Episodios

  • Black Woman Realities in the Midwest Fashion Industry, How to Plan Social Media Content as a Fashionpreneur, and This Week’s Fashion Rant
    Jul 4 2025
    Welcome back to another episode of The Haute Guide! In this episode, I’m sharing my experiences as a Black woman working in fashion in the Midwest—the lack of opportunities, the microaggressions, and why I’m not here to play the token role for anybody. I’m also walking you through how to plan out your social media content as a fashionpreneur. I’m talking brand pillars, figuring out what your audience wants to see, and how to use tools like ChatGPT without losing your own voice. And for AK’s Fashion Rant of the Week, I’ve got thoughts on Anna Wintour stepping down, Vogue’s messiness, Steve Madden’s viral moment, and why the fashion industry needs to get back to the actual plot of fashion. Key Moments: Talking about why the Midwest can be a tough place for Black women in fashion The realities of microaggressions, lack of opportunities, and why I refuse to be the token Black voice Why I left corporate and built my own lane The mess around Anna Wintour leaving Vogue and my thoughts on who Vogue even speaks to these days Steve Madden’s viral interview and why people are loving his transparency Step-by-step on how to plan a social media content calendar as a fashionpreneur The importance of brand pillars and audience insights Using ChatGPT the right way—and why it’s a tool, not a replacement for your own voice My thoughts on industry politics, crabs-in-a-barrel mentality, and protecting your peace as a creative Related Past Episodes: Branding & Social Media Strategy for Fashionpreneurs Pt. 1: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-haute-guide/id1661230412?i=1000690044168 Shoutouts + Special Mentions: The Cutting Room Floor — Check out their Patreon for Steve Madden’s full episode Imad Eduso— For the skirt that helped blow up my Instagram reach (here's the link to my viral reel: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ2_7MiM_CP/) Other publications worth reading: WWD, Business of Fashion, and indie platforms that dig deeper than Vogue My social media content caledar for AK Brown: https://www.notion.so/1937a91ad565808cb21edeb09e189cdb?v=1937a91ad56580398ca5000ce5d6eb3a&source=copy_link My social media content calendar template — included below if you’re ready to organize your content: https://teal-cold-790.notion.site/2267a91ad56580a89ffdd9a5aadb74c8?v=2267a91ad565800e9eed000c63f3ccb1&source=copy_link ChatGPT prompt templates — included below to help you plan your own calendar: ‘Help me create a 3-month fashion content calendar with Reels, carousels, fashion commentary, SEO titles, captions, alt text, and hashtags. My pillars are [e.g. fashion education, personal style]. My audience is [e.g. Black women in fashion]. My vibe is [e.g. professional, sassy]. I want to post [e.g. 3–5 times per week].’ Next Week Sneak Peek:Next episode, I’m diving deeper into Steve Madden’s podcast, Paris Men’s Fashion Week recaps, and sharing what it’s really like running a fashion magazine. Plus—where are we supposed to shop now that brands keep acting up? 🔗 Stay Connected: Subscribe to my YouTube! 🎥 https://www.youtube.com/@akbrownstl Grab The Intro Into Fashion Workbook: https://www.akbrownstl.com/product/intro-into-fashion-pr-workbook/ Wanna be a guest on the show? Apply here: https://www.akbrownstl.com/be-a-gusest/ Want to be a 2025 client or mentee? Apply here: https://www.akbrownstl.com/2025-client-applications/ Follow me everywhere: @akbrownstl Website: www.akbrownstl.com Read Advisor. Magazine: www.advisormag.co 💬 Love the episode? Leave a review and tag me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway!
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    1 h y 7 m
  • 2025 Met Gala Recap – The Art & Missed Opportunities of Black Dandyism
    May 9 2025
    Welcome back to another episode of The Haute Guide! In this episode, I'm diving deep into the 2025 Met Gala, unpacking this year's compelling theme: "Superfine", inspired by Monica Miller's exploration of Black dandyism. Join me as I candidly break down the hits, misses, and everything in between on fashion's biggest night. Here's what's inside: My honest thoughts on who beautifully embodied the "Superfine" theme—including Janelle Monae’s stunning "time traveler" concept, Tracee Ellis Ross’s bold historical homage, and André 3000’s brilliant nod to traveling musicians. The styling missteps that left me scratching my head: Zendaya’s unexpected duplicate look and Megan Thee Stallion's disappointing Michael Kors dress. A personal glimpse into my own "Superfine" look for a Met Gala viewing party at the Ritz Carlton, complete with a custom floor-length durag, embracing Black dandyism with my unique twist. Reflections on how the fashion industry at large missed a prime opportunity to truly honor and elevate Black culture, creativity, and historical significance. Plus, I'm sharing a heartfelt update about my recent health journey, why I've been away from fashion events, and how this Met Gala reignited my passion and purpose. Key Moments: Best Dressed Spotlight: Janelle Monae, Tracee Ellis Ross, Tessa Thompson, Ava DuVernay, Kerry Washington. Critical Takeaways: Why Law Roach dropped the ball with Zendaya, and how Megan Thee Stallion and Coco Jones missed opportunities to solidify their personal brands. Personal Connection: The deeper meaning behind my own dandy-inspired look and how it marked my return to the fashion scene. Shoutouts + Special Mentions: Naheemah's Tracee Ellis Ross Deep Dive: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTjyedJBM/ My current Met Gala Deep Dives & Personal Style Moments: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJUU8MLt6g0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJUi86Mp6a0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== https://www.instagram.com/p/DJW5kIONvpA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== https://www.instagram.com/p/DJcDocGNuUH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJXWgCvSzwX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTjye8Apb/ https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTjyeNesX/ 🔗 Stay Connected: Subscribe to my YouTube! 🎥 https://www.youtube.com/@akbrownstl Grab The Intro Into Fashion Workbook: https://www.akbrownstl.com/product/intro-into-fashion-pr-workbook/ Wanna be a guest on the show? Apply here: https://www.akbrownstl.com/be-a-gusest/ Want to be a 2025 client or mentee? Apply here: https://www.akbrownstl.com/2025-client-applications/ Follow me everywhere: @akbrownstl Website: www.akbrownstl.com Read Advisor. Magazine: www.advisormag.co 💬 Love the episode? Leave a review and tag me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway!
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    1 h y 3 m
  • 5 Years Fired and Flourishing: How I’m Teaching Y’all How to REALLY Start in Fashion (2025 Version)
    Apr 25 2025

