Blog: Crossroads Style

In honor of Black History Month, we are amplifying the work and stories of Crossroads employees.

Lena, Communications Manager

Is there a Black leader or figure, past or present, who inspires you?

My Blackness and Queerness are two identities that are most salient to me, so learning about and reading the works of Black Queer figures, like James Baldwin and Audre Lorde, have really inspired me, especially as a writer myself. I also love watching Queer Black representation in today’s media, so shows like Pose and Harlem and have felt super affirming and inspiring to watch, though I think we still need more representation!

What is your proudest career or personal achievement?

I started as a Recruiter with Crossroads but I got my undergrad degree in Media & Communications and was very excited to put my degree to use when I was promoted to Communications Manager. Even though I’ve only been in the position for a little over a year, I feel as if I’ve developed so many personal and professional skills in a short period of time, which I’m very proud of.

What is something someone may be surprised to know about you?

In addition to working full time at Crossroads, I’m also a full time Grad student, studying Counseling Psychology. At Crossroads, I do a lot of work around our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals and have discovered that it’s something I’m truly passionate about. I would love to one day find a way to combine my love for fashion, psychology and DEI.

What does “Black Joy” mean to you? What aspects of your life bring you the most joy?

To me, Black Joy is all about emphasizing the positive, joyous aspects of Black folk’s experience. I think the media loves to hyper-focus on negative aspects of Black people’s history and treat Blackness as if it’s a monolith, when there are so many beautiful parts of our culture that can be highlighted. Building community with other Black, Queer folks brings me the most joy. Over the past few years I’ve built some really amazing relationships that bring me joy everyday. <3

Daniel, Floor Staff

What is your biggest career or personal goal?

To work in sports in some kind of way- specifically for one of my favorite teams.

What hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?

Watching and playing sports (basketball, football, hockey and baseball). I love to listen to a variety of different genres of music.

What does “Black Joy” mean to you? What aspects of your life bring you the most joy?

To be able to feel comfortable in myself and to try my best to be kind to anyone. The thing that brings me the most joy in life is being surrounded by my friend and family. Sports, too. Being born and raised in the Bay Area, the teams I root for (Warriors, A’s, 49ers, Sharks) bring me joy when I watch them do well.

Izzy, Floor Staff

What hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?

I am into film: making, acting and watching. I also like to draw and make beats.

What is something someone may be surprised to know about you?

I like to collect shells.

What does “Black Joy” mean to you? What aspects of your life bring you the most joy?

Being happy and comfortable with yourself. An aspect of my life that brings me the most joy is creating.

In honor of Black History Month, we are amplifying the work and stories of Crossroads employees. Today we spotlight two employees at our Melrose store: Alyssa & Sarah.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Alyssa: To embrace the past, present and future of the culture, art, history and pride with love and respect.

Sarah: Representation/celebration of all the wonderful aspects of Black Culture. Not only is it a celebration, it is also an acknowledgment of all the hardships and struggles we’ve gone through and how we persevered.

Is there a Black leader or figure who inspires you?

Alyssa: As a dancer from when I was 5, Alvin Ailey was always a present figure in my life, from posters on my wall to training the style to going to classes at his academy in New York.

Sarah: Malcolm X and Rosa Parks, amongst many others, inspire me heavily. Rosa Parks, in particular, because she was so resilient and stayed strong when she faced many injustices. Same with Malcolm X. They both inspire me because they had the mindset of, “If not me, then who will?” That is something I try to implement into my lifestyle.

Alyssa

What is your proudest achievement?

Alyssa: Being a part of Beyoncé’s feature music video “Black Is King” was THE PROUDEST MOMENT in my life, especially because I was a dancer for the “Brown Skin Girl” segment. My chin was LIFTED the entire process.

Sarah: Definitely stepping out of my comfort zone quite frequently. Whether it be putting myself in situations that may seem scary but turn out to be beneficial.

What is your biggest goal?

Alyssa: To work for Steven Spielberg. I got somewhat close when I got the call to audition for “Westside Story,” but it was in New York, and I was already working on a project. I wish I could turn back time and put my butt on the plane.

Sarah: To become a professional dancer one day. This has been a dream of mine for a few years, and I won’t stop until I achieve it.

Sarah

How has your background shaped your personal style?

Alyssa: Seeing the styles in the early 2000’s really made me pick and choose what I like, from natural hair to natural nails to then go into natural neutrals in clothes and wardrobes.

Sarah: My background has shaped my style by not letting anyone change my mindset on what suits me and how I wear it. Learning not to care about other people’s opinions when it comes to my style is so refreshing.

What hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?

Alyssa: I sew, cosplay and have been using those talents towards costumes for TV and Film. Dance is my first love, but costumes will always be on the same pedestal. I honestly live two lives.

