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I grew up in the town of Henrietta, NY, specifically Stonewood Village, a subsidized apartment complex that remains my TRUE home sweet home. This place had it all, from diverse background of friends and neighbors, the woods where we'd escape to play Thundercats and ride our BMX trails, a "crick" where we caught frogs and got into fights, to the 2ft section of gutters we used as our basketball hoops. It was here that I started my first hustle, 12yrs old delivering the local Democrat and Chronicle newspaper. Of course it wasn't until I was older and able to see more of the world, that I realized all that was packed into my formidable years environment; the normalized tension and drama, be it us kids and/or parents fighting or "why are the cops here now", it was just par for the course for that type of socio-economic environment. Stonewood Village is my roots and I wouldn't change a thing about it.
Throughout my life, I've had the opportunity to live in several spots. From Henrietta, I began my high school years in Greece, NY, a suburb of Rochester, before moving to the small town of Avon for my sophomore year (bit of shock looking out my window at corn fields but wouldn't change that experience and relationships I still have for the world). Off to college, I lived in the ultimate party house back in Henrietta, you know, the one with mattresses on the roof? Of course it was short-lived when our landlord greeted us one morning after 1 too many parties to give us the boot. From there, I spent some time in Connecticut for two different internships (Nestle and BIC, while attending RIT) before securing my first real job in a Philadelphia suburb as a Packaging Engineer (Manayunk was the party spot for sure). For the past 17 years, I've proudly called New Jersey my home, from good times in Morristown, to the current chill vibes on Lake Hopatcong.
Currently, I reside in Lake Hopatcong, with the largest lake in NJ and a beautiful small town feel. A bit quiet compared to what I'm used to, but its grown on me and nothing beats being by the water - dig the balance it brings me!
After college I worked for ~8 years as a Packaging Engineer. Some highlights were eating Oreo Cakesters and Chips Ahoy off the manufacturing line, coming up with innovative ways to to use recycled content in Med Device packaging and having an opportunity to see more of the world (Europe, Vietnam, Mexico and good ol' Nebraska). After a development program I got the courage to try my hand at marketing, where all the excitement seemed to be. Developing and executing brand strategies have become a passion of mine. I've had a blast as a Global Brand Manager for the past ~8 years.
Innovoke is not just a brand to me, it represents my truth. I've always been captivated by the act of creating - whether it was drawing, attempting skateboard tricks or putting together my outfits as a kid. I discovered how easy and automatic it was to connect with others through different forms of creative expression - artwork, graffiti, music, and fashion. Keith Haring's artwork on A Very Special Christmas album was probably the first artist that truly caught my attention, and I now proudly wear a few tattoos of his art. I remember being mesmerized by the album cover art on my mom's vinyl records, such as Alice Cooper's Welcome to My Nightmare with insects crawling all over it.
An "Innovate" sign sat on my desk for many years and served as my north star, constantly asking myself what can I create or do differently to improve. Whether it was creating something new at work or evolving myself through life's experiences, I've always felt the urge to create.
As a child, I remember spending hours on end watching music videos, back when MTV played them, and would re-record over on the same few VHS tapes I had. These music videos captured my attention and transported me to another world, via lyrics and visuals. That's where the word "Evoke" came from - it's a powerful word that resonates with me because of the way music and fashion make me feel. It's like the nostalgia that floods over you when you hear an old song, or the way a particular piece of clothing makes you feel invincible. My interpretation of each video connected me to the art and artist who created it. While some may just think a random music video, for me it created a sense of belonging, connection and identity for me.
It took me years to tap into my passion for art, music, and fashion, but after some soul searching I finally decided to create a brand of my own. Combining key inspirational words/ actions of Innovate and Evoke led to my discovery and creation of Innovoke.
Innovoke aims to connect like-minded creatives and motivate them to find their passion (CHANNEL YOUR CATALYST) and make it their hustle- #hustleforit.
