On this sequence, Man Repeller shines a light-weight on standout impartial, Black-owned style labels we expect you must learn about (and store from!). And in flip, they’re passing the baton and spotlighting a handful of organizations and companies they know and love. As we speak we now have Paul-Simon Djite, co-founder of Lihte.
The model:
Lihte, an internet platform connecting manufacturers with stylists and editors, permitting them to pick samples and make a request in below 10 minutes.
The co-founder:
Paul-Simon Djite
If we drew a 3-adjective Venn diagram, Lihte would sit within the middle of:
Options-oriented, hyper-organized, protecting
Fantasy state of affairs:
Months from now, you’re again at work and producing the primary in-person style editorial shoot since who-remembers-when. You’ve been sitting on this large concept that’s been logistically inconceivable for some time and now it’s lastly coming collectively: the fashions have been solid, your favourite make-up artist is confirmed, and the remainder of pre-production preparation is trucking alongside. The entire crew is buzzing with pleasure to be on set subsequent week.
One hitch you forgot about in any case these months at residence: it’s a whole frenzy preserving monitor of samples you known as in for this shoot. And then you definately bear in mind: you arrange an account with Lihte final yr, they usually’ve created a genius platform that solves for sample-trafficking as a serious ache level for editors and stylists alike. You name within the footwear and jewellery you’ve been eyeing for this idea for months, and you’ll’t wait to choose up these Mary-Janes and these mules with a swoopy heel by Nicole Saldanã, and this sculpted ring by Luz Ortiz to see them offline. Lihte accounts for each merchandise as soon as confirmed, and reminds the stylists when samples are prepared for pickup and after they must be returned (on this business, a number of publications maintain onto samples effectively past their allotted time). If you choose them up from Lihte’s studio just a few days earlier than the shoot, it’s clear that Djite treats his samples with such love and care, and main by instance, encourages you to do the identical. The one factor left to do is ship out the decision sheet!
Black entrepreneurship in Djite’s phrases:
“It truly doesn’t imply a lot to me to be a black enterprise proprietor. It means much more to be a enterprise proprietor. I believe that anybody who’s endeavored to exit on a limb and begin their very own enterprise has skilled their very own set of challenges, be it due to their intercourse, race, faith, (insert differentiating attribute right here), and many others. As a enterprise proprietor, I really feel far more strongly concerning the one query all of us must reply: Have we created one thing individuals need?”
I. Bevel, II. Oprah, III. Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth.
Need extra? Take a look at MR Market Strategist Elizabeth Tamkin’s database of greater than 600 Black-owned manufacturers, together with a few of her private procuring suggestions. If in case you have a suggestion that you simply suppose needs to be added, please share it within the feedback.
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