Jessica Rich

Jessica Rich is one to watch. The self-made American shoe designer broke into the industry 6 years ago after launching her first official collection, “Transparent by Jessica Rich.” Rich is the first black shoe designer to garner a deal with American luxury department store Nordstrom and her namesake brand is now sold within 20 of its department stores in America. WOTC editor-in-chief Phadria Prendergast, caught up with the “IT girl” to discuss growing up without a father figure, starting her brand with 1500 dollars and how she became a go-getter. Interview by Phadria Prendergast