CHANNEL YOUR CATALYST is not just a tagline, it's our mantra and way of life.
'Innovoke is not just a brand for me, it represents my truth.'
Music is my true passion, although I am not a creator in this area yet. I have a deep appreciation and respect for all genres, especially Hip Hop, R&B, Classic Rock, and Soul. As an 80's baby, I was able to witness the Hip Hop explosion, which forever hooked me to good beats and lyrics. However, my hustle has been the creation of the Innovoke Brand, which has been a wild journey that I am blessed to be on. I realize that building this brand will never not require patience and persistence. To continue building Innovoke, I have connected with other creatives to collaborate, including graphic designer Zeana Llamas, who helped bring my first designs and logo to life, and Stacy Nethery, an amazing photographer who helped me visually capture the essence of the brand. I found Stacy simply by walking into a local photography store and asking if anyone was interested in helping with a photoshoot. Lastly, I have worked with Juliette McAllister, a jet-setting brand and digital expert from across the pond, who helped me better define Innovoke and relaunch our new digital presence.
As a creative, I have a passion for designing pieces that communicate positive and real messages. One of my favorite styles is the Mantra design, which I often incorporate into my work, with designs like "Spread Love". Additionally, I'm always inspired by music and its lyrics, leading me to create music lyric influenced designs, such as my "Visual Interpretation" of Biggie's lyrics in "Juicy". I also find inspiration in music videos, with my latest project being a design based on Method Man and Mary J. Blige's "All I Need" video.
As a designer, creating impactful designs that make a difference is one of the most gratifying experiences. Collaborating with The Felix Organization was one such experience that I will always cherish. In launching my brand, Innovoke, I was excited about finding an organization that we could support and connect with to give back to society. The Felix Organization, with its inspiring focus on supporting kids in the foster care system, was a perfect match.
During a meeting with Amanda Ricken Simonetta, the Executive Director of The Felix Organization, I knew I had found a like-minded person who was passionate about bringing to life the mission and vision of the organization's founders, Rock 'n Roll Hall of Famer Darryl "DMC" McDaniels and Emmy Award-winning casting director Sheila Jaffe. Both adopted and grateful to have been "taken home," they were compelled to use their resources and experience to enrich the lives of children growing up in the foster care system.
Given the opportunity to pitch some designs for The Felix Organization, I was thrilled to create the 2022 T-Shirt design for their "first" year group of LGBTQ+ kids summer camp. The front design promoted "Camp Felix Pride" as their newest addition/group that they would support within their annual summer camps, including the famous Jello Heart as a symbol of love, acceptance, and empowerment for this honest, brave, and inspiring group of kids.
For the back design, I decided to showcase a group of kids styled in 70's/80's hip-hop attire, standing in b-boy/girl poses, united and confident in the face of life's chaos. The design incorporated rings of Saturn mixed with key emotions and actions we experience in life, using famous word Pop Art, reminiscent of the amazing Roy Lichtenstein. I wanted this T-Shirt design to do more than just cover their bodies during summer camp. It was my hope that it would flip a switch of awareness for things they control and things they don't, making them more comfortable in their skin, able to confront the external factors of life and, more importantly, foster a good relationship with the most important person in their lives - themselves.
To add a personal touch, I included a hem label worn at the bottom left of the T-shirt. When flipped up, the person wearing the shirt could read positive mantras that I am still learning to embrace. Working with The Felix Organization to create this T-Shirt design was an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of disadvantaged children, and I am grateful for the experience.
As a child, I always looked forward to the first day of school, and choosing what to wear was a big deal for me. Being raised by a single mom, there wasn't always enough money to go around for school shopping. So, I had to get creative and come up with a strategy for the week. I would alternate different shirts and pants to achieve what I hoped would come across as different looks. I was already starting to worry about what others thought of me, even in 5th or 6th grade.