    Welcome back to another episode of The Haute Guide! Can y'all already believe it's been 5 years since I got fired?! That moment is what pivoted my journey in fashion into the brand you know today - so I'm using that as the catalyst for the 2025 version on how to get your start in fashion!

    ✨ Mentioned in This Episode:

    • 🇨🇳 How China’s tariffs and luxury factory tea are shaking up the entire fashion game (and what that means for small brands and consumers)

    • 💰 Why it’s time to lock your spending down, find your community, and prepare for the financial storms ahead

    • 👜 The real deal behind buying dupes and sourcing overseas — and why it ain’t as easy (or drama-free) as TikTok makes it seem

    • 🎭 The behind-the-scenes of the Met Gala, why most people ain’t invited, and why Wisdom Kaye deserves a damn seat at the table

    • 🛣️ My 4 non-negotiables for starting your career in fashion in 2025:

      • Research your market BEFORE you move

      • Build a strong personal brand — yes, even for corporate life

      • Get serious about networking online and in-person

      • Give yourself grace, space, and TIME — real growth ain’t overnight

    Shoutouts + Special Mentions:

    • Carlos and Milwaukee Fashion Week 🔥

    • Black Fashion STL and my student Kendal 💖

    • Shelby Ivey Christie — fashion historian GOAT, go follow her

    🔗 Stay Connected:

    • Subscribe to my YouTube! 🎥 https://www.youtube.com/@akbrownstl

    • Milwaukee Fashion Week Details: https://www.mkefw.com/

    • Grab The Intro Into Fashion Workbook: https://www.akbrownstl.com/product/intro-into-fashion-pr-workbook/
    • Wanna be a guest on the show? Apply here: https://www.akbrownstl.com/be-a-gusest/

    • Want to be a 2025 client or mentee? Apply here: https://www.akbrownstl.com/2025-client-applications/
    • Follow me everywhere: @akbrownstl

    • Website: www.akbrownstl.com

    • Read Advisor. Magazine: www.advisormag.co

    💬 Love the episode? Leave a review and tag me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway!

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    49 m
  • The Truth About Fashion Business Finances + A Conversation with Novo Platform CEO Michael Rangel
    Feb 14 2025

    Welcome back to another episode of The Haute Guide! Today we’re diving deep into financial literacy for fashionpreneurs—a topic we often avoid but need to master. In this episode, I break down the financial struggles of running a fashion business, share my own experiences from starting out as a blogger to building multiple brands, and discuss the biggest financial mistakes fashion entrepreneurs make.

