want to be a light and a leader—a "It" girl who not only dresses the part but lives it with faith, passion, and purpose. This would help me.

Pursuing Higher Education to Promote Sustainable Fashion and Entrepreneurship After graduating from Alabama A&M University with a Bachelor of Arts in Family and Consumer Sciences focused on Apparel Design and Merchandising, I intend to continue my education by earning a master's degree in sustainable fashion, fashion business, or an equivalent certificate in ethical design and entrepreneurship. Continuing education is crucial to my ability to build leadership, marketing, and business strategy skills and expand my technical knowledge. I'm excited about the skills I’m picking up to help me start and grow a fashion brand that cares about social issues. These skills will allow me to launch a socially responsible fashion brand. Throughout my undergraduate degree, I have become more aware of the fashion industry’s flaws, especially sustainability, ethical labor, and cultural sensitivity. Although my undergraduate degree has given me a good foundation in consumer culture and fashion design, I know I need more than creativity to build a brand and a mission-driven business. It requires in-depth knowledge of supply chain management, branding, capital, eco-friendly material, and global market trends. A master’s or post-graduate certificate will be given to me. I am especially interested in programs combining fashion innovation with applied business knowledge, such as a Master of Fine Arts in Fashion Design and Society, a Master of Professional Studies in Fashion Management, or a Sustainable Supply Chain Management certificate. My ultimate goal is to create garments that respect people, cultures, and the planet, and these programs will allow me to focus on classes like digital design, sustainable sourcing, and circular fashion. I’m especially interested in programs that combine fashion innovation with applied business knowledge, such as Master of Fine Arts in Fashion Design and Society, Master of Professional Studies in Fashion Management, or a certificate in Sustainable Supply Chain Management. My long-term goal is to create garments that respect people, cultures, and the planet, and these programs will allow me to focus on digital design, sustainable sourcing, and circular fashion. My commitment to lifelong learning is very personal. As a self-made college student and aspiring entrepreneur, I believe education can empower people and make them independent. I am one step closer to achieving my dream of changing people’s lives, not just the fashion industry, with each course I take and each skill I acquire. I want to create something worthwhile that speaks for my values and inspires others to dream big and live meaningful lives. I can start and develop a socially responsible fashion brand using these skills. I have become more conscious of the fashion industry’s shortcomings during my undergraduate studies, especially sustainability, ethical labor practices, and cultural sensitivity. While I have a good background in fashion design and consumer culture, creating a brand and mission-driven company takes more than vision. It takes global market trends, eco-friendly materials, branding, capital, and supply chain management. I will gain management expertise through a master’s degree or post-graduate certificate.

Pursuing Higher Education to Promote Sustainable Fashion and Entrepreneurship After graduating from Alabama A&M University with a Bachelor of Arts in Family and Consumer Sciences focused on Apparel Design and Merchandising, I intend to continue my education by earning a master's degree in sustainable fashion, fashion business, or an equivalent certificate in ethical design and entrepreneurship. Continuing education is crucial to my ability to build leadership, marketing, and business strategy skills and expand my technical knowledge. I'm excited about the skills I’m picking up to help me start and grow a fashion brand that cares about social issues. These skills will allow me to launch a socially responsible fashion brand. Throughout my undergraduate degree, I have become more aware of the fashion industry’s flaws, especially sustainability, ethical labor, and cultural sensitivity. Although my undergraduate degree has given me a good foundation in consumer culture and fashion design, I know I need more than creativity to build a brand and a mission-driven business. It requires in-depth knowledge of supply chain management, branding, capital, eco-friendly material, and global market trends. A master’s or post-graduate certificate will be given to me. I am especially interested in programs combining fashion innovation with applied business knowledge, such as a Master of Fine Arts in Fashion Design and Society, a Master of Professional Studies in Fashion Management, or a Sustainable Supply Chain Management certificate. My ultimate goal is to create garments that respect people, cultures, and the planet, and these programs will allow me to focus on classes like digital design, sustainable sourcing, and circular fashion. I’m especially interested in programs that combine fashion innovation with applied business knowledge, such as Master of Fine Arts in Fashion Design and Society, Master of Professional Studies in Fashion Management, or a certificate in Sustainable Supply Chain Management. My long-term goal is to create garments that respect people, cultures, and the planet, and these programs will allow me to focus on digital design, sustainable sourcing, and circular fashion. My commitment to lifelong learning is very personal. As a self-made college student and aspiring entrepreneur, I believe education can empower people and make them independent. I am one step closer to achieving my dream of changing people’s lives, not just the fashion industry, with each course I take and each skill I acquire. I want to create something worthwhile that speaks for my values and inspires others to dream big and live meaningful lives. I can start and develop a socially responsible fashion brand using these skills. I have become more conscious of the fashion industry’s shortcomings during my undergraduate studies, especially sustainability, ethical labor practices, and cultural sensitivity. While I have a good background in fashion design and consumer culture, creating a brand and mission-driven company takes more than vision. It takes global market trends, eco-friendly materials, branding, capital, and supply chain management. I will gain management expertise through a master’s degree or post-graduate certificate.