To make sure my outfits were ready for the week, I would lay them out head to toe in front of my bedroom door, including my shoes. My mom would often joke that she thought someone was lying on the floor when she woke up. Despite our humble upbringing, I developed a keen interest in clothes and fashion, which was fueled by my obsession with brands that showed their logo.
For me, brands like Champion, Polo, Nautica, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, and Timberland were all considered luxury fashion in the 80s and 90s. Even though we couldn't always afford them, I was fascinated by their logos and what they represented. Looking back, my upbringing and early experiences with fashion have undoubtedly influenced my style and how I view the fashion industry today.
After college, that Innovate sign that sat on my desk really inspired me and served as my North Star. I always wanted to create something, a product design or company that I could develop and run on my own. A few years ago, I tied my engineering background with my love for fashion and created the concept of a Flexible Digital Display that could be worn on clothing. This meant the person wearing the shirt had control of the image being shown, whether a single or rotating static images to dynamic video being played. This product idea actually helped spark my creation of the Innovoke brand name, which again brought together the ideas of creating (Innovate), connecting and inspiring or evoking (Evoke) emotion from others.
Further background on taking this new product design idea to the next level... I decided to reconnect with where I went to school and knock on RIT's Kate Gleason School of Engineering door. Luckily I was introduced to some of RIT's best, Don Pophal (Technology Entrepreneur Teacher/ Speaker) and Elizabeth DeBartolo (Professor - Dean's Office) who've since helped connect me with multiple Senior Capstone Project teams (made up of multi-disciplinary students) to create this and even another product idea's prototypes. While I still aim to bring these product ideas to life, over the past couple years I've focused my efforts on building my Innovoke Fashion Brand.
A huge shout out to RIT, Don, Elizabeth and all the amazing students I've had the pleasure to work with over the years. The lesson here is to use the connections and networks you've established. They will help you to create amazing opportunities and new relationships, like the one's I've been lucky enough to experience.
Key to my hustle is my mom's influence... She was our Mom and Dad! As a single mother, she knew it would be difficult to afford college for both my twin sis and I, so what did she do? She started working at one when we were only 4 to ensure our free tuition. She retired from RIT in 2022 and I can never thank her enough for making such a strategic choice like that for our family. Growing up, my mother showed us her hustle and her creativity working multiple jobs to make ends meet. She is my biggest inspiration and who I look up to as I strive to to give to my family that same level of love and dedication. I graduated in 2005 as a Packaging Engineer with virtually no college debt.
To shed some light on my perspective... It became clear to me as I got older, that the same hustle or opportunity my mom went after (as a single white mother in the 80s) was likely not "as available" to women of color trying to create the same opportunities for their families. And let's be honest, it's safe to say that's still the case today. I believe it's important for us to openly discuss ugly truths or realities like white privilege, racism and ignorance to help open closed eyes and minds.
In my experience... when we can let go of our pride and ego's, and try our best to follow the Golden Rule and put ourselves in other people's shoes, that’s when we affect change. Only then can we access the most important character traits/ values I believe are within every human (even if buried away or not yet discovered), Compassion, Understanding, Respect and Empathy (C.U.R.E) - I feel, together equal LOVE.
I believe sharing perspectives like this and taking action help others is how we influence and affect the change necessary to bring more balance and equality to the world.
For me, it starts with patience and persistence. I remind myself that achieving success is a journey, and it won't happen overnight. It takes time, effort, and most importantly, consistency.
Another essential aspect is learning to say no when necessary. Sometimes, we have to turn down things that don't bring us value or serve our priorities and values. On the other hand, learning to say yes to things that align with our goals and passions is equally important.
The Nike tagline "Just Do It" (best ever created) is my mantra when it comes to my hustle. It reminds me to take action and not let fear hold me back.
It's crucial to remember that being busy is relative. We all have different priorities and responsibilities, from work and school to family and friends. However, it's essential to prioritize our passions and make time for them, amidst that beautiful chaos that is our lives.
