Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Grace Farquharson-McClain. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Grace, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career

I’d change the education system to prioritize real-world skills, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and adaptability. Our students graduate without knowing how to manage finances, communicate effectively, or navigate career choices, which puts them at a disadvantage from day one.

When I was in school, I learned how to analyze literature but never learned how to negotiate my salary or build a business. When I left corporate to start my own ventures, I realized I didn’t need another degree to upskill—I just needed to find the right resources. There were programs, courses, and hands-on opportunities that helped me grow professionally and personally.

Today’s students have access to more information and tools than ever before, and they need to be taught how to use these resources effectively. No excuses.

Education should prepare students for both life and work, equipping them with the mindset and skills to thrive in a constantly changing environment. Children today deserve an education that prepares them for the real challenges they’ll face, not just weekly memorization tests they’ll take.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Grace McClain, a digital marketing expert turned creative entrepreneur, and the founder of New Millennia™—a fashion brand that embodies strength, joy, and boldness. After years in the corporate world, I felt this pull to build something meaningful that reflected my own Christian values and celebrated my Black American heritage.

New Millennia™ goes beyond clothing; it’s a mindset, a movement. Our motto, “A New Era. A New You.”, speaks to that power of reinvention and stepping confidently into your purpose.

What fills me with joy is seeing New Millennia™ transform from the dream I quietly nurtured for years into something real and tangible. When someone tells me they feel different—stronger, more themselves—in one of our pieces, that’s everything. That’s the whole point.

If there’s anything I want folks to take from my journey, it’s simple: there’s no perfect moment to begin—just faith, smart strategy, and the courage to take that first step.

Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?

I sell directly on my own website to maintain full control over branding and customer experience, but I just started using TikTok Shop, Facebook Shop, and Instagram Shop to expand my reach. Having a main website allows me to build a strong market presence, while selling on multiple platforms increases visibility and attracts new customers. This approach gives me the best of both worlds—a dedicated brand home and multiple marketing channels for growth.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I started New Millennia™ by carefully pricing out everything I needed—from technology and software to suppliers and inventory costs—to get a clear picture of my startup expenses. I then saved paycheck by paycheck to fund the business, making strategic investments over time. Now, I’m aware of faster ways to implement and am actively exploring those, but I believe a mix of self-funding, grants, loans, and crowdsourcing is the best approach to building a sustainable business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://newmillennia.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newmillenniahq/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newmillenniahq
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemcclain/
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@new_millennia

Image Credits

New Millennia™