Jay Robertson
Brand: The House Of Jae Amour
Instagram: Jaeamour
Jae Amour: Passion, Purpose, Power
Bio: Founded in Columbus, Ohio in 2012, Jae Amour grew from bold beginnings into a respected brand driven by passion and talent. Founder JayVoughn moved to Atlanta to expand his vision, interning with celebrity designer Reco Chapple. This shaped his skills and career, leading to a diverse clientele, including celebrities Angie Stone, Drea Kelly, and Tiffany Evans, and work for Disney and BET.
In 2022, JayVoughn launched The House of Jae Amour, gaining national acclaim and starring in reality show Chasing Atlanta. Featured in Forbes and the Congressional Black Caucus, his brand now returns to Ohio with its first show in over ten years. This is more than fashion—it’s destiny. This is Jae Amour.
Website: Houseofjaeamour.com
Sopi Mitil
Brand: The Sopi Mitil Co.
Instagram: sopimitil
Facebook: sopmitilco
Bio: I’m an attorney and self-taught designer who began sewing as a teen. I founded The Sopi Mitil Co. in 2022 to address the lack of fashion-forward, professional clothing for curvy petite women like me. Inspired by fashion’s power to boost confidence, my brand combines my legal skills with a passion for size-inclusive, detailed designs. We've showcased at FWC 2024, joined a retail accelerator with a national retailer, and are available locally at The Gallerie in Columbus. Our pieces help women feel confident and seen, whether at work or out.
Website: https://sopimitil.com/
Valerie Mayan
Brand: Yellowcake SHOP
Instagram: @ms_oneseam
Bio: Meet Valerie Mayén, the Latinx woman behind Yellowcake and a strong supporter of our local community. Our team is diverse and bold, mostly women, people of color, and LGBTQ members. We make high-quality, handmade clothes in the Midwest for all people and body types. Each piece is carefully made with great detail, quality, and classic style, helping you show your unique look with confidence. Valerie’s love for fashion grew despite a strict upbringing. She studied illustration at the Cleveland Institute of Art and Otis College of Art and Design, then turned to fashion. With limited funds, she learned to make clothes, sold her designs on Etsy, and gained international fame through Project Runway.
Bea Heidman
Brand: The Bea Hive
Instagram: @ms_oneseam
Bio: I am a passionate fashion enthusiast with a Marketing degree from Kent State University and a Fashion Merchandising degree from Virginia Marti College of Art and Design. Over the past year, I’ve improved my sewing skills through private lessons, turning ideas into inclusive designs inspired by red carpet glamour for plus-size women. My love for social events fuels my mission to create fashion that empowers all women.
Candace Walker
Brand: Elaina B
Instagram: elainabltd
Facebook: elainabltd
Bio: Candace Walker, founder of ELAINA B., is from Columbus, Ohio, and has loved designing women's clothes since she was young. She sees fashion as a way to express creativity. Her mother encouraged her by signing her up for art and sewing classes. Candace graduated Cum Laude from The Ohio State University with a degree in Textiles & Clothing and a Business Minor. She worked at Abercrombie & Fitch and other fashion companies, gaining experience in various types of clothing. ELAINA B. began in 2012 as a ready-to-wear brand sold in Columbus boutiques. In 2022, Candace relaunched the brand as a luxury line focused on custom formalwear and gowns, along with ready-to-wear items that reflect her style. Her designs focus on timeless style, perfect fit, and quality. ELAINA B. continues to grow with new plans ahead.
Juan Jose Ferreyros
Brand: FerreyrosLife
Instagram: FerreyrosLifeOfficial
Facebook: FerreyrosCouture
Bio: Peruvian designer Juan José Saenz-Ferreyros began selling designs as a teen in Lima. He studied fashion in Lima and later journalism and culinary arts in Buenos Aires. He assisted designer Jaime Almonacid in Medellin, creating hand-embroidered garments. Juan José modeled, taught at John Casablanca, worked as a journalist, and launched FerreyrosLife. He designed for Miss Colombia and Miss Peru Universe, presenting shows in cities including New York and Monaco. A versatile talent, he’s been a journalist, model, designer, chef, TV host, Mr. Peru 1987, and Latin TV fashion show host, all shaping his work.
Website: www.FerreyrosLife.com.
Tiraj Lucas
Brand: From Tirz
Instagram: Fromtirz
Facebook: Tiraj Lucas
Bio: I'm Tiraj Lucas. I studied political science, then went to Ohio State Law School and became a lawyer. Besides my career, fashion is my creative outlet. I've loved fashion since I was young and taught myself as an adult.
My brand, FROM TIRZ, celebrates artists and makes clothes for everyone. “Streetwear started with us and it’ll end with us!”
Since starting in September 2024, FROM TIRZ has appeared at the Columbus Fashion Mixer, a Detroit Streetwear Pop Up, and the Chicago Streetwear Expo.
Website: FROMTIRZ.squares.site
Amber Hall
Brand: Amber Nicole Customs
Instagram: Amber Nicole
Facebook: Amber Nicole
Bio: I have over 10 years of sewing experience and taught myself. Amber Nicole is a body-positive brand that designs for all shapes, especially curvy bodies. My first show was in summer 2009, and I’ve shown my work at various events in Ohio. Recently, I took part in Columbus Fashion Week, presenting in both the high fashion and curvy shows.
Xantha Ward
Brand: Xantha
Instagram: Amber Nicole
Facebook: Amber Nicole
Bio: I have over 10 years of sewing experience and taught myself. Amber Nicole is a body-positive brand that designs for all shapes, especially curvy bodies. My first show was in summer 2009, and I’ve shown my work at various events in Ohio. Recently, I took part in Columbus Fashion Week, presenting in both the high fashion and curvy shows.
Jasmine Burton
Brand: Alexandria Jay
Instagram: _alexandria_jay
Facebook: _alexandria_jay
Bio: ALEXANDRIA JAY woman comes from many different parts of the world. She is
strong and independent woman. What she has in common with other women is
her passion and drive. She represents an elegant, confident and classy woman.
She can be completely covered up while still being sexy. Her appreciation and eye for fashion makes her my ideal woman. My mission is to dress women to make them feel like awoman; classy, sophisticated, chic and sexy without trying too hard.
