We recently connected with Namia G. Vance and have shared our conversation below.

Namia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

I’m the founder of Suitable Attire, Inc. a non-profit organization serving Baltimore, Maryland. I began my career in a South Bronx community center in the heart of the Andrew Jackson housing development, this is where I spent my formative years. Our community center was populated by youngsters from impoverished, under-educated homes and employment opportunities were few. I understood then, as I do now, the importance of mentorship, community involvement and opportunities to learn and grow in a supportive and dedicated environment.

Our mission is to empower youth and promote positive self-images for personal and career development by providing them with professional attire and decorum tools needed to be marketable in a competitive workforce. Our goal is to consistently foster an atmosphere that has a positive impact on youth, to enhance self-confidence, manners, communication, leadership skills and social responsibility.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

I’m a multifaceted business professional dedicated to community outreach and entrepreneurship with over 25 years of experience supporting small businesses, non-profits, healthcare administration and state government. Being a native New Yorker, I’ve always had a “side hustle” in addition to my 9 to 5. As I matured personally and professionally, I started to focus on my purpose and fulfilling my passion as it relates to serving youth in my community.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I founded Suitable Attire in 2015 and decided to make this venture a charitable organization because I wanted to contribute to the youth in my community in a very meaningful and intentional way. Like any other business venture, nonprofits require capital as well. The “business” process is like others, registering and filing with the state and applying as a charitable organization with the IRS, is very costly.

In 2016, my daughter was a sophomore in college, and as a single mother, her education was a priority therefore, I had to pause working on my business because financially I couldn’t afford it. After my daughter graduated in 2020, I was able to fully invest time and money into the organization. During the pandemic I was working from home and was able to save money, I also did a lot of writing and planning for my business. In February 2021, Suitable Attire, Inc. became a 501(C) 3, Non-Profit Organization.

I would encourage other entrepreneurs to be patient, persistent and trust the process. Delayed does not mean denied. Put in the work, keep learning and make adjustments if needed but don’t stop!

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Most times, nonprofits are self-funded until donations and fundraising sources are established, this is true for my organization. Most of our donations are in-kind in the form of clothing and business attire from individuals, friends and family. However, we’re in the process of organizing a fundraising campaign and developing strategies for consistent monetary donations. Our ultimate goal is to identify and apply for grants and solicit corporate sponsorships.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.suitableattire.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Suitable_attire/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suitableattire1/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/suitable_attire