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"Success comes to the underdog who doesn't let sleeping dogs lie...
...AND INSTEAD SHAKES UP THE MARKET BY DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY" ~Sir Richard Branson #BeDisruptive #RockTheBoat #BeDEFIant
Rule Breaking. Good Trouble Makers. No Permission Requested.
Open. Honest. Transparent. Disrupting Fashion With Purpose.
Driving Economic Growth, Workforce Development, and Fusing Fashion with Agriculture. (DE-FI) is where Dreams Take Flight. We Provide the Skills, Support, Access, Opportunity and Power to Build Your Fashion Career and Turn Your Dreams into Reality. #WhatDoYouDEFI #FirstFlightNowFashion
What Do You (DE-FI)? From Raw Talent to Industry Standards
We Told You So: Proof That (DE-FI) Delivers
Where can you find(DE-FI) alums now? The answer is simple: everywhere. We took talent from the shadows, nurtured their potential, and launched them to heights they didn’t even know were possible.
Here’s a shortlist of where our alums have landed:
- Runways in New York, Paris, and Milan—because we don’t just dream big, we make it happen.
- Designing for global fashion powerhouses—turning their visions into collections that dominate the industry.
- Featured in major publications like Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar—because talent this undeniable can’t be ignored.
- Spearheading campaigns for top-tier brands—leaving their mark on everything from high fashion to streetwear.
- Launching their own fashion empires—proving that independence isn’t just a goal, it’s a reality.
But trust us, that's just scratching the surface. Want a more detailed list? We got you:
Started from the bottom, now we're here!
- On the runway for Versace
- In ad campaigns for Saint Jesus
- On the runway for Saral Zens
- In ad campaigns for Savage x Fenty
- Featured in Vogue
- In ad campaigns for Kohl's
- In ad campaigns for Michael Kors
- In ad campaigns for ASOS
- In ad campaigns for When Smoke Clears
- In ad campaigns for Marc Jacobs
- On the Executive Board for CFDA Connects
- Designing for Ulla Johnson
- Designing for Calvin Klein
- Featured in Women's Wear Daily
- Featured in InStyle Magazine
- Styling for Shape Magazine
- Designing for Sports Illustrated Swim Suit Edition
- Voting members of the CFDA Fashion Awards Guild
- Interning for Ross Dress for Less
- Executive at L Brands
- Named to Forbes Under 30 Fellows
- Styling at The Grammy's
- Styling at The Oscars
- Featured actors on Broadway
- Styling for HBO
- Designing for White House Black Market
- Designing for CB2
- Designing for Marchesa
- Featured actors on Hallmark
- Dancing for the Rockettes
And that's just to name a few...
Our alumni are living proof that when you work with (DE-FI), you don’t just rise—you soar. So go ahead, keep an eye out for the names we told you to remember. We said they’d change the game—and they did.
This isn’t luck. It’s not coincidence. It’s (DE-FI).
Straight Facts, No Chaser: (DE-FI) Global INC is THAT Group
#TheEvolutionOfDEFI has always been unapologetic. Building on the legacy of the (DE-FI) brand’s crown jewel, the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator, we have long been recognized for our unwavering commitment to the growth and development of fashion-based talent and for fostering a viable, nurturing, independent, and self-sustaining fashion community. We don’t just grow talent—we create an ecosystem where it thrives.
It’s never business as usual for us. Every event, every program, every experience is a custom-crafted masterpiece designed to captivate, inspire, and push boundaries. At (DE-FI) Global INC, you’ll never have the same experience twice.
Our events and programming aren’t just about fashion—they’re about creating moments that (DE-FI)ne careers. We don’t showcase stars—we create them. We give participants, contributors, and patrons the unparalleled chance to witness tomorrow’s icons at the birth of their journey.
Follow their rise, take in the process, and when they dominate the industry, you’ll proudly have the opportunity to say, “I knew them when...” When we tell you to #RememberTheirName, believe us—write it down. Sit back, take notes, and just watch.
No other regional fashion organization can hold a candle to what (DE-FI) Global INC. has built. The proof is in the success stories. Over the years, we’ve made Southwest Ohio the undeniable fashion capital for developing world-class talent across every discipline—designers, models, creators, and innovators.
Others talk about success. We deliver it. That’s (DE-FI). That’s the standard. Watch closely, or get left behind.
Meet the Visionaries Leading the Regional Fashion Revolution
Caressa L. Brown: A Trailblazer in Fashion, Community, and (DE-FI)ance
Caressa L. Brown is a Dayton, Ohio native whose legacy (DE-FI)es convention and breaks barriers. Rooted in a lineage of business owners and community activists, she is a dynamic leader who combines her entrepreneurial spirit with an unyielding commitment to nurturing talent, fostering inclusivity, and driving meaningful change in the fas
Caressa L. Brown is a Dayton, Ohio native whose legacy (DE-FI)es convention and breaks barriers. Rooted in a lineage of business owners and community activists, she is a dynamic leader who combines her entrepreneurial spirit with an unyielding commitment to nurturing talent, fostering inclusivity, and driving meaningful change in the fashion industry and beyond.
