From Lemons to Luxe: The Show Experience

You’re not just attending… you’re part of the moment.

Event’s Flow:

5:00 PM | Doors Open + VIP Cocktail Experience

6:30 PM | Guests Seated

The Lemonade Moment (Empowerment + Toast the Night)

7:00 PM | Runway Show Begins

Legacy in Motion Tribute

Runway Show Continues

Finale + Celebration

Our Sponsors

MEET THE DESIGNERS

  • Bukola Olalere

    BUKKIE’S APPAREL

    Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, Bukkie’s Apparel brings rich African heritage and craftsmanship to Charleston through custom bridal, prom, and formal wear. Known for intricate hand-beading and detailed finishing, each design beautifully blends cultural tradition with modern elegance. Support Bukola Here!

  • Stephanie Brown

    HOUSE OF MAGANDA

    Stephanie Brown, founder and designer of House of Maganda, creates one-of-a-kind bridal gowns designed to reflect each bride’s unique personality and vision. Since launching her brand in 2017, she has crafted designs inspired by culture, personal experiences, and modern femininity. A proud U.S. Army Veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom VII, Stephanie’s mission is to spread beauty, joy, and meaning through every piece she creates. Support Stephanie Here!

  • Nicole Fason

    FIRST BORNE

    Nicole Fason’s fashion journey began in New York’s fashion industry, where she rose to Head Designer and helped grow major brands seen from Times Square to global markets. Through her brand, First Borne, she creates one-of-a-kind upcycled pieces that honor storytelling, sustainability, and reinvention — blending fashion with purpose, legacy, and creativity. Support Nicole Here!

  • Daisha Pope

    DAIMERCÈ

    Georgia-based designer Daisha Pope creates fashion that blends elegance with modern edge. Inspired by her family’s legacy in the beauty industry, her designs feature bold tailoring, rich textures, and elevated everyday style for women who dress with confidence and intention. Support Daisha Here!

  • Bridgette Sloan

    DESIGNS BY LADY B

    Bridgette Sloan, a Columbus, Ohio native now based in Summerville, SC, returns for her third Free Mama Movement Fashion Show. A mother of four, her latest collection embraces a relaxed boho aesthetic with cruise wear, swimwear, and romantic vow-renewal inspired looks designed for effortless beauty and artistic expression. Support Bridgette Here!

  • Shaniequa Washington

    ZURIEL KINGDOM COLLECTIONS

    After 24 years in corporate leadership, Shaniequa Washington boldly stepped into entrepreneurship and founded Zuriel Kingdom Collections — a wearable art brand where faith, culture, and Ankara couture meet purpose. A bestselling author, coach, and mental health advocate, she designs pieces that empower women to walk confidently in who they were created to be. Support Shaniequa Here!

  • Vanessa Brown

    PINK V CODE TAILORING ATELIER

    North Charleston native Vanessa Brown is the creative force behind Pink V Code Tailoring Atelier, specializing in custom gowns, bridal wear, tailoring, and upholstery design. With over 15 years of sewing experience, her free-spirited and modern design style reflects creativity without limits and craftsmanship refined through experience. Support Vanessa Here!

  • Janaan Anwar

    BILLIMILAN

    Self-taught designer Janaan Anwar created BilliMilan as a celebration of confidence, individuality, and unapologetic self-expression. Inspired by art, fashion history, and personal experiences, her one-of-a-kind designs encourage wearers to embody bold “main character energy.” Through every collection, Janaan honors resilience, authenticity, and the transformative power of fashion. Support Janaan Here!

Runway Files: Vol. 01

  • Aretha Gomes

  • Arkeliah Ollison

  • Deborah Blanchard

  • Kristen Whitfield

  • Satura Mathis

Runway Files: Vol. 02

  • Denise Pinckney

  • Aleisha Washington

  • Jerquell Griffin

  • Claretta Green

  • Ashley Gathers

Runway Files: Vol. 03

  • Shiwuan Johnson

  • Wendy Blair

  • Sakeenah Worilds

  • Brandial Bright

  • Danielle Jones

Runway Files: Vol. 04

  • De'Ja Wright

  • Annette McCoy

  • Tashia Davis

  • Clarice Johnson

  • Kannika Godwin

Runway Files: Vol. 05

  • Jalauna Reid

  • Stephanie Pettiway

  • Demetria McNeil

  • Aneis Mosley

  • Jonita Irving

Meet the Team

  • Joquetta Wright

    FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

    With a vision for building something meaningful, our founder brings a blend of big-picture thinking and hands-on experience.
    They set the tone for everything we do.

  • JORONDA PARKER

    EVENT DESIGNER

  • Jolitha Richardson

    GUEST EXPERIENCE DESIGNER

    Creative and strategic in equal measure, our marketing director brings fresh ideas to every campaign. They turn insights into action and help our message resonate with the right audience.

  • Julianna Mickle

    FIRST IMPRESSIONS + VOLUNTEER LEAD

  • Ramon Dotch

    LOGISTICS MANAGER

    Focused, approachable, and driven by results, our sales manager is all about building strong relationships. They help connect people to the right solutions—with clarity and care.

  • Ike Perrin

    SECURITY LEAD

  • Biena Griffin

    SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

  • Jonathan Wigfall

    FASHION SHOW PRODUCTION LEAD

  • Natalie McKnight

    MODEL MANAGER

  • Jaii Vonni

    MODEL COACH

  • Nyá Angelique

    DESIGNER COORDINATOR

Let’s Hear From You!

Your voice matters to us.
Take 30 seconds to share your experience.

Rate the Experience

Tell Us How We Did!

We’re always growing, evolving, and creating with intention. Your feedback helps us make every experience even more meaningful.

Thank You.

Thank you for being in this room.
Thank you for choosing presence… for choosing yourself… and for allowing us to pour into you tonight.

The Free Mama Experience was never just about a runway.
It’s about the moments in between…
the courage to be seen,
the decision to keep going,
and the beauty of becoming—right where you are.

Whether tonight made you feel inspired, emotional, seen, or simply reminded you of who you are…
we are honored you shared this space with us.

With love,
The Free Mama Movement