Born in Chattanooga and raised across Italy and various U.S. cities, Felita Harris has built an impressive career spanning over two decades in the luxury fashion industry, specializing in global wholesale, franchise strategies, and partnerships. Her diverse cultural experiences have shaped her journey to senior executive roles at Donna Karan Collection and Alexander Wang, and her leadership and strategic vision have consistently driven innovation and growth within some of the industry’s most iconic names.

Felita discovered her passion early on while gaining valuable retail experience. Encouraged by a manager who recognized her potential, she shifted her focus to merchandising and earned an associate of arts degree from Bauder College in Atlanta. Her career quickly gained momentum through Neiman Marcus’s management training program, where she built a foundation that would propel her onto a successful path specializing in partnerships and business development.

Currently, Felita is the executive director of RAISEfashion, a trailblazing non-profit dedicated to advancing BIPOC talent in the fashion industry. RAISEfashion is dedicated to offering pro bono advisory services, grant resources, and network access to BIPOC-owned brands, addressing the critical need for diversity in a predominantly homogeneous industry.

In addition, she is the founder and CEO of Felita Harris Consultancy, where she specializes in pipeline programs, partnership strategies, and promoting social impact initiatives. She also developed Enform, an award-winning app that enhances communication between brands and sales teams by improving product knowledge.

Given that the co-founding of RAISEfashion was inspired by the events surrounding George Floyd, why do you think it took such a tragedy to catalyze the creation of an organization like RAISEfashion?

The inception of RAISEfashion was driven by the recognition of systemic barriers faced by emerging Black designers. Along with seven other women, I am deeply invested in advancing the fashion industry, observed firsthand the obstacles these designers faced—namely, limited visibility, restricted access to high-end retail spaces, and difficulties in connecting with industry experts.

The tragic death of George Floyd highlighted these disparities and propelled us into action. We realized the challenge was not only acknowledging these issues but actively working to dismantle them. The movement sparked by George Floyd’s murder emphasized a crucial reality: none of us were doing enough. As a Black woman, I take personal responsibility for that. It served as a stark reminder of the need for sustained action towards diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across all sectors, including fashion.

Reflecting on your journey from roles at Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom to executive positions with LVMH, how did those early experiences influence your approach to leadership and innovation at RAISEfashion?

Transitioning from corporate roles to leading RAISEfashion has been both a significant challenge and an enriching experience. My background in corporate environments, such as Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and LVMH, provided a solid foundation in business operations and strategic planning. However, leading RAISEfashion demands a shift from a career-focused approach to one driven by mission and impact.

At RAISEfashion, we focus on creating meaningful opportunities for underrepresented talent, including internships for HBCU students. This requires us to adopt a holistic approach, moving beyond traditional corporate practices. Our programs must address the unique needs of the communities we serve, and our partners are expected to have a firm commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

As executive director of RAISEfashion, what are the key areas of the organization that you oversee, and how do you balance these responsibilities?

I manage day-to-day operations, with a primary focus on fundraising and programming. This involves extensive engagement with our partners and donors to ensure we meet our goals. Balancing these responsibilities with my personal life as a single mother to a 16-year-old daughter requires strict boundaries and careful time management.

I adhere to business hours to maintain focus at RAISEfashion, yet I recognize that the needs of our designers often extend beyond conventional hours. We have 18 designers who have completed our masterclass, and they have direct access to me via cellphone for urgent matters. I strive to be available whenever possible, understanding the critical nature of their needs. My daughter is aware of the demands of my role and the empathy required to support our designers through their challenges. This balance ensures I can fully dedicate myself to both my professional and personal commitments.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but when I look at your resume and everything you accomplished, plus the things you are currently working on, you tend to always have a high-risk role which I know comes with challenges. Do you find comfort in being uncomfortable and knowing that every day will be a challenge and that when things go wrong the responsibility will fall in your lap?

That’s an insightful question. I must say, I’ve never felt more liberated or fulfilled. My transition from corporate roles to purpose-driven positions has been profoundly rewarding. I sleep well at night, confident in my clarity of purpose and deliverables. My focus is not on personal comfort but on serving the community, engaging with stakeholders, and fostering inclusivity within the industry. This shift from corporate metrics to broader impact is both invigorating and gratifying. While high-risk roles come with their challenges, the mission-driven nature of my work provides a sense of purpose that outweighs the stress of responsibility.