A 1998 graduate of Jefferson High School and a 2007 graduate of Wright State University with a Bachelor of Science in Educational/Organizational Leadership, Caressa is a lifelong learner pursuing a second degree in Urban Affairs Nonprofit Management and City Regional Planning at Wright State, with plans to further her expertise in Horticulture after being accepted into the University of Cincinnati's D.A.A.P.
Her accolades are a testament to her extraordinary impact: named to the 2024 class of the Better Business Bureau's Women in Business Networking Top Women to Watch, a 2019 Dayton Business Journal Top 40 Under 40 honoree, and the recipient of the 2021 Ohio Black Excellence Award.
Building a Global Fashion Empire from Dayton
Caressa is the owner, founder, and driving force behind the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC, the first community-focused, volunteer-led fashion incubator of its kind. Inspired by her own challenges as a young model navigating financial struggles and a lack of support, Caressa established (DE-FI) to eliminate barriers—especially financial ones—that hinder success in the fashion industry. Her work has launched the careers of thousands of business owners, models, designers, photographers, hair and makeup artists, stylists, and more.
In just a decade, Caressa has transformed (DE-FI) into an internationally recognized brand known for its disruptive approach and unparalleled success stories. (DE-FI) alumni have reached global acclaim, working on international runways, editorial campaigns, and prestigious collaborations that cement Dayton as the unexpected fashion capital for nurturing talent across multiple disciplines.
Caressa’s leadership has earned (DE-FI) partnerships with top institutions like the University of Cincinnati, University of Dayton, Miami University, Kent State, Ohio State, and many others. She is preparing to expand her vision with the upcoming launch of the Cincinnati Fashion ncubator.
National and International Impact
Caressa’s influence extends beyond Dayton. As a founding member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Connects program, she served on its inaugural executive board, working alongside IMG Endeavor to produce behind-the-scenes events at New York Fashion Week. Her collaborations with major fashion entities have made her a respected figure in the industry, known for her ability to create opportunities where none existed before.
Community at the Core
Caressa’s dedication to her community is as bold as her approach to fashion. From launching Veggie Soul: The Urban Farmers’ Market in 2019 to address the food desert in West Dayton and Trotwood, to serving as a caregiver for her disabled mother since the age of 12, she embodies resilience and service. Veggie Soul not only provides fresh produce but also teaches residents to grow their own food, fostering self-sufficiency and hope in underserved areas.
Her roots in hard work are evident in her early career. Caressa previously worked at GM Truck and Bus Moraine Assembly where she worked for 9 years, gaining firsthand experience in a blue-collar industry that shaped her understanding of the value of grit, determination, and teamwork. She further honed her leadership and problem-solving skills as both a laborer and manager at DHL at the CVG airport and an auto parts manufacturer. These roles instilled in her the importance of teamwork, innovation, and persistence—qualities that she has carried into her groundbreaking work with (DE-FI). This foundation has driven her to create opportunities for others in both traditional and creative industries.
Caressa operated Veggie Soul off a farm in Trotwood and maintained a community garden in Jefferson Township. In 2020, she graduated from The Ohio State University's New and Beginning Farm College, received her GAPs certification from Cornell University, and is currently part of Ohio State’s Master Gardener Program. Her expertise in agriculture extends to her professional role as an Administrator in the Agricultural Research Development Program for a local organization, where she champions initiatives that merge farming with economic growth.
Coming from a long line of farmers and sharecroppers, Caressa’s passion for agriculture is deeply personal. Her retirement dream is to open a farm-to-table bed and breakfast, where she can focus on small-scale farming while continuing to educate and inspire others to embrace sustainable living.
She has also served as a trustee for the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District, contributed to NPR’s Community Voices program on WYSO, and written for Dayton Metro, championing local talent and creative events.
A Legacy of (DE-FI)ance, Agriculture, and Innovation
Caressa’s success is rooted in her refusal to conform. Her work is unconventional, unapologetic, and always focused on empowering others. From fashion to farming, she creates thriving, independent ecosystems in southwest Ohio, proving that Dayton is a powerhouse for innovation and talent development. Her integration of agriculture into fashion, including initiatives around mulberry silk production and cotton farming, positions the Miami Valley as a trailblazer in sustainability and local economic impact.
Whether mentoring aspiring creatives, developing groundbreaking programs, or expanding her brand globally, Caressa L.Brown’s (DE-FI)ance of norms is her greatest strength. With a vision as bold as her actions, she continues to re(DE-FI)ne what’s possible—not just in fashion, but in every community she touches.
