Celebrity runway coach, J. Alexander (Image: File)

Dubbed the “Queen of the Catwalk,” J. Alexander aka Miss J is known as the outspoken and fierce runway coach from America’s Next Top Model. The man who began his career as a model for Jean Paul Gaultier, eventually transitioned into a top-notch runway coach, schooling top models Tyra Banks and Naomi Campbell, and Real Housewives of Atlanta star Cynthia Bailey. His career has taken him all over the globe casting and coaching models for fashion houses and designers including Chanel, Bill Blass and Valentino, as well as scouting for model agencies such as Elite.

Just in time for this year’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, BlackEnterprise.com caught up with J. Alexander to talk about what keeps him passionate, his evolving career, and his advice for up-and-comers on how to reach longevity in the fashion industry.

BlackEnterprise.com: How did you break out of the pack and discover a career in fashion and ultimately entertainment?

J. Alexander: Hmm … I just jumped on the No.13 bus to the No. 6 Train at Castle Hill Ave. I didn’t want to just live and hang out in the South Bronx where I grew up. I liked the style of the people living in Manhattan. I would go down to the city during the day. I thought there was more opportunity in Manhattan; I also thought it would be cool to dress like them. I knew I had to be around them, and place myself in a fashion environment to get inspired. What I could not afford, I was able to get ideas to create similar looks for less.

How did you become a runway coach?

I knew I had something that was helpful to the new girls just starting in the business. My then agent, Gerald Marie, said I should get paid, which was fine by me, even though I was happy to give help to the girls for free.

What is a typical day like for you, and how do you combat associated stress of such a fast-paced industry?

A typical day— if not working— is doing nothing!  T.V., Internet, talking on the phone with friends. When working, I deal with stress by preparing for whatever it is I’m doing that day, such as looking at bullet points on the subject we are filming [for ANTM]. I also do my own hair and makeup and, of course, I make my own outfits. So while doing those things, I try and relax and take “me” time and not let too much bother me.

What keeps you passionate and wanting to get up every morning?

That I might learn or see something new that day, and realizing I’m blessed that I can still see and hear beauty to inspire myself and perhaps others.

What have been some of your biggest career high points?

One of the highs was winning a Teen Choice Award in 2009. Also, being in a place to pay my bills on time is a high (laughs).

How have you expanded the Miss J brand in the past five years? And can you tell us what new projects you’re working on?

I have expanded slowly and deliberately. I am not that person who wants to make a quick dollar saying hello at the club. So I started with my book Follow the Model: Miss J’s Guide to Unleashing Presence, Poise and Power (Gallery Books; $21.99) so people could learn about my life. Recently, I did a major campaign for Fruche Yogurt in Australia. And new projects … Well, for starters, doing this interview for  BlackEnterprise.com is what I’m currently working on now (laughs).

Want to elevate your career in fashion? Check out J. Alexander’s five quick tips for success.

So Excessive Boutique owner Keena Williams

February is known as a month of love, and 32-year-old Keena Williams has been in a 15-year affair — but not with a man. Her beau’s name is So Excessive Boutique (along with its online retail store) and the success of their relationship lies in all that sparkles and shines, from dazzling bracelets to bright-hued broaches to sparkling hoops and studs.

“My inspiration stems from my obsession with accessories; They are the icing on the cake,” Williams says. “It was Rachel Zoe who said, ‘A dress is just a dress until you add the jewels,’ and that is my philosophy as well.”

From her days as a high school student selling accessories to trendy peers to opening her own boutique in Newark, N.J, Williams prides herself in filling a void in an area quite close to one of the world’s fashion capitals, but not often known as the hot spot for chic. She believes in investing in her hometown, providing consumer access and community-building revenue.

With Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week just around the corner, BlackEnterprise.com talked with Williams on how she got started, how she plans to carve a niche in the accessories market and why it’s a good idea to invest in local communities when starting a business.

The accessories market is a saturated one, especially with so many celebrities starting jewelry lines and accessories boutiques. How does So Excessive remain competitive?