Using Empowerment, Education, and Fashion to Strengthen My Community If given the chance, I would use sustainable fashion to empower the local economy and educate people. Through skill-building workshops, mentorship, and innovative programs in ethical design, entrepreneurship, and environmental awareness, I hope to launch a community-based fashion program. In addition to opening up job opportunities, this would help people—especially women and young people—see fashion as a tool for growth, identity, and constructive change rather than just a means of getting dressed As an Alabama A&M University student pursuing a degree in Apparel Design and Merchandising with a focus on Family and Consumer Sciences, I've come to realize how amazing fashion is as a vehicle for social change and self-expression. However, I've also seen that people in low-income neighborhoods lack access to resources, mentorship, and innovative programs that foster design or entrepreneurship. I want this to change. Closing the opportunity gap and promoting fashion as a possible career path and a tool for community empowerment are my objectives. Important skills like sewing, computer-aided design, pattern making, upcycling, and sustainable production would be taught to students in my ideal program. Workshops on branding and ethical consumption would also be part of the program. I would assist people, particularly young artists, in transforming their talents into small businesses or long-term careers by providing training in these areas. For people who are frequently overlooked or deterred from pursuing creative careers, my project would serve as a source of inspiration and financial support. The core, in my opinion, is sustainability education in addition to skill development. Poor communities have suffered greatly as a result of the fashion industry's promotion of excessive consumption and oversupply of low-cost, disposable, low-quality clothing. By educating people on how to maintain, fix, and repurpose clothing, I hope to change attitudes toward more conscientious consumption. In addition to saving them money and removing waste, this would increase awareness and appreciation of apparel and craftsmanship. This project holds personal significance for me, as I have personally witnessed the transformative power of fashion in fostering a sense of self-worth, purpose, and community. I understand what it's like to have high goals but limited means. And I am aware of the impact that possibility and encouragement can have. In addition to using what I've learned to give back in a significant and long-lasting way, I want to be that support system for others. Regardless of who they are or where they come from, I think everyone should have opportunity, creativity, and dignity, which is why I care about improving my community. People can start to realize their value and potential when they have access to resources, information, and skills. Communities as a whole can become more resilient, stronger, and more cohesive when creativity is fostered within the community. Ultimately, I want to empower people rather than just dress them. By means of education, sustainability, and artistic mentoring, my aim is to establish a community that fosters talent, exchanges resources, and motivates individuals to improve not only their own lives but also the lives of those around them.

Making a Positive Impact Through Sustainable Fashion I want to make a positive impact on the world by using fashion as a platform for social responsibility, creativity, and sustainability. As a student at Alabama A&M University majoring in Family and Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Apparel Design and Merchandising, I am passionate about creating clothing that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. My goal is to design garments that not only make people feel confident and authentic but also reflect care for the environment and respect for the individuals involved in the production process. Growing up in the United States, I was constantly exposed to fast-changing trends and the widespread popularity of fast fashion. While fashion always intrigued me as a form of self-expression, I began to see how the industry often operates at the expense of people and the planet. I learned about the environmental consequences of overproduction, the massive waste created by cheaply made clothing, and the inhumane labor conditions many workers endure in order to meet unrealistic demands. This knowledge forced me to reconsider how I view fashion—not just as a creative outlet, but as a system with real-world consequences. I realized that if I truly wanted to be part of the fashion world, I had a responsibility to be part of the solution. I want to use my education, creativity, and passion to help reshape the industry into something more just, responsible, and forward-thinking. My ultimate goal is to create a sustainable fashion brand that emphasizes ethical practices and conscious design. I envision a brand that blends style and sustainability by using eco-friendly materials, minimizing fabric waste, and prioritizing fair labor practices. Every piece would be created with intention, reflecting a deep respect for both the environment and the skilled hands that bring the designs to life. I believe fashion can be beautiful without being harmful—and I want to prove that it’s possible to build a successful business model around those values. In addition to designing ethical clothing, I want to educate and inspire others to make more thoughtful choices. Through social media, pop-up events, workshops, and transparent brand messaging, I plan to raise awareness about the true cost of fast fashion and offer practical alternatives. I want to help people realize that being stylish and being responsible are not mutually exclusive. Ultimately, I believe that fashion has the power to influence culture, change habits, and shape a more compassionate world. Whether I launch my own label or collaborate with others who share my values, I am committed to using fashion as a force for good. By combining creativity with sustainability and ethics, I hope to build a career that uplifts individuals, honors the planet, and leaves a lasting, positive impact.

