The road to success in the fashion and garment industry is paved with opportunities, competitions, and obstacles.  Even the giants you see today have stumbled, misfired, and taken a wrong step before. What makes them different is how they always bounce back, rise up, and power through these difficult moments.

In this panel discussion, we are inviting successful entrepreneurs, community leaders, and business owners in the fashion industry to share their insights, knowledge, and hard-learned lessons with you.

Join us for this invite-only and free event to learn from, network with, and support others fashion entrepreneurs in Chicago.

 

Panelists  

Tony Long - CEO, and Founder of FashionBar LLC

FashionBar LLC is a Chicago resident focused on a mission to help identify Chicago as a fashion destination. Tony acquired his Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Management with a Certificate in Entrepreneurship Studies from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). Tony worked for various fortune 100 companies such as Federal-Mogul Corporation (Formerly known as FelPro Corporation), Avery Dennison, Alcan Packaging, WW Grainger, etc. In his 20yrs of corporate experience in Marketing, Management, Manufacturing, and Distribution, he accomplished the opening of a manufacturing facility in Orange, France for Nestle Corporation during his employment at Alcan Packaging. He’s implemented SAP technologies at WW Grainger and project managed the execution of Healthcare Reform mandates and regulations at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois which was set forth by Obamacare and the US Federal Government.

After achieving a list of comprehensive corporate achievements, Tony shifted his focus on his true dedication to the Fashion business where he’s been able to launch FashionBar Chicago. This vision to combine this corporate experience coupled with his flair for fashion has strengthened his presence within the Chicago fashion industry. FashionBar Chicago continues to grow as a central source for business

 

Jessica Strang - Founder & Designer of Coco + Peach Jewelry
Jessica Strang is the jewelry designer behind coco + peach jewelry, a Chicago-based online jewelry brand. Jessica’s mission is to design lightweight and modern luxuries for people everywhere. While Jessica earned her doctorate in clinical psychology and opened her own private practice, her passion for jewelry began from childhood and you could definitely say that jewelry is in her genes. Jessica’s family immigrated from Ecuador and Colombia and opened their own jewelry stores across Chicago. She grew up surrounded by people dedicated to the art of jewelry making and after designing custom pieces for herself, decided to strike out on her own and launched coco + peach jewelry in 2019, an online-only boutique, named after her daughter’s nicknames. Since starting her online jewelry business, Jessica’s pieces have been featured in publications including Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam, Vogue Japan, Vogue Ukraine, and L’Officiel India, countless photoshoots, Chicago runway shows, and stocked in Chicago boutiques.
 
 
J.P. Lamp - Host of the Triple F Podcast
J.P.'s been hosting his podcast and events for 6+ years. He's passionate about building a platform to allow other creatives to express themselves. He stands by the mantra, "A rising tide, lifts all ships."
 
 
Harry Garcia - Producer of Midwest Fashion Week, Fashion Show Chicago, Night Owl Chicago
Harry is an entrepreneur in the music business and in fashion. With his music and production skills, he has brought a favorable twist to the fashion industry. HarryG has worked with Midwest Fashion Week, Fashion Show Chicago, and in Nite Out Chicago as a logistics and production manager. His talent and his passion have influenced many to pursue their dreams in fashion and in the music industry. 
 
 
 
Moderator 
 
Anson Wu Chief Creative Officer at GREY Journal
 
 
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