Jean Elliott’s story isn’t about a straight path to success—it’s about creating one. Raised in Portland and educated at the University of Oregon, Jean’s early years didn’t predict her future as a designer and entrepreneur. She entered college as an art enthusiast and discovered product design almost by chance. “We had to make backpacks in five weeks,” Jean recalls, a pivotal moment that sparked her interest in creating wearable designs. That hands-on challenge set her on a trajectory that would eventually lead to Tangerine Studios.

Chicago, with its vibrant mix of cultures and opportunities, became Jean’s canvas. “My dad grew up in Hyde Park, and when my husband got a job here, it just made sense,” she says. Beyond logistics, moving to Chicago opened doors to a broader Asian community, which played a transformative role in her life. “Growing up in Portland, it was very homogenous,” Jean explains. “Here, I’ve found a connection to my heritage I didn’t even realize I was missing.”

Adopted from China as a toddler, Jean grew up navigating questions of identity. It wasn’t until she immersed herself in Chicago’s multicultural environment that she began exploring her cultural roots through design. “A lot of my work now incorporates elements of Asian formalwear,” she shares, describing how motifs like phoenixes and dragons find their way into her creations for weddings and celebrations. “I’ve learned so much from friends and clients who’ve shared their traditions with me.”

Tangerine Studios, named after her childhood love for oranges, embodies Jean’s playful and practical ethos. “I didn’t want to name it after myself,” she says. “If it failed, I didn’t want that embarrassment attached to my name.” But failure wasn’t in the cards. From upcycled materials to bespoke designs, Jean’s work has resonated with a diverse audience. “I love giving new life to materials and helping people feel connected to their culture through what they wear.”

Success hasn’t come without challenges. Jean vividly remembers a job interview with Nike where she presented confidently—only to discover she’d missed a critical document. “I didn’t get the job, and they even said I came off arrogant,” she admits. “It was embarrassing, but it taught me to prepare better. You’ve got to learn from those moments or risk repeating them.”

Jean’s advice to others? Embrace help. “For a long time, I resisted asking for help because it felt like I owed something in return,” she says. Now, she’s learned the value of collaboration, hiring interns and leaning on her network. “It’s about finding a community where you can exchange support and grow together.”

That sense of community has also shaped Jean’s work as a designer. Through her creations, she celebrates individuality while honoring cultural traditions. “I’m always inspired by my clients and the stories they share with me. Whether it’s incorporating a family motif or reusing fabric that’s been passed down, I love weaving personal history into my designs,” she explains.

As an entrepreneur, Jean has learned the importance of balancing creativity with practicality. “There are days when you have zero motivation, and that’s okay,” she says. “I try to remind myself that it’s about consistency over time. Some days I check off two things on my list, other days I tackle twenty. It’s all part of the process.”

Tangerine Studios continues to grow as a brand rooted in authenticity and connection. Jean’s designs not only reflect her clients’ unique stories but also serve as a testament to her own evolution. “I want to help people feel seen, celebrated, and inspired,” she says.

You can find Jean’s work at Tangerine Studios on Instagram (@tangerine.studios), where she’s reshaping fashion and culture, one stitch at a time.

Confidence isn’t something Kristen Nuñez was born with—it’s something she built, piece by piece, as she forged a career in modeling and acting over the past 11 years. From a small-town girl in Northwest Indiana to a thriving professional in Chicago’s bustling creative scene, Kristen’s story is about resilience, adaptability, and knowing your worth, even when the odds don’t seem to be in your favor.

For Kristen, breaking into the modeling world wasn’t an overnight success. “It was a slow-moving process, but I stayed persistent,” she says. What started as a childhood dream evolved into a full-time career, blending commercial print modeling, acting, and coaching. Her breakthrough came not through conventional means but by seizing opportunities others might overlook. For instance, a rejection from a lifestyle print agency eventually led to an unexpected pivot—hand modeling.