Sarah: Going to dance classes. Taking dance classes is something that I have been doing for the past 3-4 years. I mainly enjoy taking hip-hop classes at studios in LA.

What is something people may be surprised to know about you?

Alyssa: I’m a gamer and an anime weeb! Someone the other day said, “The cake is a lie,” and I know it was a reference to the game “Portal.” They were SO shocked. We talked games for 30 minutes after that.

Sarah: I am actually such an introverted and shy person.

What does “Black Joy” mean to you? What aspects of your life bring you the most joy?

Alyssa: Being unapologetically happy as a Black person. To love what you love and thoroughly enjoy it. No questions asked—point blank period. Art brings me joy. All of the art. That’s what I’m meant to do in this world. I don’t want to do art; I NEED to do art.

Sarah: Embracing wherever you come from and appreciating all the differences because that’s what makes you, you. My family and friends 100% bring me the most joy. I love being surrounded by people that I love, and that love me.

Every Friday on our Instagram feed, we feature Black-owned fashion labels we’re watching. If you didn’t catch them all in January, here’s a recap of the 4 labels we shared.

1. DANZY

One label that has really caught our eye is the sportswear brand @danzydesignstudio. We adore a preppy look, so their tennis club capsule with Revolve is spot-on for this fun trend. Check out the looks on their website here.

2. Naclo Apparel

Fashion label @naclo.apparel was born out of the pandemic, a desire for expression during the stay-home order, and some masterful work with bleach processing. Find the piece that speaks to you! Vintage options are available too. Shop the site here.

3. White/Space

@whitespacejewelry creates delicate jewelry pieces made with recycled gold and adorned with ethically-mined gems. Each piece is made by hand as part of the “slow fashion” movement. See all the pieces on their website here.

4. Paskho

Patrick Robinson’s eco-friendly @paskho label is popular for a reason. Pieces are produced in the U.S. and guided by a commitment to minimalist design. The brand refers to its genre as high-performance lifestyle apparel.

This post includes only a few of the Black-owned fashion brands we’re watching. You can find even more featured on our Instagram feed. You can also join us back here on our website next month when we’ll feature our February picks!

Every Friday, we share Black-owned fashion brands you should know on our Instagram feed.  If you didn’t catch them last month, here’s a recap of the 5 brands we featured.

1. The OULA Company

@theoulacompany has all our attention. Who wouldn’t want this gorgeous printed dress for dinner parties and nights out? What a stunner! The company uses textiles that are sourced responsibly and creates its handmade pieces in the U.S. See even more standout pieces on their website.

2. Nicole Shante

Label @nicoleshanteofficial features eye-catching designs that are “inspired by women who are strong-spirited and fearless.” This bold pantsuit is an example of what we absolutely love about the line.

3. SOLELY FIT

Premium activewear label, @solely.fit, creates dancer-like pieces that are proudly made in LA and manufactured with a commitment to ethical working practices. We can’t take our eyes off their line of bodysuits. See all the pieces on their website here.

4. Peju Obasa

We adore the eco-conscious crocheted mini belted bags of @pejuobasa. They can be worn many ways (we really like them across the chest), and this one in tangerine has us dreaming of a tropical winter escape.

5. par Bronte Laurent

There is no better way to celebrate the New Year than with a beautiful piece of fashion, and Black-owned @parbrontelaurent delivers that beauty with this flawless piece. Founder Bronte Laurent aims for pieces so comfortable you never want to take them off, and we think she’s hitting the mark. Shop the line.

This post includes only a few of the Black-owned fashion brands you should know about; there are even more featured on our Instagram feed. You can also join us back here on our website next month when we’ll feature our January picks!

As part of our ongoing commitment, we share Black-owned fashion labels you can support every Friday on our Instagram feed.  If you missed them, we put together a recap of the 4 brands we featured in the month of November.

1. TOVE

We had to highlight the elegant pieces from @tovestudio. Their silk blouses, cashmere sweater dresses, and ruched dresses are simply gorgeous. See what we’re talking about when you visit their website here.

2. edas

We love it when a fashion label incorporates a signature feature into its design to make it instantly recognizable. Black-owned accessories label @__edas does just this with its fabulous oversized handbag buckle. So cool! Shop the site here.

3. Zou Xou

The spotlight is shining bright on @zouxoushoes. The label’s ethically-crafted shoe line is produced in Buenos Aires and features some of the most beautiful shoe silhouettes we’ve ever seen, like their glazed loafer seen here. See all the pieces on their website here.

4. AAKS

You need to know about @a.a.k.s and their colorful hand-crafted bags created in Ghana. In the past year alone, these bags have caught the eye of major fashion magazines, and their collections are starting to hit the shelves of major retailers. Keep an eye out for them and shop their line here.

This post includes only a few of the Black-owned fashion labels you should know about; there are even more featured on our Instagram feed. You can also join us back here on our website next month when we’ll feature our December picks!