Balancing everything is an ongoing struggle, but I recognize that prioritizing my passion is a must for my well-being. As the airline stuartist advises, by "putting my mask on first" and by channeling my catalyst, I can find the right balance and achieve my goals.
I have to admit that I don't always handle this well. If I let fear and doubt take the wheel, I will inevitably end up stuck in a ditch. Therefore, I have learned to acknowledge these feelings without letting them dominate my decision-making process/ actions. I'm learning to have a healthy respect for the presence of these in my life.. but I drive the bus.. not these idiots.
'BY CHANNELING MY CATALYST, I CAN FIND THE RIGHT BALANCE AND ACHIEVE MY GOALS.'
Every day, I follow a few routines that help me stay focused and productive. One of the most important is hitting the gym as early in the day as possible. It's not just about the physical benefits, it's the stress relief and consistency and confidence building that are the key outputs. Another routine I've been working on is prioritizing my tasks for the day, so I don't get lost in the details and waste time. When it comes to social media, I've learned that less is more. I try to limit my scrolling and keep it quick. And of course, I make sure to spend quality time with my kids every day. We play together, I ask them questions and listen to their fascinating answers, and we just enjoy each other's company. It's all about finding balance and creating routines that work to lift us to those next levels.
First, sketching in a notebook or a book is a crucial part of my creative process. I find that putting pencil to paper helps me generate ideas and refine my designs. It's a more tactile and intimate way of brainstorming that I enjoy.
Second, the iPhone notes app is my go-to for recording ideas that come to me in the middle of the night. I often wake up with a burst of inspiration and feel compelled to jot down my thoughts before they slip away. Although I need to make sure I review and organize these notes properly!
Third, collaborating with others and seeing our designs come to life is an incredible feeling. Working with a team allows us to bounce ideas off each other and bring different perspectives to the table. When I see our designs printed on a t-shirt or a piece of clothing, it's a rewarding experience.
Lastly, inspiration is all around us, and I try to capture it whenever I can. Whether it's taking photos of clothes in stores, album covers, or the sky's colors, I find beauty and inspiration in the world around me. These small details can spark new ideas and fuel my creativity.
The time when I feel the most creative is at night. As a night owl, I tend to stay up late and often find myself brainstorming new ideas and concepts during these late hours. I even use the Notes feature on my phone when I'm trying to fall asleep but a sudden idea pops into my head. It's a time when the world is quiet, and I have the mental space to let my imagination run wild. There's something about the stillness of the night that allows me to tap into my creative energy and think more freely. While I don't limit my creativity to just the nighttime, it's certainly a time when I feel most inspired.
Music is something I can't live without while in my creative process. Whether I'm working in my studio, sketching in a notebook, or typing away on my computer, music is a crucial part of my creative process. It helps me get into the right headspace and sets the tone for whatever project I'm working on. I have different playlists for different moods and genres depending on what I need to accomplish. Without music, my creative process just wouldn't be the same.
In terms of what sets my business/ art apart from others in the industry or space, I believe that there are certainly similarities among brands that have successfully produced and sold products. However, I strive to make Innovoke stand out with our no-excuses attitude, raw and authentic designs, and overall message.
Although we may fall under the category of streetwear, I believe that our designs transcend that label and can be worn by anyone, from executives to students. For example, our Spread Love t-shirt can be worn as is or under a cardigan or blazer in a more formal setting, because who doesn't want to spread love and receive love - whatever environment they're in!?
Innovoke's unique perspective and approach to fashion and design is what sets us apart, and I hope that our Fam feels that same sense of authenticity and empowerment when wearing our clothing.
Looking back on my journey, I can see a few things I would have done differently if I had known what I know now. First, I would have sought out other creatives for support and collaboration earlier on. It can be challenging to work on your own, and having a community of like-minded individuals would have been incredibly beneficial.
