Navigating a world shaped by industry titans and gender biases, narratives emerge, defying conventions, shattering barriers, and weaving new tales. Meet Kenya Roberson, CEO and founder of Elite Garment Distro—a dynamic entrepreneur, an embodiment of empowerment, authenticity, and a catalyst for change within the often toxic realm of fast fashion.
Her journey into the clothing retail industry commenced at a tender age. At 19, she embarked on her career at the prestigious Herve Leger, later navigating the world of fashion alongside Max Azria. Her tenure provided her with invaluable encounters with industry leaders, paving the way for future endeavors.
Roberson’s foray into the resale industry ignited during her stint in Los Angeles. While at Herve Leger, she delved into buying wholesale items and reselling them—a precursor to her future ventures in liquidation. Reflecting on this period, she shared, “The ability to buy something and flip it for more appealed to me. Liquidation was always my calling; I felt it was meant for me.”
Despite her success in liquidation, Roberson harbored an enduring desire to collaborate with high-end brands. Her experience in the LA fashion scene, immersed in the world of designers and trendsetters, kept her passion for fashion ablaze. She reminisced, “I was always into fashion, social media, dressing up, and having outlandish outfits when I was younger.”
In a distinctive move, Roberson decided to amalgamate her love for fashion with her burgeoning liquidation enterprise, introducing luxury brands into her niche—a pioneering concept at the time that would set her apart in the industry.
Entrepreneurship wasn’t without its hurdles, and Roberson learned a crucial lesson about balancing risk. She stressed the significance of “knowing when to risk and when to hold back,” citing intuition as a pivotal factor—a skill honed over the years that contributed significantly to her success.
Roberson’s lifelong dedication to philanthropy shines through her continuous engagement, from organizing beach cleanups to aiding the homeless. Within her business, she seizes the opportunity to contribute on a larger scale by salvaging and repurposing merchandise from factories and fast fashion brands. With a resolute mission to foster a more eco-friendly world, she passionately declares, “We’re making the world more eco-friendly just through what we do.” This unwavering commitment showcases her drive to create positive change, emphasizing sustainability and community impact as integral aspects of her business ethos and personal values.
Her unwavering commitment to philanthropy transcends both her personal and professional spheres. She exemplifies a holistic dedication to positive change. By repurposing merchandise and advocating for an eco-friendly world, she underscores the fusion of fashion and philanthropy. Roberson’s resolute mission reflects not only a commitment to sustainability but also a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of businesses to influence positive environmental and community outcomes.
Shattering Gender Barriers
Within a male-dominated industry, challenges arise for women daring to defy the status quo. Recalling an incident where a client disrespected her during a business deal solely because of her gender, Roberson asserted, ‘I’m one of the few female liquidation business owners nationwide.’ Such encounters fuel her determination to succeed and challenge stereotypes. Kenya Roberson’s journey, evolving from a young fashion enthusiast to a thriving entrepreneur, stands as a testament to the transformative power of resilience. It illustrates that breaking through barriers demands not just ambition but also the fortitude to challenge societal norms.
Kenya Roberson’s journey unfolds from a youthful fashion enthusiast to a flourishing entrepreneur dedicated to philanthropy. Her story encapsulates the potential unlocked through unwavering determination and foresight. As she expands her business footprint, leaving a positive imprint on the world, Roberson emerges as a beacon for those daring to dream and shatter societal constraints. Her narrative resonates with resilience, echoing the transformative power of ambition and the courage to challenge preconceived notions. In the tapestry of her experiences, Roberson not only breaks gender barriers but also inspires a broader narrative of empowerment and achievement, proving that with tenacity and vision, individuals can redefine their trajectories and contribute meaningfully to a changing world.
