We were lucky to catch up with Quieesha Burns recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Quieesha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

To me, success is about much more than personal achievements—it’s about resilience, staying true to your values, and making a positive impact on the world around you. It’s about finding purpose in your work and allowing that purpose to guide you, even when the road gets tough.

As the designer of Corii Burns, my journey has been full of challenges, but each one has shaped who I am today. I remember organizing another mental health awareness show during New York Fashion Week—a cause very close to my heart. Sponsors I counted on suddenly backed out, and it felt like everything was falling apart. But I refused to give up. Instead, I leaned into the passion that got me started in the first place and found a way to make things happen, even with limited resources. That moment taught me that success is about persistence, about getting up after every fall, and about staying committed to your vision no matter what obstacles arise.

For me, true success is about using what you build to lift others up. That’s why, for every tote bag I sell, I donate one to a school in need. Growing up in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Syracuse, I know what it’s like to go without, and I want to give back to communities that need support. It’s more than a business model—it’s part of my soul. I want my brand to be a symbol of hope, of possibility, and of the belief that no matter where you come from, you can create something meaningful.

My journey started when I was just 11 years old, taking over my brother’s paper route to help support my family. That work ethic and drive have never left me. Today, they fuel my vision for Corii Burns and everything it stands for—creativity, community, and the power of transformation. To me, success isn’t measured by fame or money. It’s measured by the impact you have, the lives you touch, and the legacy you leave behind.

I hope my story inspires others to keep going, to dream big, and to never forget that the challenges we face are just stepping stones on the path to something greater.

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

Of course! I’m Quieesha Burns, founder and designer of Corii Burns, an avant-garde fashion brand that blends creativity, sustainability, and social impact. My journey into fashion began at a young age, growing up in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Syracuse, New York. From early on, I found ways to express myself through design. I started working at 11 years old, taking over my brother’s paper route to help support my family, and used those earnings to buy art supplies and nurture my creative passion.

Corii Burns officially launched in 2021, but its roots go back to my time studying fashion in 2009. My brand focuses on luxury deconstructed handbags and sustainable fashion, often using repurposed preloved materials and deadstock fabrics. What sets Corii Burns apart is not just the designs, but the story and purpose behind each piece. My brand is dedicated to mental health awareness, especially in underserved communities, and environmental sustainability.

One of the things I’m most proud of is that for every tote bag sold, we donate one to a school in need. This initiative is close to my heart because I know firsthand the power of community support and how it can change lives. Corii Burns is about more than fashion—it’s about giving back, sparking conversations around important issues, and creating a lasting impact.

I’ve had the privilege of having my designs worn by celebrities and featured in major publications, but the most rewarding part has been the feedback from the community. The positive response to our products and our mission has been incredible, and it reminds me every day why I started this journey. I want Corii Burns to be a symbol of resilience, creativity, and hope for others.

For anyone who follows my brand, I want them to know that Corii Burns is built on authenticity, bold innovation, and a commitment to making a difference. My work challenges fashion norms, but it’s also deeply personal, aiming to inspire others to express themselves and embrace their uniqueness. I believe fashion can be a powerful tool for change, and through Corii Burns, I hope to empower people to not only wear something beautiful but to feel part of a movement that stands for something bigger.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

If I had to choose one resource I wish I’d known about earlier in my creative journey, it would be the power of a reliable mentor. Having someone to guide you, share their experiences, and help you avoid common pitfalls is invaluable. I’ve always understood the importance of mentorship and have actively sought out one, but I’ve yet to find the right match.

The creative journey can be lonely at times, and I believe a mentor could help provide perspective, support, and wisdom that’s hard to come by on your own. While I haven’t found my mentor yet, I remain hopeful that the right person will come along at the right time. Until then, I’m doing my best to learn from every experience and every connection I make.

One day, I’d love to step into that role and be the mentor for someone else—especially for those who, like me, didn’t have that kind of support early on. But for now, I’m still on the lookout for that mentor who can help guide me to even greater heights in my career and creative pursuits.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One story that truly illustrates my resilience goes back to when I was just 11 years old. Growing up in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Syracuse, New York, I knew early on that if I wanted something, I had to work for it. I learned this by watching my family members, like my mother and oldest brother, work incredibly hard—not just to make ends meet, but for anything they wanted. My whole family understood the value of sacrifice, perseverance, and hard work, and they passed that mindset on to me. I believe this strength of character came from my grandmother, the most positive, caring, hardworking person I’ve ever known. She faced challenges without complaint and always emphasized the importance of putting in the effort to achieve your dreams.

At 11, I took over my brother’s paper route, delivering newspapers across the Westside of Syracuse. It wasn’t easy, but seeing my family push through much bigger challenges inspired me. Every morning, regardless of the weather, I did my rounds, saving every penny I earned. While other kids spent their money on toys or treats, I used mine to buy art supplies because even at that young age, I dreamed of becoming an artist and was willing to work for it.

That early experience taught me that no matter the circumstances, you can achieve your goals through dedication and hard work. The resilience I learned from my family shaped me into who I am today. Whether I’m facing obstacles as a designer or navigating the challenges of running a business, I always remember the example they set for me. Their strength and determination, especially my grandmother’s unwavering positivity, continue to inspire me to push through any difficulty and stay focused on my purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.coriiburns.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coriiburns/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coriiburns
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/corii-burns/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@coriiburns