How have investment trends in fashion shifted over recent years, particularly regarding BIPOC-owned brands, and what impact does this have on emerging designers?

There has been a noticeable decline in investment directed toward BIPOC-owned businesses in recent years. Data shows a reduction in both venture capital and support for initiatives targeting these brands. This shift underscores the need for partners and sponsors to reassess their commitments. They should evaluate whether their support is a genuine, sustained effort or merely a response to a momentary trend.

On a positive note, RAISEfashion has seen an increase in fundraising efforts. This success is due to our intentional programming, which focuses on supporting designers and interns with targeted initiatives. We promote various ways for people to get involved, from donations through our website to direct contributions to our mentorship programs and masterclasses. These contributions are essential for providing the resources needed to help BIPOC businesses thrive.

What unique resources or strategies does RAISEfashion provide to help designers navigate the complexities of building a sustainable fashion business?

RAISEfashion offers several key resources. Our pro bono advisory program connects BIPOC brands with corporate executives for mentorship. We also amplify designer visibility via our social media channels and feature brands that complete our masterclass. With over 200 BIPOC brands in our network, we provide vital support and resources. Additionally, our diverse fundraising efforts, including events like our recent collaboration with Fe Noel during the Essence Festival, help sustain and grow these businesses effectively.

Beyond funding, what essential tools and resources do designers need to thrive in the fashion industry, and how does RAISEfashion address these needs?

Education is fundamental, and RAISEfashion addresses this through our masterclasses, emphasizing financial literacy and effective use of funding. Networking is also crucial; the “who you know” method is key for success in fashion. We facilitate connections with industry professionals across fashion, tech, marketing, PR, and supply chain sectors. By combining education with strategic networking, we equip designers with both the knowledge and operational ecosystem needed to thrive.

Can you share a specific success story from RAISEfashion that highlights the impact of your programs on an emerging designer’s career?

One notable success story is Fe Noel, who joined RAISEfashion four years ago. Since then, she has established an atelier and a free-standing store in Brooklyn. Her participation in our masterclass further enhanced her industry knowledge and expanded her network, contributing to the continued growth of her brand.

Another success is Rachel Scott, founder and creative director of Diotima, who was already running a business, but sought additional resources and connections. Through RAISEfashion, Rachel gained valuable networks and opportunities. She now has her designs featured at Bergdorf Goodman, works with Nordstrom, and was accepted into the LVMH Prize. Last year, she also received Emerging Designer of the Year at the CFDA Fashion Awards. These stories exemplify the transformative impact of our programs on emerging designers.

What is the significance of RAISEfashion’s recent NYFW event for showcasing Black creativity, and how does it align with your organization’s mission?

RAISEfashion’s participation in NYFW is significant for three main reasons. First, it offers vital visibility, showcasing exceptional BIPOC talent to a global audience of media, buyers, and fashion enthusiasts. Second, it provides valuable networking opportunities, connecting designers with influential figures and potential collaborators. Lastly, it demonstrates our commitment to diversity and inclusion by removing financial barriers for designers through fundraising, allowing us to support 28 designers and four artists this year in Manhattan.

How have your experiences and perspectives as a leader in the fashion industry shaped your approach to guiding RAISEfashion, and what key lessons have you learned that influence your leadership style today?

My approach to leading RAISEfashion is profoundly shaped by my extensive experience in the fashion industry, but it’s important to recognize that leadership here is a collective effort. With a 12-person board, our commitment to diversifying the industry and providing pro bono resources to BIPOC designers is a shared responsibility.

One crucial lesson I’ve learned is the importance of mutual respect in our partnerships. When someone joins us, they become part of our extended family. This fosters strong, supportive relationships, though it doesn’t mean every situation is straightforward or that we always agree.

Lastly, what is something you’d like to share about the work RAISEfashion is doing that often goes unasked or overlooked by individuals like me?

One often overlooked aspect is the meticulous effort required in our work. While technology and trends evolve rapidly, the foundational work at RAISEfashion demands patience and precision. The framework we’re building, particularly in response to pressing social issues, is complex and requires time.

It’s crucial to balance the urgency to advance quickly with the understanding that people’s lives, businesses, and mental health are at stake. Our focus is not just on financial aspects but on genuinely caring for and supporting individuals through these transformative processes.