Brandice Daniel is a possessor of faith. She calls it “cliff jumps,” as in twisting a leap into a legacy with Harlem’s Fashion Row. She is providing Black designers and designers of color a genuine platform for representation, favor, and publicity. Daniels recognized the void early on and realized it was not a task that would manifest itself overnight. This was a journey. A decade later, this journey has triumphed. From mega-sponsorships to Nike deals, she has her hand on the pulse of the Black design community, and educates her tutelage to never take “no” for a final answer. Her mantra: Maintain your strength and keep going!

Editor’s Note: In honor of Black History Month, we highlight some of the most influential forces in fashion, in no specific order. Their impact on the culture is undeniable – and we use this time to tip our hats off to their Black excellence.