Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Akilah Trinidad James. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Akilah Trinidad, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

One of the biggest risks I’ve taken in my entrepreneurial journey was pivoting BOSS [MOVEMENT] to embrace fashion tech, particularly sustainable fashion, 3D printing, AR/VR fashion, the metaverse, and NFTs. Before 2021, BOSS [MOVEMENT] was primarily focused on traditional model management and hosting fashion events. We were doing well, but the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 drastically altered the landscape. The pandemic underscored the need for digital transformation, and I realized we had to innovate to stay relevant.

The turning point came in early 2021. As we emerged from the pandemic, I saw a significant shift in consumer behavior and industry trends. Sustainability became a critical concern, and there was a growing interest in digital and immersive experiences. This was when I started exploring the potential of sustainable fashion through 3D printing, AR/VR fashion shows, and integrating our brand into the metaverse using NFTs.

Pivoting to this new direction was a monumental decision. It required substantial investment in research and development, forming new partnerships, and rebranding our image. We shifted our focus from traditional fashion shows and model management to pioneering sustainable fashion tech. This included launching 3D-printed clothing lines, which are more sustainable, and creating immersive AR/VR fashion experiences that can be accessed globally. We also ventured into virtual closets on the blockchain, offering digital fashion items as NFTs.

The results of this pivot will be out on September 21st 2024 at our Fashion Show called The ALT, taking place in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. A follow up show of its kind will take place in Austin Texas during November.

Akilah Trinidad, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hey everyone, I’m Akilah Trinidad James, the CEO and Founder of BOSS [MOVEMENT]. Growing up with a computer geek dad who owned a computer store and a literacy business since 1994, I was pretty much destined to dive into tech. I ended up getting my BSc and MSc in Computer Science, focusing on automation and math, but fashion was always my true love. After over 10 years of modeling, I decided to blend my tech skills with my fashion passion, and that’s how BOSS [MOVEMENT] was born.

At first, BOSS [MOVEMENT] was all about traditional model management and fashion shows. We started in 2016 with a bang, and each year, our shows got bigger and better. Then, 2020 hit, and the pandemic changed everything. We needed to go digital, and I saw a chance to mix sustainability with tech. So, in 2021, we took a bold step into fashion tech, diving into 3D printing, AR/VR fashion shows, the metaverse, and NFTs. Now, we’re known for our innovative approach, combining eco-friendly practices with cutting-edge tech to create immersive fashion experiences.

What makes us special? Well, we’re one of the first black-owned businesses in fashion tech, pushing boundaries and setting trends. We offer model management, fashion tech innovations, and creative visual services. I’m super proud of how we’ve bootstrapped our way up since 2016, hosted fashion shows with over 100 patrons annually, and helped our models land awesome gigs. BOSS [MOVEMENT] is all about innovation, empowerment, and sustainability. We’re here to redefine fashion, making it more interactive, engaging, and eco-friendly.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Collaboration has been the key to building my reputation within the market. From the beginning, BOSS [MOVEMENT] has thrived on forming strong partnerships with designers, tech innovators, and other industry professionals. By working closely with a diverse group of talented individuals, we’ve been able to bring fresh, creative ideas to life, pushing the boundaries of fashion and technology. These collaborations have not only enhanced our offerings but also helped us stay at the forefront of industry trends, making us a trusted and influential name in fashion tech.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for BOSS [MOVEMENT] has undoubtedly been word of mouth. Our commitment to delivering exceptional, innovative fashion experiences has created a loyal and enthusiastic client base. Satisfied clients often share their positive experiences with friends, family, and colleagues, leading to a steady stream of referrals. This organic growth has been instrumental in building our reputation and expanding our reach, as people trust recommendations from those they know and respect.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bossmovement.org
• Instagram: boss__movement
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BOSS.SHOWS/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bossmovement
• Other: IG: @the_boss_model

Image Credits

Photographers: 1. Steven Hatchett
2. MARz

Photo Edits: BOSS [MEDIA]