In celebration of our 40th anniversary, Black Enterprise is taking a look both forward and backward at the world of black business. Our list of 40 Next celebrates the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders.
These BE Nexters–those 21—35 years old making a measurable impact within their respective business, organization, industry, or field–are standouts in the areas of entrepreneurship, corporate America, academia, nonprofit, the arts, and the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). And they prove every day that “business as usual” is not so usual. For them, leveraging expertise in one area to maximize an opportunity in another is standard operating procedure.
Using the legacy of their business predecessors to forge their own way, this new generation of leadership accepts the torch without trepidation. But the commonality between then and now is that success still takes a focused, strategic, and passionate mindset. Here, we introduce you to one of our 40 Next.
Ouigi Theodore, 35
Creative Director/Partner
The Brooklyn Circus
New York
For Theodore, style is bigger than fashionable clothes; it’s a creative, cultural process. Founded in 2006, The Brooklyn Circus, Theodore’s eclectic men’s and women’s fashion offerings, are available at his boutiques in Brooklyn, Chicago, and San Francisco. He sells everything from cardigans, bags (in partnership with Fila), and wingtip boots to his coffee table book, Changing of the Guards.
Education
BA in History from Stony Brook University Also studied Advertising design at F.I.T Fashion Institute of Technology
Favorite Book
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
BE Manifesto
We’ve created a 100 year plan to change the future by researching the past. Our goal is to change the image of the young urban male worldwide. Starting with his Style + Character, helping the younger male understand the importance of not only looking the part but being the message. To create a Style & Character academy that teaches proper etiquette, making the right style statement, taking pride in grooming and character building. Leading to art libraries in the inner cities to give more inner city youths access to the creative fields and build self worth.