Second, I would have done a better job of separating my personal life from my business endeavors. It's easy to get bogged down by personal issues and let them become excuses for not making progress. I should have focused on setting aside time to work on my goals, regardless of what was happening in my personal life.
Third, I would have taken more time to write down my goals and map out a plan to accomplish each of them. Having a clear roadmap would have helped me stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of what I was trying to accomplish.
In hindsight, I recognize that these are all lessons that I had to learn through trial and error. However, if I could go back in time, I would prioritize seeking out a creative community, separating my personal life from my business, and developing a clear plan to achieve my goals.
I also really believe that where I grew up and where I currently reside has had a significant impact on my work. We all retain a bit of our childhood selves.. ha, I still plan my outfits each day, just as I did when I was a kid. I still feel like the same kid looking out the window at 2C Myrtlewood Drive, but with more life experience and a platform to express myself to the world.
My life's experiences have provided me with the unique perspectives that I bring to this passion. I hope to evoke something in others who experience what I create. Overall, I remember where I come from, where I've gotten and where I aim to go. Remaining for all the good and bad that I'll continue to experience is key to stay grounded and remain ambitious.
Currently, I'm excited about a few collaborations I have going on with some talented Graphic Designers (like Kevin Cristiano I met while knocking on the door at Rutgers Graphic Design School (TY to Chantal Fischzang) and Mara Dejager (TY for bumping into my Brand Lead Juliette McAllister at that hostel in Spain).
Specifically a new design that I'm calling "I Got Me", features a figure that represents self-sufficiency and being prepared for anything life may throw their way. The figure has a content look, one arm in a b-boy/girl stance (hug) going across the body, an extended "go-go gadget" arm, and an enlarged hand supporting their body. They are in control and self-sufficient.
I intentionally designed the figure to be gender/race-neutral. I'm still deciding whether the "go-go gadget" arm will be too long if the figure is standing. While I'm open to additional facial features, I think a minimalist, indifferent expression would be best so that viewers can interpret the figure's emotions for themselves.
I think the beanie works well with the design, and I'm considering incorporating the Innovoke Typographic Logo on the shirt or even on the beanie itself. The key words/ phrases that inspired the design are: self-sufficient, self-love, b-boy/girl stance, my own investor, uplift myself, protect myself, and I control myself, not external factors/ people.
I'm excited to see how this design evolves (Image copyright protected by Innovoke):
I would love to create or work on a short film or music video. Putting it in the air..
When it comes to collaborating, I'm all about working with other up-and-coming artists. This is a foundational element of Innovoke - showcasing and promoting others on my journey. It's always exciting to see how two creative minds can come together and create something unique. Of course, I do have a wish list of artists and brands I would love to work with, like Mary J. Blige, Black Thought, Timberland and Supreme, just to name a few.
One particular project I've been dreaming of is creating a "VisuaLyric" design with a music artist who actually wrote the lyrics. The concept is to take a powerful lyric and turn it into a visual representation. It would be amazing to work with an artist who is not only talented in music but also has a strong message to share. The hip hop artist Russ is making good music I've been vibing to. His line "Race against your doubt, a lot of y'all aint running fast enough.." C'mon.. GENIUS!!!
Overall, I believe collaboration is key to pushing boundaries and creating something truly special.
In creating my art, I hope people take away a sense of connection and feeling. Whether it's joy, sadness, inspiration, or something else entirely, I want my work to resonate with people on a deeper level. I believe that art has the power to connect us all and make us feel less alone in the world, and I hope that my art can contribute to that sense of connection.
As for how I want to be remembered, I hope to be seen as someone who wasn't afraid to be vulnerable and who saw the beauty in both the good and the bad. I want to be remembered as someone who loved others and was always willing to help them, even if it meant just being there to listen. Of course, I know that not everyone will remember me in a positive light, but I hope that even those who may have hurt me can see the times when I brought good energy to the table and made a positive impact in their lives.
