Welcome to Threadlines
Welcome back to Threadlines, our monthly celebration of the extraordinary individuals who bring Mansawear to life. As we honor Black History Month and the month of love, we are delighted to spotlight Brenda and her beautiful crowns. Brenda is notable not only for her stunning coiffures, but also for her many crowning achievements. A local socialite, Brenda is a generous, kind friend and a true pillar of our community.
Family, and Community Engagements
Brenda is married and has one daughter and three grandchildren. She is active in all areas of her life from family to social and political engagements alike.
A Runway Match Made in Rochester
Brenda arrived at Mansawear through a referral, and we clicked like white on water instantly. I was mesmerized by her sense of style and how impeccably put together she was the first time I saw her during Fashion Week of Rochester (FWR). I knew right away that I needed Brenda on the runway in Mansawear, and she has graciously walked for Mansawear as well as for FWR. No matter the look, her crowns are dazzling, and she looks gorgeous in every hairdo she sports: from braids to straight styles, curly wigs, Afros, twists, and close-crop natural looks.
Public Service and City Pride
Brenda just retired last year after dedicating 25 years as a public servant, beginning with New York State Department of Transportation, and ending her last three years in the Department of Environmental Services at the City of Rochester, where she was the city’s Safety Specialist training in a variety of safety areas, as well as overseeing employee and facility safety. She seems to know all things "City of Rochester" and proudly shares that knowledge.
Out and About
She also introduced me to Black Girls Do Bike Rochester, a vibrant community that supports and encourages women and girls of color to embrace the joy of cycling. With her as my coach, I was able to ride my bike through the streets of Rochester for the first time in late summer 2023.
Creative Crowns: Cakes, Jewelry, and More
The talented Brenda is an amazing pastry chef, particularly known for her 3-D cakes for special occasions such as graduations and anniversaries. In addition, she is a jewelry maker and has created several beautiful pieces that have been available for sale at Mansawear. Her creativity shines just as brightly as her style.
A Social Heartbeat in the City
Brenda and her husband Rick's annual Rochester International Jazz Festival party, held on the last Saturday of the two-week-long jazz fest, is one of Rochester's most sought-after social events. It is not only the place to see and be seen, but also a space to meet fascinating people from all socio-demographic sections of the city.
Community, Causes, and Crowns
A steadfast supporter of many local causes and political fundraisers, Brenda is deeply involved with organizations like the William Warfield Scholarship Fund. She also donates birthday cupcakes to the children at the Center for Youth monthly. Her leadership, generosity, and presence continue to uplift the Rochester community in countless ways.
She also holds memberships to local theaters such as Geva, Rochester Broadway Theater League, and a few of the smaller lesser-known local theaters, as well as memberships to the Memorial Art Gallery and Rochester Contemporary Art Gallery.
🌸Here’s to Crowns!🌸
Please join us in celebrating Brenda’s crowning achievements in this month of love, chocolate, and all things red and black.
Shop Brenda’s Mansawear Favorites
To explore Brenda’s favorite Mansawear styles, check out the Mattie A-Frame Jacket and other made-to-measure pieces here.
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