Who is Karine Melissa?

A true boss at heart from her Qualifying accomplishments. To earning her doctorate NHC introduce to you One of South Florida's most influential power leaders.

What do you consider to be your specialty when it comes to your craft?

My specialty is identifying an area of need, building and rallying a team to do something about it, and producing an event or concept to bring awareness to it and solutions to fix it. Whether it's fashion, team building, women and youth empowerment, or corporate social responsibility; my specialty ststands across the board.

Who are your fashion influences?

My top fashion influence is Kimora Lee Simmons; not only for her style but for her fierce, no nonsense business grind.

What makes your work different (stand out)?

I believe our gifts are what make us stand out from each other. I can’t do what you do, and you can’t do what I do; in the way that we each can do it. Our gifts are one of those things about us that make us unique. How we nurture and develop those gifts also sets us apart.

Here’s a collective view of a few things that set me apart. + Owner of Fashion Designers Expo, We Think Loud, I Heart Fashion I Heart Kids, and Boss Babes of Miami + 26 years of Fashion Industry experience + 23 years of Community Leadership experience + 13 years of Business Management and Entrepreneurial experience + University of Phoenix - DM, Doctor of Management – Doctoral Candidate + Light University - Biblical Counseling Diploma + University of Phoenix - Master of Arts, Business Management + Trinity International University – Bachelor’s in Arts, Communications and Organizational Leadership + PCDI/Ashworth University - Certificate, Fashion Retail, and Merchandising + Awarded three times by the City of Miami recognizing philanthropic events + Awarded at Ft. Lauderdale Fashion week by Women Supporting Women + Awarded at The Precious Diamonds Mogul Appreciation Dinner + Divas that Grind Award + Brickell Key Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 Professionals + Women on the Move Award + Fashion for Charity Board Member + South Florida’s Top 50 Black Business Leaders and Influencers of 2019 by Legacy Magazine + President for U.S.A World Global Creative Leader for Fashion by the World Fashion Organization + Investor in several women-owned business and non-profits

What advice would you give to young women who want to succeed as an entrepreneur? Be sure that you are passionate about whatever you set out to do. Many times, passion will be the only fuel you have to get you through the tough times. Study and research your craft so that you become an expert. Be the hardest working one in the room. What/Who inspires you? My family and my team. My family inspires me because they are my "why." My family is the reason why I work so hard. My team inspires me because watching them grow gives me life. Tell us about you. I am Jamaican born but Miami raised. I tackled entrepreneurship head-on in 2006 launching my very first business. Kimajé Kreations Inc. was a crochet couture swim collection and custom jewelry line. After experiencing how difficult it was for new designers to break into the industry, I decided to do something about it. I launched a platform that would incubate the dreams and aspirations of our next generation of fashion icons. That was the birth of Fashion Designers Expo (FDE) in Miami, Florida. FDE has opened many doors for me including my current position as the President for U.S.A World Fashion Brands & Merchandising Group, Inc. and on the World Fashion Week International Committee. I have also been recognized as South Florida’s Top 50 Black Business Leaders and Influencers of 2019 by Legacy Magazine What are your weaknesses? My family is my strength and my weakness. They are the motivation for everything I do. They are also the weight I carry in order to make sure they have everything they need to be great. They are the most beautiful weakness in my world. What are your strengths? My only source of strength is my relationship with God. I consider my relentlessness, passion, professional expertise, and production creativity a testament of His faithfulness to me. What's your favorite part of being an Entrepreneur? Seeing everyone around me be great as a result of something I brought to life.

#bts How is it trying to achieve balance between work and home? Maintaining balance is an ongoing pursuit for me. I try to keep the main things the "main things" as much as possible. I'm in my final year of my doctoral candidacy and so the dissertation process is extremely time-consuming. Not to mention balancing various events, projects, responsibilities, and quality time with my loved ones. I do the best I can do to be present in every area of my life. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Retired, enjoying my family, traveling, and appreciating my investments. It has always been my goal to retire in my 50's, so that's the plan!

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