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About this Episode:
Do you have a dream yet have had some setbacks towards making that dream a reality?
Are you struggling with how to come up with the funds to take your dream to the next level?
Are you longing for mentorship and guidance for pursuing your dream yet don’t know how to find a mentor?
Friend, you are in the right place! Today’s guest not only broke the odds by becoming a fashion designer but she is also the founder and CEO of her own fashion design company, a mentor to aspiring fashion designers, and a PRO at successfully receiving business grants + pitching her company in front of investors. On the show, she shares tips for how you can too!
Meet Today’s Guest: Gynella Ngounou
Gynella Ngounou is an award-winning fashion entrepreneur, who stutters. She developed a passion for fashion and design at a young age, and was admitted to study at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). However, due to financial constraints, she withdrew and became a self-taught designer struggling to find resources to fulfill her designer needs.
In 2018, she launched Students Expressing Life through Fashion (better known as SELF) to equip at-risk fashion designers and hobbyists with affordable, quality fashion education and sustainable careers. The company would go on to partner with Dillard’s, Quaint Revolt Media, and New York Fashion Week independent designers. Today, Students Expressing Life through Fashion is an award-winning Academy providing certificate programs, direct mentorship, industry placements, and business services in a resourceful sewing and tech incubator. With SELF looking to graduate its first class next Fall, Gynella is also excited to launch her eco-luxe women’s wear fashion label called NGOUNOU.
In this episode we cover:
- Fashion design
- Entrepreneurship + business grant tips
- How to find a mentor
…and more!
Quote of the Day
“You are more than what anyone can actually see. Meaning…whatever it is that you want do, don’t let anyone deter you from that lane. Just work on it, master it, do it, own it, and let that be your motive. And if people don’t see the actual vision, then hey—that’s okay…just as long as you do because you know you more than anyone else does.”
—Gynella Ngounou (interview on Break The Odds Show)
Next Steps
What was your biggest takeaway? How will you take action? We’d love to know! Follow Break The Odds on social media and tag us! Use #breakingtheodds so we can celebrate with you as you take action! If you’re on Clubhouse, join our our club “Break The Odds” for extended conversation from guests, other industry professionals, and more!
- Let’s connect on instagram: @break.theodds
- Let’s connect on facebook: @lets.breaktheodds
- Let’s connect on clubhouse: Break The Odds (club)
Connect with Gynella
- Business Email: gynella@sewwithself.com
- Business Phone: 678-404-9840
- Website: www.sewwithself.com
- Facebook: @sewwithself
- Instagram: @sewwithself
- LinkedIn: Gynella Ngounou
Gynella Ngounou 
Students Expressing Life through Fashion (SELF)
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You’ve got this! Let’s break the odds together.
*Please Note: Episodes on Break The Odds do not serve as endorsements of any comments, opinions, actions, resources, and any other behavior by guests, individuals, and other parties. By using any third-party resources/platforms, you may be subject to their terms and conditions.