Fashion-forward teen entrepreneur sells custom modest formalwear

NEWARK, N.J. (PIX11) — Amani Crosby, a 15-year-old sophomore at the Newark School of Fashion & Design, is looking to make it big in fashion.

She is already selling custom modest formalwear under her own label, Kapture Kulture.

“Making dresses that can make you still feel pretty while being completely covered is my whole goal,” said Crosby, who wears modest clothing for religious regions.

Crosby has sold several prom dresses and other formalwear, and currently has orders for two wedding dresses. She has been crafting and designing since she was a little kid.

“Me and my sister would play with dolls and I would cut up socks and colored paper to put on top of the dolls for new clothes,” said Crosby.

Crosby has since graduated to satin and chiffon, and honestly her creativity in the classroom. The Newark School of Fashion and Design is one of the city’s newest public schools, opening in 2021, but comes with the backing of an elite fashion institution.

“We are powered by Parsons [School of Design],’ said Principal Sakina Pitts. “They support with write out curricula and they help us vet any fashion teacher.”

“By the time they get to their senior year, a Newark School of Fashion & Design student will have learned to design for themselves and others,” said Pitts.

Pitts recognized Crosby’s talent and recommended her for an entrepreneur program at Essex County College called ‘Boss Up.’

“When I think of ‘Boss Up,’ I think of like, ‘Shark Tank’ for teenagers on steroids,” said Pitts.

The ten-week program taught Crosby the fundamentals of business and marketing and provided the initial funding to start her clothing label.

“It was a game changer for Amani,” said Dr. Jamila T. Davis, the program director of ‘Boss Up.’ “She got her fabric. She got her material. And – I want to say we were at week six – and she flipped her money.” 

‘Boss Up’ has propelled Crosby to think big. She eventually wants to launch an apparel line and own a corporation by the time she’s 30. “I hope for the brand to be nationwide,” said Crosby.