Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend Gleaming from the Masters , a fashion business master class featuring Jeff Tweedy, President and CEO of Sean John. The event was hosted by the Black Fashion World Foundation and moderated by the organization’s creator, Carla Nelson and held the Alvin Ailey Citigroup Theater. Mr. Tweedy took us through his journey from stock boy to CEO. He spoke about how he unknowingly prepared himself for that first call that he had with designer, Ralph Lauren that started him down his path of greatness. Tweedy instilled that first and foremost you must have some form of guidance when starting a business and to have a business plan that will set the standards of what you are trying to achieve.
He was very candid about his career and the ups and downs that he came across. Tweedy spoke about his relationship with Sean “Puffy” Combs and how it came about that Combs didn’t let up on getting him to head up Sean John. Combs stated “Jeff was the first employee of Sean John, and nobody understands our brand DNA better. He’s dreamed further for this brand than I even have. Without Jeff, there would be no Sean John”.
Tweedy has been at the helm of Sean John since its establishment in 1998 and has received many accolades for building the Sean John brand to what it is today. He definitely is a believer of there is no “I” in team as he spoke about how his incredible team has helped him to create and continue develop the brand. I found the Master Class very insightful and it made me rethink the direction I may want to take my brand. BFW Foundation honored Mr. Tweedy at the end of night with the Fashion Master Award, presented by former New York Magazine writer, editor and author of How to Slay, Constance C.R. White. Bravo to BFW Foundation for coordinating such a needed event within our community.
Blogged by Dawn Holloway
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