The Importance of Networking
“Your network is your net worth.” This quote is said so often that it can feel cliché, but the truth is, your relationships can open doors or hold you back. That’s why it’s important to build with people who align with your values, goals, and dreams.
So where do you start? Just reach out.
If you see a company you’d love to intern with, look for someone who works there and send a professional email. Is there a designer whose work inspires you and feels like a potential mentor? Reach out.
You never know what can come from simply putting yourself out there. Not every message will lead to a connection and that’s okay. The right connection is right around the corner. In order to get into the rooms you dream about, you have to get over any fear of rejection or “failure”.
To show just how powerful networking can be, here’s a quick story about our founder, Briana:
When Briana was 12, she attended Black Girls Rock Camp, an overnight leadership program designed to empower young Black girls through workshops, mentorship, and cultural enrichment. The camp focused on building self-confidence, critical thinking, and leadership skills, equipping participants with the tools to become future leaders.
One night, with her journal in hand, full of thoughts, dreams, and goals, Briana asked one of her counselors how to get started in fashion." The counselor gave a lot of helpful advice, but one thing really stuck:
“Don’t wait for people to find you, find them.”
Briana wrote it in her journal that night, and it’s stuck with her ever since. That moment planted one of the early seeds for Hems & Brims. From that point on, if she saw someone she admired or wanted to learn from, she’d reach out.
It was through those early moments that Briana recognized just how powerful mentorship can be. At the time, she didn’t know it, but that awareness would one day become the foundation of Hems & Brims.
As a Black creative in fashion, community is everything. We’re often navigating spaces that weren’t made with us in mind. That’s why it’s so important to find your people, those who understand your experiences, celebrate your wins, and uplift you through the challenges. Leaning into community isn’t just helpful, it’s essential for growth, resilience, and thriving in this industry and beyond.
We hope this encourages you to send that message, make that introduction, or reach out to someone you've been meaning to connect with. You never know where one conversation might lead.