'As for how I want to be remembered, I hope to be seen as someone who wasn't afraid to be vulnerable and who saw the beauty in both the good and the bad.'
I have several favorite brands, both in fashion and non-fashion categories. One brand that particularly inspires me is Supreme, because of its reach and ability to co-brand with almost anything. I mean, they even released a measuring cup!
Music has always played a significant role in my life. To this day, a 2nd parent to me. My babysitter in grade school had music videos playing 90% of the time. Being so impressionable at that age, I feel like I was practically babysat by music videos. I vividly remember listening to a ton of her 80s rock favs. We also watched videos from different genres. My first crush was Tiffany, and I secretly wished to be a member of New Kids on the Block.
My first-ever music tape was Bobby Brown's "Don't Be Cruel." It didn't matter what tape I got my hands on, I was writing down all the lyrics and attempting to memorize every song. I remember stepping into another world when I listened to OutKast's "Southernplayalisticadillacmusic". How about hanging in my good friend Marcus's basement.. it was like stepping back into time, a shrine to old soul music with pictures of James Brown all over.. I just soaked it all up!!
Fast forward to my teenage years, where I remember listening to underground hip hop on 89.7 local RIT college radio. My good friend Ronnie and I would sit and head-nod to all the hip hop coming out of the speakers. My love for hip hop was officially formed. To this day, a die hard Wu-Tang fan (Saga series on Hulu are amazing), I would tag that damn symbol everywhere, from the desks in high school to the airport runway at a Phish show I attended with my Phish head friends in high school.
I also enjoy today's streaming services that let you plug in Nas's "If I Ruled the World", followed by a ton of similar old-school hits. I love being surprised by hidden gems like Pharcyde's "Runnin" or finding new meaning in the lyrics of old songs - that fascinating flexibility and timeless nature of music.
While I'm a Hip Hop and R&B head at heart, I have a great respect for all music, lyrics that tell a good story and that I can connect with. It's not rare for me to get Country Music vids/ songs sent from my mom.. and half the time I can't knock it, it's usually pretty damn good.
Some of my favorite artists include Biggie, Mobb Deep, and Mary J. Blige. Right now, I have Joyner Lucas, Russ, Nipsey Hussel, Vado, Millyz, Dave, Post Malone, Halsey, Stormzy, Jasmine Sullivan, Teana Taylor, and 6lack on rotation.
VIDEO CREDITS
The Notorious B.I.G "Juicy", Erykah Badu - Love Of My Life (An Ode To Hip Hop) ft. Common
In terms of movies, I prefer ones that give me a real-life perspective, whether it's a drama or a comedy.
'When it comes to music, I'm a Hip Hop and R&B head, but I'm an overall fan of music and lyrics that tell a good story and that I connect with.'
Some of my favorite movies include Kids, which blew my mind when I watched it in 10th grade, Menace II Society, which did an excellent job of tying together the harsh realities of poverty and systemic racial injustices, and American History X, another powerful movie about race and people led astray.
On a more comedic note, I enjoyed watching movies like Crazy, Stupid, Love, which found humor in the rollercoaster of family dynamics, lack of communication, and playing with the idea of monogamy. And of course, I also enjoy unplugging and laughing to movies like Step Brothers, Anchorman, and This is 40.
As for my social media habits, I like to follow accounts that give off positive energy and inspiration. Some of my favorite accounts include @jayshetty and @mindsethub_.
When it comes to clothing, I enjoy following brands like @supremenewyork and @thehundreds. I appreciate Supreme's ability to co-brand with just about anything, from clothing to measuring cups.
As for streaming recommendations, I recently finished watching White Lotus on HBO and highly recommend it. While the show portrays the problems of the wealthy, it's still relatable for people of all social classes. I also watched Candy on Hulu, which I found to be quite disturbing but also powerful in its portrayal of trauma and triggers. And when I just need to unplug and zone out, The Office will always be a go-to favorite for me.
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