When an agent suggested she try hand modeling, Kristen hesitated. “At first, I didn’t know what they meant. But I got some photos taken, submitted them, and within a week, I had a job.” Her hands became her unique selling point, a niche within the industry that offered consistent opportunities.

What’s striking about Kristen’s approach is her refusal to internalize rejection. “When you’re auditioning, it’s just business. If you hear a ‘no,’ it doesn’t mean you’re not good enough. It’s often about things beyond your control,” she explains. This mindset not only sustained her but also became a cornerstone of her coaching philosophy.

As a coach, Kristen emphasizes the importance of treating modeling like a business. “You are your brand,” she says. “You need to have your own vision and know what you’re going after.” From creating portfolios tailored to specific types of work to mastering self-presentation through digitals and comp cards, she equips her clients with practical tools to succeed.

Kristen also stresses the value of networking and collaboration within the industry. “Social media was my way to connect with photographers, makeup artists, and stylists. We built portfolios together, and those relationships opened doors,” she shares. But professionalism—being on time, responding promptly, and respecting every job—is what ensures longevity.

Beyond the technical skills, Kristen’s experience with improv taught her to embrace the unexpected. “Improv got me out of my own way,” she says. “It taught me to dive into the moment and create, even in auditions where you’re miming making popcorn or watching TV.”

For those hesitant to pursue modeling, Kristen encourages starting small. “The industry isn’t just about being six feet tall or a size zero. There’s room for everyone—whether it’s fashion, commercial, or even hand modeling,” she says. The key is to build confidence through action.

Today, Kristen is not only building her own career but also helping others carve their paths. She finds joy in empowering clients to see modeling as accessible and profitable while maintaining a balanced life. “At the end of the day, what’s meant for you will find you. Just keep showing up.”

Whether she’s working with brands or mentoring aspiring models, Kristen’s approach remains rooted in persistence, self-awareness, and the belief that the best opportunities come to those who don’t quit.

Kimi Ellwein grew up in the wide-open spaces of North Dakota, far from the fashion capitals of the world. Yet, even as a young girl, Kimi knew that fashion was more than just clothes—it was a way to express who you are. Today, she’s a sought-after personal stylist who helps others discover their authentic selves through what they wear. “Your personal brand starts with your appearance,” Kimi says, and she believes that style is a powerful tool in shaping how you see yourself and how others perceive you.

Kimi’s upbringing on a sixth-generation farm might seem like an unlikely start for someone who now navigates the fashion scenes of Chicago. But it was there, in the quiet of the countryside, that her creativity took root. “There’s nothing to interrupt you,” she explains. “Your imagination just runs wild.” Surrounded by nature, Kimi developed a deep appreciation for beauty and form, which she now brings to her work in the city.

Despite her rural beginnings, Kimi always knew she was destined for something different. Her parents instilled in her a love for art and culture, taking her on trips to museums and exposing her to different ways of life. This early exposure ignited a passion in her that couldn’t be contained by the small town she grew up in. “I always knew I was going to leave,” she reflects, not out of dissatisfaction, but because her ambitions and curiosities demanded it.

Moving to Chicago was a transformative experience for Kimi. It was here that she began to fully explore and embrace her identity, both in fashion and in life. She describes herself as having “lived many lives,” and her style is a reflection of that evolution. Whether she’s donning a bold, multi-colored dress or a sleek, tailored suit, Kimi’s outfits tell the story of her journey—one of growth, exploration, and self-discovery.

Kimi’s approach to styling others is as thoughtful as her own journey. She understands that not everyone is ready to jump into a bold new look. “It’s usually more of a slow build-up,” she says. She likens the process to sculpting a marble statue, slowly revealing the beauty within. “You start to reveal your beautiful marble statue of what you already knew,” she explains. It’s about taking small steps towards a bigger vision, one that reflects who you are on the inside.

