#scfashionista Houston edition: Carla Bisong
We are so excited to launch a campaign to find Socially Conscious Fashionistas all over the United States and the world! We interviewed a few men and women who fit the mold, and are excited to present the first in the #scfashionista series: Carla Bisong!
Occupation: Art Gallery Owner, Bisong Art Gallery. Founded in 2013, the gallery is a platform for emerging and mid-career artists to display their work. The gallery has also hosted charity fundraisers for organizations such as MD Anderson and taught business workshop shops hosted by Google. Art Director Tyler Kay and Carla Bisong also work as art consultant going to the homes and offices of clients to help select the perfect piece.
Favorite Causes/Charities: Dress For Success
I love that Dress For Success goes beyond helping women look good for an interview. They provide life skills and professional training so that the women will prosper. These women come from all walks of life and have formed a community of sisterhood to support on another.
I volunteer at: Habitat For Humanity and Dress For Success
My favorite beauty products/routine: MAC, Bobby Brown, and Neutrogena and my favorite beauty products. I drink lots of water to keep my skin hydrated and clear.
The fashion brand/ piece I can't live without: I have a hand painted dress from the talented artist Tyler Kay. It's a black cocktail dress with a dragon on it. I wore it for the two year anniversary of my art gallery. It symbolizes my dream of being an art gallery owner coming true.
Favorite book: I'm an avid reader and it's impossible to pick one book. But if I have to pick the book that helped me the most is The Power Of Now, by Eckhart Tolle.
When I'm not in the gallery, you can find me: Playing Billiards, Traveling, Reading, and Collecting Art.
What makes you a Socially Conscious Fashionista? To me, being a socially conscious fashionista means shopping for a cause. I purchase from brands that give back to the community and will never harm our animals or environment. I do not support testing on animals or wearing furs or reptile skins. I truly believe in the mission of the Socially Conscious Fashionistas and am proud to be involved.
Describe a time when you had to overcome adversity: There are many times in my life I've had to overcome adversity. The first time was growing up. My parents are extremely religious and didn't encourage going to college and getting a higher education. Women were supposed to get married and support their husbands, while remaining a good Christian. I didn't agree with this philosophy and ended up moving out into my own apartment at 18 years old while still in high school. I worked very hard to put myself through college and worked multiple jobs. All along, I kept my dream of being the owner of an art gallery. My dream came true four years ago.
DO YOU KNOW A SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS FASHIONISTA OR ARE YOU ONE? FILL OUT THIS NOMINATION FORM!
Written by Anika Jackson. Mother, community volunteer, philanthropist, and socially conscious fashionista ambassador. Team Member of Real Beauty Real Women and CEO of Philanthropic Fetes.