We stay on the pulse of accessory trends and we educate our customers. With each purchase, we share how to care for their accessories, tips on wearing them and introduce them to products such as Lobe Wonder, which is a great one for women who wear heavy earrings. Our goal is to be a resource for our customers as well as a place to shop. We’ve also hosted events where customers can network, have cocktails and shop.

Why did you choose Newark, N.J. for your location?

I chose Newark because it’s my hometown, and I saw a void in the marketplace for an accessories boutique. Newark is going through a metamorphosis right now and there are some really great things going on within the city. I definitely wanted So Excessive to be a part of that.

What did it take to start the online store?

The online store was just as much work as opening a brick-and-mortar location. Picking a Website designer who understood my vision was very important, and researching sites I love to shop from was also part of the process. I also used friends as my focus group to make sure the online experience had the same feel as the boutique. In terms of overhead, I had to invest in Website design costs and monthly maintenance fees.

What five tips would you have for young women who want to go into the accessories retail business?

Great customer service is key. This is at the top of the list. No one wants to shop where the staff isn’t friendly.

Do your research. Just because you love it doesn’t mean there is a market for it.

Stay on top of the trends. You don’t have to subscribe to every trend, but you should always know what people are talking about and wearing.

Take and listen to feedback. Listening skills are key. It’s a good idea to ask customers for feedback and listen to their wants and needs so you can improve their experience.

Make sure you have a great support system. Starting a business can be an emotional roller coaster, and there will be plenty of times where you will need support or a shoulder to lean on.

(Image: Melissa Johnson/BlackEnterprise.com)

BlackEnterprise.com got exclusive backstage access during New York’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week to talk to four of seven African designers who debuted their Spring 2012 collections in the Made in Africa: ARISE Magazine show.

Each designer infused the culture, history and richness of a diverse continent to showcase their own unique flair for mixing traditional with destinct prints and textiles. We caught up with four of the designers, duo Malcolm KLuK and Christiaan Gabriel Du Toit of KLuk CGTD; Pierre-Antoine Vetterello and Tsemaye Binitie, each of their respective namesake lines; and Lisa Folawiyo, of Jewel by Lisa, on how to make it in the business of fashion, and their must-have beauty and apparel items to keep their looks fashionably polished.

(Videography: Melissa Johnson)

Visit BlackEnterprise.com/style for more Fashion Week coverage as well as features on how you can upgrade our professional style profile!

(Image: Melissa Johnson/BlackEnterprise.com)

With one amazing finale to New York’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, the Made in Africa: by Arise Magazine show ushered in seven talented African designers.

More than 1,000 attendees witnessed the debut of Spring 2012 collections by: Kluk CGTD (worn by the likes of Beyonce and Charlize Theron); Bunmi Koko (whose designs have caught First Lady Michelle Obama’s eye); Pierre-Antoine Vetterello (who’s held posts at Balenciaga and Lagerfeld); Asibelua (with it’s Nigerian prints infused with modern cuts); Jewel by Lisa (a favorite of Solange Knowles and Kendall Jenner); Tsemaye Binitie (whose resume includes Stella McCartney); and Lanre Da Silva (who’s bright silhouettes are infamous for impeccable draping.)

Hosted by Arise Magazine, an international style publication that covers fashion, music, politics and culture, this year’s show featured runway sensation Sessilee Lopez and a closing performance by platinum-selling singer Leona Lewis.

It was the second Arise show in the U.S., with its premiere show launch in 2009, featuring cameos by pop icon Grace Jones and fashion industry powerhouses Tyson Beckford, Alek Wek, and Liya Kebede.

BlackEnterprise.com got exclusive backstage access to talk to design duo Malcolm KLuK and Christiaan Gabriel Du Toit of KLuk CGTD; Vetterello and Binitie, each of their respective namesake lines; and Lisa Folawiyo, of Jewel by Lisa, on how their diversity, history, and love for Africa inspired their Spring 2012 collections:

(Videographer: Melissa Johnson)

Visit BlackEnterprise.com/style for more Fashion Week coverage as well as features on how you can upgrade our professional style profile!