One of Kimi’s recent experiences reminded her of why she loves what she does. A fellow stylist encouraged her to try on a top that was outside her usual style. Initially hesitant, Kimi took a leap of faith and ended up loving the piece. “You saw the vision before I did,” she later told her friend. This experience reinforced Kimi’s belief that sometimes, all it takes is a little push to see yourself in a new light.

In a city like Chicago, where Midwestern values meet urban sophistication, Kimi stands out. She brings a unique perspective to the city’s fashion scene, one that combines the openness of the countryside with the edginess of the city. Her style is both approachable and aspirational, encouraging others to step out of their comfort zones and try something new.

Kimi’s philosophy is simple: style is about more than just following trends. It’s about finding what resonates with you and building a wardrobe that reflects your true self. “When you start to have those moments and you actually stop and recognize them, you can start to build your collection,” she advises. Whether it’s a bold print or a classic piece, the key is to choose items that make you feel confident and authentic.

In the end, Kimi believes that personal style is a journey of self-discovery. It’s about trying new things, taking risks, and not being afraid to stand out. “Life is too short to be miserable,” she says. Whether it’s changing careers or trying on a hot pink jacket, Kimi encourages everyone to take that leap of faith. After all, you never know where it might lead.

D'nia Defrance’s story is one that resonates on many levels, a tale of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of embracing who you are. From her early days on the South Side of Chicago, D'nia always had a keen sense of style. Her mother, a creative force in the fashion scene, taught her how to craft something out of nothing, using hand-me-downs and her natural flair to create unique looks. But D'nia’s journey to becoming a model wasn’t straightforward. It was marked by a deep-seated lack of confidence and a struggle to see herself as beautiful.

Growing up, D'nia often felt like the black sheep, especially in comparison to her twin sister. As the darkest-skinned member of her family, she grappled with feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. In high school, she was pushed into modeling opportunities, but her lack of confidence made her hesitant to step into the spotlight. “I didn't want people to look at me,” she reflects, recalling how she was scared to be seen.

Yet, through the gentle encouragement of family and friends, D'nia began to take those first tentative steps into the world of modeling. College became a turning point. What started as a reluctant endeavor slowly blossomed into a platform for her to confront her fears and grow into her own. “I pushed myself to do it, to see myself more,” D'nia shares. The process was uncomfortable, but it was also transformative. Modeling became a way for her to shed the skin of insecurity, one photo shoot at a time.

As D'nia’s confidence grew, so did her love for herself. She began to embrace her features, her unique beauty, and her style. No longer was she hiding behind oversized clothes or avoiding high heels to downplay her height. Now, she dresses to express who she truly is, unafraid to show off her shape and flaunt her figure. “I just enjoy my figure,” she says, with a sense of pride that wasn’t always there.

D'nia’s evolution from a shy, self-conscious young woman to a confident, self-assured model is a testament to the power of self-awareness. She firmly believes that knowing yourself is the key to overcoming low self-esteem. “Self-awareness heals low self-esteem,” she emphasizes, a mantra that has become central to her life and her work with others.

Today, D'nia uses her platform not just to model, but to inspire. She works with young children, encouraging them to embrace who they are, just as she has learned to do. “Just learn yourself and be yourself,” she advises, words that she wishes she could have heard as a young girl. For D'nia, the journey of self-discovery is ongoing, but she’s come to a place where she can finally say, “I love who I am right now.”

Her story is a powerful reminder that beauty starts from within. It’s not about fitting into someone else’s mold, but about breaking free from the expectations of others and defining yourself on your own terms. D'nia’s journey is not just about fashion or modeling; it’s about the courage to be seen as you truly are and the confidence to stand tall in your own skin.

D'nia Defrance is more than just a model—she’s a role model. Her journey of self-acceptance and empowerment is one that can inspire anyone to look in the mirror and see their own beauty, not as the world defines it, but as they define it for themselves. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with images of what we should be, D'nia’s story is a breath of fresh air, a reminder that the most important thing we can be is ourselves.