My experience, time at an HBCU, and objectives in digital fashion design and marketing have all shaped who I am now. I was captivated by fashion at a young age because of its cultural relevance and narratives, as well as the opportunity for self-expression. This love grew into a desire to work in apparel design and merchandising, namely digital design and marketing. I am presently a student at Alabama A&M University, where I am actively honing the abilities required to combine fashion and technology to achieve my goals. In particular, Alabama A&M University has created a supportive environment with a community that understands my aspirations and obstacles, allowing me to excel academically. Every day, I am motivated by HBCUs' rich history and tradition, which reminds me that I am standing on the shoulders of those who came before me. My membership in an organization that recognizes Black leadership and success has fueled my ambition to thrive in an industry where Black artists are frequently undervalued. My interest in digital fashion design and marketing extends beyond my accomplishments; it also involves altering my neighborhood and family. I want to use my skills and knowledge to help emerging designers and firms who may not have adequate industry representation. In addition, I hope to include sustainability in my design work to raise awareness of moral ideals and responsible product use. Despite complaints about the fashion industry's environmental impact, I believe that novel marketing methods and digital design can lead to more ambitious solutions. I want to help create a culture in which apparel is both visually appealing and environmentally responsible. My path in digital fashion design and marketing has been molded by my enthusiasm, determination, and strong ambition to make a significant influence in the fashion industry. The enthusiasm has turned into a dedication to hiring a specialist in apparel design and merchandising, with a particular emphasis on digital design and marketing. As an Alabama A&M University student, I'm now working on developing the skills needed to transform the fashion business and achieve my goals through technology. Attending a historically black college or university (HBCU) is very important to me. These organizations have long stood as beacons of excellence, cultural enrichment, and empowerment. In particular, Alabama A&M University has given me a network of people who understand my goals and struggles. Attending a historically black college or university (HBCU) is very important to me. These organizations have long stood as beacons of excellence, cultural enrichment, and empowerment. Alabama A&M University, in particular, has supplied me with a network of people who understand my goals and struggles, resulting in an environment conducive to academic success. There are plenty of possibilities all around me. I am constantly impressed by the rich history and heritage of HBCUs.The rich history and legacy of HBCUs inspire me daily, reminding me that I am standing on the shoulders of those who came before us. My drive is to excel in the fashion industry is typically underrepresented by Black creatives. My ambition to thrive in the fashion industry, which is often underrepresented by Black creatives, originates from my membership in a club that recognizes Black leadership and excellence. My dedication to digital fashion design and marketing extends beyond personal accomplishment; it is about raising my family and my little neighborhood and I wish to motivate budding entrepreneurs and artists who may not be aware of their full potential. In addition, I attempt to include sustainability in my fashion designs to promote moral concepts and conscious, mindful purchasing. For many years, the fashion industry has faced criticism about its environmental impact.

College means gaining knowledge, broadening viewpoints, and preparing oneself for the future for many people. To me, my time at Alabama A&M University and my research of Family and Consumer Sciences with a focus on apparel design and merchandising is about far more than learning; it is about setting the foundation to achieve my aspirations. With an obvious emphasis on digital fashion design and marketing, I wish to establish a presence in the fashion world. I wish to combine technology with imagination to alter the way that fashion is born, produced, marketed, and worn. I started to appreciate fashion from an early age, and it started mostly as an aesthetic outlet; nevertheless, I soon recognized fashion to be much more than that a great means of self-identifying and strong communication. As I further investigated the industry, I began to see how particularly in social media marketing (SMM), digital showrooms, and virtual fashion events, digital design and marketing were increasingly important in influencing contemporary fashion norms. In the end, digital design is altering everything about fashion. I have come to see over time that for fashion designers to be able to create, produce, and promote garments only in the digital world, this is becoming a requirement rather than just an advantage. Understanding this fueled my enthusiasm and will to perfect marketing techniques and digital techniques. From early on, I've had a love for design. To me, style is a means of self-expression and communication rather than only curating an aesthetic. Finally, when I started to look more into style, I understood the growing relevance of digital design and marketing to push modern trends. Digital showrooms, online media channels, and virtual fashion experiences are all transforming the fashion business. Now, rather than just in great demand, the capacity to produce, design, and promote fashion in virtual settings is a must-have skill. Knowing this trend has motivated me to painstakingly learn digital tools and marketing skills I can apply to leave my name in fashion. At the end of the day, my studies at Alabama A&M University have set a solid academic foundation in apparel design and marketing. Lessons in consumer behavior, fashion illustration, and textiles have given me a good understanding of garment production, market trends, and customer interaction. I am especially excited to explore the digital side of design, which includes using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and upcoming 3D modeling tools like Clo3D and Marvelous Designer, which let me translate my creative ideas into reality. Using these methods to create creative fashion items that foster uniqueness and environmental consciousness will help me master the tools.