(Image: Thinkstock)

Though New York’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week comes and goes every season, style lives on forever. And in a world where looks can make or break your chances for success, gaining that competitive edge when it comes to appearance is a must.

To get you on the right track, BlackEnterprise.com brings you BE Polished, highlighting tips, tools, and features on how to upgrade your office swagger, get celebrity power looks with the everyday worker’s budget, and tailor your closet for effortless chic in your pursuit of success.

From photo galleries to video interviews, we give you an inside view from behind the catwalk and tell you how make the hottest looks your own. Be empowered by inspiring stories from veterans and BE Nexters blazing trails in the billion-dollar apparel and beauty markets. Get prepped for any occasion via our quick style tutorials by lifestyle guru Daisy Lewellyn in Working Your Style. Step your style game up with info on latest in men’s and women’s fall fashion trends.

Your look. Your brand. Your success. BE POLISHED!

Check out a snippet from our exclusive Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week coverage of the Arise show, featuring seven African designers who presented their Spring 2012 collections. VIsit BlackEnterprise.com/style for more!

(Videographer: Melissa Johnson)

Audrey Smaltz, CEO of The Ground Crew, gives her tips for success in the fashion industry.

As Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week comes to an end in New York, designers are wrapping up the shows, with the last finishing touches being added to the day’s events. Most onlookers, whether attending the shows or watching them on their favorite networks, enjoy the final product, a show that may last minutes but took months to make a reality.

BlackEnterprise.com talked with Audrey Smaltz, CEO of The Ground Crew, a company that provided key backstage support for clients this year–including Donna Karan, Alexander Wang, and Rachel Roy–on just what it takes to get a show running, and how up-and-comers can find success in a world where short moments can mean lifetime statements.

WATCH: The Women of Power Legacy Award profile of Smaltz on the Black Enterprise Business Report

What exactly does it take to put on a successful fashion show for Fashion Week?
So much is needed to coordinate and produce a fashion show. And some people forget little details. The show may not last but 12 minutes, but might take 1,200 minutes to put together.

For every 10 models there’s about 25-40 people working on that model, from hair and makeup, tailors, runners, directors, designers, etc.

For example, the coordinator works with the designer and models and coordinates the run of show. The coordinator also photographs the model and puts together the line up for the show. You could have one to 60 looks for a line. The tailors work with models to get the right clothing and fit. The fitters get the right shoes, clothing, and make sure they’re in the right places.

We work with music and sound, all of that … just every aspect of the show, to be sure everything is perfect.

After more than 30 years working behind-the-scenes, what inspires you to continue?
I have a passion for it. Each day is different. Every day, I get out of bed and wonder what the day is going to bring.

What’s one of the most important aspects of getting a show completed successfully?
Always have contingency plans. Have a plan B or plan C. You have to have other things you can do. Be able to move with the flow. Be prepped for if something goes wrong or if something doesn’t work out.

Smaltz’s Tips for Industry Success:

If you’re a fashion entrepreneur, you must have a solid business plan: A plan tells where your business is going and what it takes to get it done. Have a budget and know how your money is going to be spent. Have a cash flow. You can’t just open a business because you have a great idea and not have money.

If you’re new to the industry, retail is a good jumping off point: Try for an internship at a company you really want to work with. Go to the Council of Fashion Designers of America website, look at the designers, and start with a smaller brand. E-mailing them a nice note of interest and your resume is a good idea. If you have a photo, that’s good too.

Active and effective networking is important: Go to schools like the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and see who’s lecturing, Smaltz advises. Visit a department store when a designer is there speaking or presenting. Get to where the fashion industry people are going to be. Be nice, cordial, and likable. Don’t be afraid to speak and volunteer in general to meet folk and network.

Know what you offer to the world and what you expect out of it. What is your niche? Do an outstanding job and let people know what you’re looking for. Be professional and let them know your experience. Sometimes you have to assert your authority.

The truth shines when it comes to job seeking. If you don’t have any experience, don’t embellish. Just put down everything you’ve done. Don’t be anything but who you are. “If you’re in high school or college, of course you might not have high fashion experience. That’s fine. Just tell what you have done.”