Raj Patel’s story is a testament to the power of following one’s heart, even when the road ahead is uncertain. From his early days in India, where soccer was his first love, to becoming a sought-after fashion designer for Bollywood and Hollywood stars, Raj’s journey is as inspiring as it is instructive.

Raj began his career in a way many wouldn’t expect—on the soccer field. A talented player, he dreamed of making it big in a country where soccer wasn’t a popular career choice. But life had other plans for him. When his soccer aspirations didn’t materialize, he turned to his other passion: art. This pivot led him to participate in India’s National Drawing Competition, where he excelled and discovered a new direction for his creativity.

However, the transition from soccer to fashion wasn’t straightforward. Raj’s parents, like many, wanted him to follow a more traditional career path. They encouraged him to become an engineer, but Raj’s heart wasn’t in it. After struggling through engineering school and realizing it wasn’t for him, he made the bold decision to pursue fashion design—a choice that initially put him at odds with his family.

"Just stick with your dream. Just follow your heart," Raj advises, reflecting on those challenging times. His words are a reminder that pursuing one’s passion often requires courage, especially when it goes against the expectations of loved ones. For Raj, this meant convincing his parents that fashion was a legitimate career path, which took time and patience.

Raj’s determination eventually paid off. His talent in drawing and design caught the eye of his uncle, who owned a textile mill. Although his uncle initially took advantage of his skills without compensation, this experience provided Raj with invaluable training in the textile industry. Over time, he became proficient in various aspects of fashion design, from pattern making to fabric selection.

His big break came when he attended Lakmé Fashion Week, India’s premier fashion event. There, he showcased his portfolio to two prominent designers, both of whom offered him jobs on the spot. Raj chose to work with Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, two of India’s most renowned designers, where he designed clothes for celebrities like Beyoncé and JLo. "When you see your design worn by someone like Beyoncé, every bit of hard work is worth it," Raj recalls with pride.

Despite his success in India, Raj’s journey didn’t stop there. He moved to Chicago and enrolled at Columbia College to further hone his skills. Initially met with skepticism from his professor, who told him he was wasting his time in school, Raj didn’t let this deter him. Instead, he used the opportunity to master digital tools like Photoshop and Illustrator, which became integral to his design process.

Today, Raj is the founder of Karmic Couture, a fashion brand that has been featured in numerous publications and showcased at prestigious fashion weeks across the globe. His story is not just about following a dream but also about resilience, adaptability, and the willingness to reinvent oneself. Raj’s advice to others who want to break into the fashion industry is simple yet profound: "Take feedback from everyone, but always follow your heart and instincts."

In a world where it’s easy to lose sight of one’s passions amid societal expectations, Raj’s journey is a powerful reminder that success is often found by those who dare to stay true to themselves. His story is not just for aspiring fashion designers but for anyone who faces the challenge of choosing between what’s expected of them and what they truly want to do.

As Raj looks ahead to Chicago Fashion Week and other upcoming projects, his story continues to inspire. For those who feel torn between following their dreams and fulfilling obligations, Raj’s life is proof that it’s possible to carve out a path that honors both personal passions and professional success.

Rahela Tanase embodies a unique blend of creativity and resilience. Growing up as a first-generation American with Romanian roots, Rahela navigated the challenges of being caught between two worlds. With a deep love for fashion and art, she pursued her passions despite the pressures to follow a more traditional path. From a young age, Rahela knew she was meant for a creative career, even if it wasn’t the dream her parents initially had in mind for her.

Watching "America’s Next Top Model" at the age of nine, Rahela was captivated not by the models, but by the creative minds behind the scenes. She didn’t just want to be part of the fashion world—she wanted to shape it. This early insight was the spark that led her down the path of art direction and graphic design, fields where her imagination and passion could truly flourish.