    PLUS, I have a special guest—Michael Rangel, Founder & CEO of Novo.Co, which is my business bank platform of choice. We discuss how fintech is changing the game for small business owners and how you can take control of your business finances.

    ✨ Mentioned in This Episode:

    💻 Novo Platform – My go-to for small business banking. Sign up here: https://onboarding.novo.co/signup?referral_code=AlexandriaBrown1&first_name=Alexandria
    🛍 Jance Chartae – E-commerce & boutique expert. Follow her for fashion biz tips!
    💡 ChatGPT & AI – How I use AI to optimize business strategy

    🎯 Your Homework:

    📌 Audit your finances: Are you separating personal & business expenses?
    📌 Research business banking options: If you don’t have a business bank, start with Novo
    📌 Check your pricing strategy: Are you actually making a profit?
    📌 Plan for the future: Look at your cash flow, taxes, and funding option

    🔗 Stay Connected:

    📲 Follow me on Instagram: @akbrownstl
    🌐 Website: www.akbrownstl.com
    📖 Read Advisor. Magazine: www.advisormag.co

    💬 Love the episode? Leave a review and tag me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway!

    *Novo is a fintech company; not a bank. Deposit account services provided by Middlesex Federal Savings, F.A., Member FDIC. Physical debit cards issued by Middlesex Federal Savings or Patriot Bank, N.A., Member FDIC; virtual cards issued by Patriot Bank, pursuant to licenses from Mastercard® International Incorporated. Mastercard can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

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    1 h y 18 m
  • Branding & Social Media Strategy for Fashionpreneurs Pt. 1
    Feb 7 2025

    Welcome back to another episode of The Haute Guide! After a brief hiatus (sorry yall!), I’m back with an insightful episode about branding, social media strategy, and how to refine your brand for success. I break down my own brand refresh process, how I’m reworking my content strategy, and how you can do the same for your fashion business, whether you're an entrepreneur, creative, or industry professional.

    🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
    • Why I took a break and what I’ve been working on
    • My personal branding overhaul and why it’s necessary for 2025
    • The role of social media in business growth and how I’m approaching my strategy
    • How to use ChatGPT and AI for branding and content planning
    • Breaking down audience personas and why knowing your audience is key
    • My content pillars and how they shape my strategy
    • Homework: Steps to analyze your brand, define your audience, and track your content strategy
    🔑 Key Takeaways:

    ✅ A deep dive into branding and refining your social media strategy
    ✅ The importance of visuals and working with a branding expert (shoutout to Joan Fisher!)
    ✅ Using ChatGPT for content creation and branding insights
    ✅ Creating an audience persona to tailor your content and engagement strategies
    ✅ A step-by-step approach to developing a strong brand and content strategy

    📝 Homework Assignment:
    • Follow Joan Fisher (Saint Louis) – An absolute visual powerhouse! If you're in St. Louis or beyond, I highly recommend working with her for branding & editorial photography. You can book her whether you’re local or willing to fly her out! Follow Joan & connect: https://www.instagram.com/joan_fisher/
    • Identify your brand pillars
    • Define your audience personas and where they show up online
    • Analyze your social media stats (followers, engagement, CTRs, etc.)
    • Start building out your content strategy
    ✨ Upcoming Episodes:

    🔜 Special guest interview with Michael Rangel, CEO of Novo Bank! We’ll be discussing financial strategies for fashion entrepreneurs—don’t miss it! (If you want to go ahead and apply for an account, you can do so here!: https://onboarding.novo.co/signup?referral_code=AlexandriaBrown1&first_name=Alexandria)

    🔗 Stay Connected:

    📲 Follow me on Instagram: @akbrownstl
    🌐 Website: www.akbrownstl.com
    📖 Read Advisor. Magazine: www.advisormag.co

    💬 Love the episode? Leave a review and tag me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway!

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    40 m
  • I Majored In My Hobby of Fashion & Made It Work, Can You Do The Same?
    Jul 19 2024

    Welcome to episode 2 of the second season of The Haute Guide! If I was ever to do a TedTalk - it would be on this topic. Remember when I did the episode on if fashion school is a scam?

