Meet Stephanie Renee Passley | Fashion Designer, Founder & Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephanie Renee Passley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephanie Renee, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Fueled by passion, opportunity, and a desire to make a difference. I founded The Fashion Diary a platform dedicated to empowering emerging designers, expanding to encompass other forms of art and style. Fashion has always been my profound passion. In 2007, I decided to follow my wildest dreams and did a fashion sales and public relations internship. This was supposed to be a test. However, this would be the birth of The Fashion Diary.

I saw an opportunity to build something meaningful that could make a difference. Back then the fashion industry was not as inclusive as it is today, it was more of a who’s who world.
I noticed an underserved niche where emerging designers lacked support and visibility. I was motivated to create a platform that would provide opportunities for designers to showcase their work, and connect them with industry influencers and consumers. By starting my own business, It was about creating a space where innovation meets opportunity, and where both creativity and commerce thrive.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart in the fashion industry is my unwavering dedication to nurturing emerging designers. At The Fashion Diary, we prioritize giving designers complete creative freedom throughout the production process. Our culture is built on collaboration rather than competition, fostering an environment where creativity and growth thrive.

My journey to where I am today professionally has been incredibly rewarding, filled with joy, challenges and determination. Navigating the competitive landscape of the fashion industry hasn’t been easy, but overcoming obstacles has imparted invaluable lessons that have shaped my growth and success. Here are a few:

“If you build it, They will come”- W P Kinsella

Persistence and Resilience: Overcoming challenges required persistence and resilience. I’ve learned to keep pushing forward, even when faced with setbacks.

Adaptability: The fashion industry is ever-evolving, and being adaptable to changes in trends, technologies, and consumer behaviors is crucial for staying relevant.

Building Relationships: Networking and building genuine relationships with industry professionals, designers, influencers, and stakeholders have been key to the success of The Fashion Diary.

Continuous Learning: The journey has been a continuous learning experience. Whether it’s learning new skills, staying updated with industry trends, or listening to feedback, I’m committed to evolving and improving.

What I want the world to know about me and The Fashion Diary is that we go beyond fashion; we are dedicated to capturing the narratives of our lives through art and style. Our platform celebrates creativity and diversity, weaving together stories that reflect our personal journeys and experiences. We believe in the power of fashion and style to tell compelling stories and evoke emotions, making a meaningful impact on how we perceive and express ourselves.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As a born and raised New Yorker, these hot spots are essential on my list:

Places to eat-
Ricardo’s Steak House (East Harlem)
Chopped Cheese (East Harlem)
Kum Kau (Brooklyn)
Beatsro (Bronx)

Places to visit-
Times Square
Lower East Side (Manhattan)
Soho/Noho
Coney Island
City Island
Governors Island
Central Park
Botanical Garden
Williamsburg Brooklyn
Brooklyn Museum ( First Saturday’s)
Shrine (Harlem)
Beatstro (Bronx)

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give a Shout Out! To Nicole Mack, Nagel Brock, Princess Simpson, TeAra DeBerry, Kenya Mighty, Kairi Chapman and Danyal McRae. Thank You for believing in me! Your support has given me the strength to power through it all.

Website: https://thefashiondiary.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefashiondiaryshowroom

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefashiondiary9251

Other: https://spark.adobe.com/page/VXMm6RJr4cCLf/

Image Credits
Michael Ivory Photography
Mikosky Weddings
Sundae Cruz Photos
Designers:
Bonna Collection
Gamakache Black
Omari’s Closet Designs
Justin “JUS-10” Haynes
Passley Collection