Former model Lois Samuels tackled the challenge of surviving a recession to keep her line going.

As Mercedes Benz Fashion Week continues at Lincoln Center, designers are either wrapping up preparations before unveiling their Spring 2011 collections or making the rounds to network within the international fashion community.

Lois Samuels is one of those designers. She presented her third collection of The Vessel by lois Sept. 9 at Vanderbilt Hall in New York’s Grand Central Terminal. Her line, most of which consists of looks that can be easily worn to office, has gotten the attention of WWD and Italian Vogue, as well as actress and singer Renee Neufville of HBO’s Treme.

Samuels, who began her career modeling for CK One campaigns, Harper’s Bazaar and Interview magazines,  started The Vessel by lois during the September 2009 recession. It was as challenging as much as it was exciting, Samuels muses. “Everyone was like, ‘What are you doing?’ but the timing to me was impeccable. I feel like it’s good when you sort of set roots or when you start planting a seed in dry season. Then it will eventually grow. It will grow.”

BlackEnterprise.com talked with the designer about how she started her clothing line, how persistence kept her striving for success, and how she plans to expand The Vessel long after the glitz and glamour of the fashion shows are done:

Blackenterprise.com: How did your previous experience in the fashion industry prepare you for starting a clothing line?

Samuels: During my modeling career, I learned a lot about how the business works through observation. After modeling I learned the business by working as the account manager at [menswear design house] Thom Browne, where I was responsible for production, inventory, purchase orders, and accounting. I had to have a relationship with stores and make sure orders were processed and delivered on time. I wasn’t into accounting, but I had to learn.

How were you able to sustain your line during a recession and prepare for your third collection?
I didn’t over extend myself or underestimate overhead costs. Then, I decided what kind of financing I was going to work with. I didn’t feel comfortable going through the bank because it was too much pressure. This is an unpredictable business and going through the bank for financing felt too much like having a mortgage. I went to friends and family for backing. By my second season, I had investors that emerged from my personal network.

Also, I kept my aesthetic consistent. I feel like people need to invest in something that’s not a fad — something they know is going to last for a long time and something that’s well-made.

What’s your short-term marketing strategy?
First we’ll start with product placement: getting the merchandise on a few celebrities. We want to shoot some really strong images.

We plan to find someone we can align with our brand who is consistent with the image of The Vessel and dress them. And that way, we can start building a following based on people seeing the clothes on people.

In the next 30-90 days, we really want to get buyers in a relationship with the line. We want them to get up close and personal with the line, which is why I’m really glad we’re doing a presentation [and not a runway show]. Now buyers get to interact with The Vessel. We want buyers to get intimate with a few pieces and introduce the brand to their customers.

What are your long-term strategies?
We’re interested in possibly doing a golf line and uniforms for hotels and airlines. The Vessel takes the uniform out of the uniform. We’ve made it luxe, making the person who’s wearing it for their job feel better.

Samuel’s Quick Tips:

• Start out small. Many new designers are tempted to show in large venues like the tents at Bryant Park and now Lincoln Center. But these grand venues come with grand price tags. Consider showing your first few collections somewhere smaller and invite key people that can help elevate your brand.

• Draw from your network. Look at the skills within your existing network. If you have a friend who is a photographer, ask them to take photos of your samples so you can create a lookbook to send to buyers and editors. If you have friends and family who have interests and skills that you can work with, tap into them. Find your support system.

• Do your market research. Don’t over saturate the market with the same ideas. Design something fresh. Follow your inspiration, but remember that stores don’t need more of the same thing. Designing clothes that already exist will not draw interest or dollars.

• Be Flexible. Be open to new approaches, even ones outside of your comfort zone. Samuels says although she has a Twitter account and a Facebook page, she plans to improve her approach when it comes to social media. A new generation calls for nontraditional marketing strategies.

• Get on the Fashion Calendar. In New York, many of the major players in the industry pay attention to the fashion calendar, including buyers, media, etc. You have to pay a fee but the visibility for your line is worth it.