Sometimes all it takes is a couple of dope creatives to help elevate your style.

Personal styling service Stitch Fix launched Elevate back in October 2020 to promote a more diverse and equitable retail landscape for the next generation of entrepreneurs reflecting the audiences that they serve.

In its second year, Elevate grantees will receive a $25,000 cash grant, access to the brand’s Algorithms team, and personalized advisory support from leadership across the business. To top it all off, they will also be offered a mentorship session with the brand’s CEO Elizabeth Spaulding as well as the program’s partner, Harlem’s Fashion Row, CEO and founder Brandice Daniel.

With brands that are exciting and bold, as well as inclusive, sustainable, and versatile, this year’s Elevate recipients will share their stories while introducing their products to Stitch Fix’s pool of close to 4.2 million clients.

Recipients of this year’s program include the following brands:

Taylor Jay,
Megan Renee
Gracemade
Edas
BruceGlen
Besida

AfroTech had a chance to catch up with Renee Smith, the founder of women’s contemporary brand, Megan Smith, which uses deadstock fabric and holds little to no inventory to reduce waste.

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A post shared by MEGAN RENEE (@shop_meganrenee)

She opened up about what the program means to her, how it helps in her journey as a Black entrepreneur, and more.

Editorial Note: This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.

Elevate 2022

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