However, Rahela’s journey wasn’t without its struggles. She grew up in a household where her parents, who had sacrificed so much to give her a better life, didn’t fully understand her aspirations. They encouraged her to pursue a career in something more “tangible” like nursing, a suggestion that Rahela bravely attempted before realizing it wasn’t her calling. Her struggles with traditional academic subjects like science and math further solidified that her strengths lay elsewhere—in the creative, the ethereal, and the visual.

Rahela eventually pursued a degree in graphic design, a choice that struck a balance between her parents’ wishes and her own passions. She thrived in design school, where her creativity could be expressed and honed. A pivotal moment in her development came during a six-month stint at Central Saint Martins in London. There, she found herself surrounded by fellow creatives who celebrated uniqueness and authenticity, a stark contrast to the more technical approach she experienced back in Chicago.

London opened Rahela’s eyes to a world where creativity wasn’t just accepted—it was celebrated. This experience gave her the validation she needed to fully embrace her identity as a creative. She returned to Chicago with renewed confidence and a clear vision for her future.

Today, Rahela is an accomplished graphic designer and art director, known for her luxury aesthetic and intentional approach to creativity. Her style is bold, eccentric, and deeply personal—a reflection of the internal world she cultivated through years of coping with trauma. Rahela’s story is one of alchemy, of turning pain into beauty, and of using creativity as a tool for healing and self-expression.

She credits much of her success to her willingness to confront her past and transform her experiences into something positive. Rahela’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of staying true to oneself, even when the path is unclear.

For those who struggle with similar pressures or identity crises, Rahela’s advice is simple yet profound: “Get out of your own way and be brave enough to pursue what lights you up.” Whether in fashion, art, or any other field, the key to success lies in understanding and embracing who you are. It’s about finding your unique voice and expressing it confidently, regardless of what others may think.

Rahela’s story is a reminder that authenticity is not just about what you wear, but about how you live your life. It’s about being courageous enough to pursue your dreams, even when they don’t align with others’ expectations. And most importantly, it’s about turning your experiences—no matter how difficult—into something that fuels your passion and creativity.

In the fast-paced world of fashion photography, where trends shift in the blink of an eye, authenticity stands as a timeless pillar. Phillip Coveney, a self-taught fashion photographer, embodies this principle, proving that the most powerful form of art begins with a deep understanding of oneself. Phillip's story is one of discovery, self-expression, and the courage to walk away from the conventional to embrace the creative.

Growing up, Phillip was drawn to the arts but never saw himself as the archetypal artist. He admired those who seemed to have an innate artistic talent but doubted his own abilities. "I thought there was something special those people had that I just didn’t," Phillip recalls. This self-doubt pushed him towards a more practical path, leading him to earn a business degree and eventually an MBA. But the corporate world left him unfulfilled. "I wasn’t particularly happy with the work I was doing. It was very information systems and finance-based, which wasn’t aligned with who I really was," he shares.

The turning point came during a podcast he watched, where the host challenged viewers to create the media they wished to see. "That hit something deep in me," Phillip says. He realized that to be truly happy, he needed to be true to himself. This epiphany led him to pick up a camera and pursue fashion photography, despite having no formal training. "I just started learning," he says, attributing his skills to what he calls "YouTube University."

Phillip’s journey is a testament to the power of self-taught skills and the value of mentorship. He emphasizes that anyone with a passion can learn on their own, but also stresses the importance of finding mentors. "You can learn it on your own, but you’re definitely going to want some actual people you can talk to along the way," he advises.

Authenticity is at the core of Phillip's work. His distinct look—dreadlocks in a mohawk, a full beard, and a style that’s uniquely his—reflects his belief in being true to oneself. "Once I decided to be my authentic self, everything changed," he notes. This authenticity extends to his photography, where he captures the true essence of his subjects, whether they're models accustomed to the camera or individuals taking their first steps in front of one.

Phillip’s approach to fashion photography is deeply rooted in the idea that art should be participatory. He was inspired by the concept that the highest forms of art are those that people engage with daily, like the clothes we wear or the architecture we live in. "Fashion is something we participate in every day," Phillip explains. This belief is what drew him to fashion photography, where he finds joy in working with people and creating art that’s both personal and communal.

