We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jeneene Bailey-Allen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jeneene thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

The story behind ASGNMT’s purpose is to provide a platform for women, particularly women of color, in streetwear and sneakers. After attending multiple streetwear and sneaker conventions and events around the United States and noting a lack of female exhibitors, brands, and companies, I began thinking about how to address the need. It wasn’t until I visited Complexcon 2021 that I realized I needed to pursue my concept of creating a platform for women-owned companies in the streetwear and sneaker industries to be highlighted. ASGNMT’s mission is to promote BIPOC women-owned streetwear and sneaker brands. So, on my travels, I’m actively seeking and connecting with women in those communities that have dope-ass merchandise and product to offer my audience.

Jeneene, 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?

I’m Jeneene W. Bailey-Allen, a black woman from Philadelphia with a keen interest in fashion. I recall reading fashion magazines like Vogue, Glamour, Teen Vogue, Ebony, and Seventeen when I was younger. I remember tearing out pictures of clothing and products that I liked and wanted to try. Fast forward to college, where I graduated with honors from one of the top fashion schools in the country, according to the Business of Fashion. I’ve always worked in the retail business to keep my finger on the pulse of fashion. I held retail positions in visual, customer service, and management.

I currently work in the Fashion Merchandising and Management department at my alma mater. In addition, I founded a company that highlights BIPOC women-owned brands in the streetwear and sneaker industries. I enjoy traveling throughout the world to visit famous sneaker and streetwear establishments as well as attending fashion shows, tradeshows, conventions, and other industry-related events. During those events, I meet and engage with like-minded people who are as passionate about seeing more women in male-dominated spaces in the fashion industry.

Streetwear was a subculture long before it became a global industry, and the women who participated created their own aesthetic identities by combining thrift, workwear, military, skate, and sportswear with splashes of reggae, punk, and hip-hop. Early female trailblazers such as Neneh Cherry, Chlo Sevigny, and Aaliyah wore streetwear before the term was coined.

It brings me great joy to be able to connect with women who look like and share my interests. It gives me even more excitement to spread the word about these women and their businesses. I would shout from the mountaintop about the significance of supporting women in streetwear!

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I started my Instagram account in early 2022, right after I formed my company. I knew that I wanted my target market to also be my audience. So I brainstormed ways to make that happen. Who was I serving? Where do they go? What do they do? What do they like and/or enjoy? Who are they, most importantly? Once those questions were answered I started researching and scouting accounts similar to the account I aspired to have. I follow back, like, comment, and share content from accounts that I resonate with. In addition, I private message them to congratulate them on their great content and thank everyone who follows me.

Furthermore, while traveling, I constantly find a way to promote my brand and share my handle. So I earn roughly 100 new followers every month through travel, word-of-mouth, organic conversation, and the Instagram algorithm. Fortunately, I had a business coach who could advise me and make recommendations for engaging content. she suggested that I post relevant content on a daily basis mixing between reels and posts. Then measuring how those reels and posts do with my audience. With those insights post more or less of that content.

My honest advice for those just starting to build their social presence is to be yourself and post whatever you want. the right people will follow and value your content.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Authenticity, I believe, has supported the growth of my market reputation. I am myself no matter where I go or who I encounter. I’m kind, approachable, and fun! When you are passionate about something, it is obvious to others. I’m dedicated to supporting and promoting BIPOC women-owned businesses in general, with a special emphasis on streetwear and sneakers.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.asgnmt.com
• Instagram: asgnmt_
• Linkedin: Jeneene Allen
• Twitter: asgnmt_