What inspired your journey as a founder and leader in this space?

My journey began from a personal need for clothes that fit my body and made me happy. I realized other women shared this need, and there were women who could fulfill it while earning an income. The concept of Custom Collaborative emerged from wanting to meet these dual needs—helping women find clothes that fit while providing income opportunities for others. The turning point was a conversation with a dressmaker who, back in Guinea, employed eight people but was working solo in the US. This sparked the idea, and after one of my good friends said "Are you going to do something about this? Or is this just another one of your good ideas that you don't execute?", I had to take the leap, marking the birth of Custom Collaborative.

As a woman, what does leadership mean to you? How would you describe your leadership style and approach?

Leadership means paying attention to those you lead, understanding their motivations, and connecting their roles with their personal drives. It's about having a vision that others are proud to contribute to. My approach is one of collaborative leadership, where I encourage my team to challenge ideas and build upon them. This style demands more emotional power and patience but fosters a more inclusive and dynamic environment. It's about listening and observing, ensuring everyone's voice is heard and valued.

What piece of advice would you give to women and girls aspiring to leadership roles?

The path to leadership requires both openness and toughness. It's crucial to discern who to surround yourself with and to maintain emotional and intellectual astuteness. Leaders often bear the brunt of others' personal challenges; recognizing what's within your responsibility and what's not is key. It's also essential to have a supportive community outside of work to uplift and carry you through the challenges of leadership. Embrace your journey with resilience and be prepared to navigate the complexities of human emotions and conflicts.

Looking ahead, what impact do you hope to achieve through your work with your organization?

In the short term, our goal is to continue growing Custom Collaborative on a firm foundation, particularly as we settle into our new space. We're focused on sustainable growth and evaluating our next steps through strategic planning to enhance our services in meaningful ways. In the long term, we're committed to leveraging all avenues to advance women's economic opportunities. This includes policy and advocacy work, in addition to our direct services, ensuring we're making a comprehensive impact on the lives of the women we aim to serve.