Chicago, where Phillip now works, offers a unique landscape for fashion. Unlike the entrenched norms of cities like New York and Los Angeles, Chicago’s fashion scene is still evolving, offering a blank slate for creativity. "Chicago is the wild west of fashion," Phillip says with excitement. "There’s no established hierarchy, so creativity can really flourish here."

Despite his rapid success, Phillip remains grounded and committed to the principles that brought him this far. He believes in the importance of professionalism and respect in every creative endeavor. "Everyone involved in the process is equally important," he emphasizes, from the models to the makeup artists to the photographers.

For aspiring models, Phillip offers simple yet profound advice: be professional, open, and communicative. "Professionalism and respect are key," he says. He also encourages models to view their relationship with photographers as a collaborative effort, where both parties contribute to the creation of art.

Phillip’s story is a powerful reminder that success in any creative field begins with being true to yourself. His work in fashion photography is not just about...

Marquan Jones is a name synonymous with the evolution of fashion in Chicago. As the President of the Chicago Fashion Coalition, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering community among local designers, brands, and fashion enthusiasts, Marquan's vision is crystal clear: fashion is not just about clothing; it's about creating a culture, a movement, and an ecosystem where everyone can thrive.

Marquan's story is one of passion and purpose. Growing up in Chicago, he was always captivated by the art of fashion. Yet, he knew early on that fashion was more than just the clothes on his back—it was a statement, a reflection of one's identity. "Fashion is so broad," he says. "It’s also the third biggest industry in the world because whether or not you care about fashion, everyone wears clothes."

But Marquan didn’t take the traditional route to fashion stardom. Instead, he worked his way through various facets of the industry, from marketing to PR, and even behind the scenes in fashion technology. He firmly believes that fashion offers endless opportunities, both on-camera and off. "There’s a lot of emerging fashion technology companies. Fashion is so broad. There will always be a lot of opportunity and white space in fashion," Marquan explains.

Marquan's leadership in the Chicago Fashion Coalition is driven by his desire to build bridges. He’s all about collaboration, bringing together diverse voices and perspectives to create something bigger than the sum of its parts. "I like to call it the on-screen or on-camera and off-camera," Marquan says, emphasizing that everyone in the fashion industry plays a critical role in its success.

What sets Marquan apart is his understanding of the fashion industry's ever-changing landscape. He recognizes that to stay relevant, one must be adaptable and willing to explore new territories. Marquan has a deep appreciation for the power of innovation in fashion, particularly in how technology can transform the way we create, distribute, and consume fashion. He points out that fashion isn’t just about the latest trends—it's about pushing boundaries and exploring the intersection of creativity and technology.

Marquan’s work with the Chicago Fashion Coalition is also about empowerment. He’s committed to supporting local designers and brands, giving them the tools and resources they need to succeed. He understands the challenges they face, from financial constraints to limited exposure, and he’s on a mission to level the playing field. "There are so many other parts to the fashion industry," he notes, underscoring the importance of a collaborative ecosystem where everyone has a chance to shine.

But beyond the professional, Marquan’s story is also personal. He’s someone who has navigated the ups and downs of the fashion world with resilience and determination. His journey is a testament to the power of hard work and staying true to one’s vision. "Fashion is so broad," he says, but it's clear that for Marquan, it’s also deeply personal.

Marquan leaves us with a powerful thought: "Your personal brand starts with your appearance, and what you wear says everything about you to others." It’s a reminder that fashion is not just about looking good—it’s about expressing who you are and the impact you want to make on the world.

Marquan Jones is not just a leader in Chicago’s fashion scene; he’s a visionary who’s changing the way we think about fashion and its role in our lives. Through his work with the Chicago Fashion Coalition, he’s creating a community where creativity thrives, and where fashion is more than just a trend—it’s a way of life.