    Well with the continous conversation regarding education as a whole, and if majoring in a "passion" or a hobby is the reason why many aren't finding success, I wanted to give my perspective as someone who technically has done that and found some sort of success.

    Why You Should Listen:

    • You're a student entering college who's interested in fashion
    • You're a current fashion student who's looking on how to use their degree after college
    • You're a fashion education professional like myself!

    Make sure to subscribe, follow, share - and leave us a review on whereever you listen to The Haute Guide.

    Host Bio:

    AK Brown - The Fashion Connector is a multi-talented fashion expert and thought leader dedicated to empowering fashion creatives, entrepreneurs, and brands. With over a decade of experience in the industry, AK provides invaluable insights and services through her coaching programs, intensives, and various resources. She is passionate about helping others find their unique path in the fashion world, offering guidance on everything from styling to branding.

    Contact Information:

    For questions, comments, or to suggest topics, email me at hello@akbrownstl.com and follow me below:

    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akbrownstl
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akbrownstl/
    • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@akbrownstl
    • The Akademy:
      • https://www.facebook.com/theakademy.co
    • The Fashion Firm.:
      • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557579432872
      • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefashionfirm.co/
    • Advisor.:
      • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/advisor.mg
      • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advisor.mag/
      • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@advisormag
      • Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-advised/id1
    • Fashio Career & Educational Resources:
      • Where to Find Fashion Jobs:
        • https://www.akbrownstl.com/over-10-of-the-best-places-to-find-fashion-jobs/
        • https://advisormag.co/careers/
      • Additional Fashion Certifications:
        • https://www.akbrownstl.com/5-online-fashion-certificates-to-help-boost-your-career/
      • My IG Reels on Fashion Jobs & Education:
        • https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9GPI7pJXId/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
        • https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7Z6CPLpsVS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
        • https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9fWhEcsD5l/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
        • https://www.instagram.com/reel/C64qCavM62v/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
        • https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6mOq48pP3o/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
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    1 h y 4 m
  • I Think I Found My Why In Fashion Again - Let's Talk About It
    Jul 12 2024

    Welcome to (finally) episode 1 of the second season of The Haute Guide! I'm diving into my 7 month hiatus from the podcast and what has happened in the fashion industry to make me want to not be a changemaker or community builder, and what that means for my brand going forward!

    Make sure to subscribe, follow, share - and leave us a review on whereever you listen to The Haute Guide.

    Host(s) Bio:

    AK Brown - The Fashion Connector is a multi-talented fashion expert and thought leader dedicated to empowering fashion creatives, entrepreneurs, and brands. With over a decade of experience in the industry, AK provides invaluable insights and services through her coaching programs, intensives, and various resources. She is passionate about helping others find their unique path in the fashion world, offering guidance on everything from styling to branding.

    Contact Information:

    For questions, comments, or to suggest topics, email me at hello@akbrownstl.com and follow me below:

    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akbrownstl
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akbrownstl/
    • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@akbrownstl
    • The Akademy:
      • https://www.facebook.com/theakademy.co
    • The Fashion Firm.:
      • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557579432872
      • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefashionfirm.co/
    • Advisor.:
      • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/advisor.mg
      • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advisor.mag/
      • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@advisormag
      • Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-advised/id1737879480
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    48 m
  • SHEIN Just Acquiring Everything, Amazon Closes Its Style Stores, & My Icks About Shopping Being Plus Sized
    Nov 10 2023
    Hey fashion friends! Welcome back to another episode of The Haute Guide! Today we're discussing: How in the hell SHEIN is able to buy everything when they have a pending RICO charge, specifically: SHEIN Partners With Forever 21 SHEIN Buys Missguided Amazon Closes Their Style Stores We're also going to dive into my personal shopping icks as a plus sized woman, because it needs to be talked about! Thank you for tuning in to this week's episode of The Haute Guide. Don't forget: SubscribeRate 5 starsShareFollow me everywhere: Website ➭ http://www.akbrownstl.comFacebook ➭ http://www.facebook.com/akbrownstl​​​​​​Youtube ➭ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG6AOkgttQ5Mzfw9PXLJc_A Instagrams ➭ http://www.instagram.com/akbrownstl​​http://www.instagram.com/fwrdsocietyhttp://www.instagram.com/hauteboss.cohttp://www.instagram.com/pinkmusemagazinehttp://www.instagram.com/thehauteguidepodcasthttp://www.instagram.com/thefittingroomlivehttp://www.instagram.com/thefashionfirm.co
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    35 m