Edward A. Dixon: Re(DE-FI)ning Art, Community, and Connection
Edward A. Dixon, a Dayton native and lifelong art enthusiast, is a disruptor in the art world who blends entrepreneurial vision with a passion for connecting people through visual creativity. In 2017, Ed launched the Edward A. Dixon Gallery in downtown Dayton, Ohio, creating a space where global artistry meets local accessibility.
Before
Edward A. Dixon, a Dayton native and lifelong art enthusiast, is a disruptor in the art world who blends entrepreneurial vision with a passion for connecting people through visual creativity. In 2017, Ed launched the Edward A. Dixon Gallery in downtown Dayton, Ohio, creating a space where global artistry meets local accessibility.
Before founding the gallery, Ed’s entrepreneurial journey spanned the music, film, and fashion industries. However, his deep love for visual art drove him to curate pieces from artists worldwide, showcasing their talent in dynamic, thought-provoking exhibitions. The gallery has hosted works by renowned artists like Sabrina Terence, Ronnie Williams, Erica Arntz, and the late Ron Campbell, animator for the legendary Beatles.
Ed is known for exhibitions that challenge perspectives, spark dialogue, and bring joy. Shows like We Are Doing It All Wrong and Joy, That’s Just What I Needed exemplify his ability to craft meaningful and transformative art experiences. His vision goes beyond curation—he’s created a gallery environment that’s inviting to everyone, from seasoned collectors to those exploring art for the first time.
A leader in the art community, Ed has served on judging panels for prestigious exhibitions and grants, including the Art of Soul Juried Art Show and the Culture Works Special Projects Grant. His involvement with the 8/4 Memorial Committee demonstrates his commitment to using art as a tool for healing and remembrance, honoring the lives lost in the tragic 2019 Dayton mass shooting.
Ed’s influence extends beyond his gallery walls. He serves on the Dayton Art Institute’s Collections Committee and the Executive Committee for the Dayton Sister City Committee, strengthening cultural connections at home and abroad. As an advisory board member for the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator, Ed supports the next generation of creative talent.
Never one to stand still, Ed is also a licensed realtor, a passionate investor, and a travel blogger who shares his unique perspective on the world. His ventures reflect his commitment to exploring, creating, and investing in opportunities that inspire connection and growth.
At the heart of Ed’s work is a mission to make art accessible and engaging for all. Through bold exhibitions, strategic collaborations, and entrepreneurial flair, Edward A. Dixon is not just a gallery owner—he’s a visionary shaping how communities experience and connect with art.
John Flynn: Capturing Authenticity, (DE-FI)ng Perfection
John Flynn is not just a photographer—he’s a storyteller, a creator, and a rebel against the conventional. From the moment he picked up his first camera at the age of 10, John became captivated by the art of photography and the tools that bring images to life. Today, as the owner of Cloverstorm Photography, he is known for crafting visual
John Flynn is not just a photographer—he’s a storyteller, a creator, and a rebel against the conventional. From the moment he picked up his first camera at the age of 10, John became captivated by the art of photography and the tools that bring images to life. Today, as the owner of Cloverstorm Photography, he is known for crafting visuals that are as authentic as they are striking.
John’s philosophy is rooted in defying societal standards of perfection. His goal is never to make his subjects look flawless but to make them look like the best versions of themselves—real, unique, and unapologetically true. By focusing on personality and character, John ensures every image carries the soul of its subject, rejecting the cookie-cutter ideals that strip individuality from the art of photography.
With a career that spans retail, brick-and-mortar business, and e-commerce, John brings a multifaceted perspective to his craft. He is a skilled manager and creative professional, proficient in tools like the Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, WordPress, and more. His technical expertise is matched by his artistic vision, making him a standout in both the artistic and commercial worlds.
John’s work has earned international acclaim, particularly in the competitive dance and pageant circuits, where his ability to capture movement, emotion, and authenticity has made him a sought-after name. His photography doesn’t just capture moments—it tells stories, celebrates individuality, and creates connections.
Through Cloverstorm Photography, John Flynn continues to disrupt traditional notions of beauty and artistry. With an unwavering focus on character and a bold approach to his craft, he is reshaping what it means to be seen—and remembered—in the modern world.
Cindy Gaboury: A Catalyst for Community, Innovation, and Empowerment
Cindy Gaboury is a visionary leader and community powerhouse with over four decades of entrepreneurial success and unwavering commitment to positive change. As the co-founder of Audio Etc. in Centerville, Ohio, alongside her husband Kirby, Cindy has spent 40 years re(DE-FI)ning excellence in business and building connections that stren
Cindy Gaboury is a visionary leader and community powerhouse with over four decades of entrepreneurial success and unwavering commitment to positive change. As the co-founder of Audio Etc. in Centerville, Ohio, alongside her husband Kirby, Cindy has spent 40 years re(DE-FI)ning excellence in business and building connections that strengthen the community.
Affectionately known as “Mama Joy” within #DatDEFIFam, Cindy is a beacon of encouragement and inspiration. Her nurturing spirit, combined with her bold leadership, has made her a beloved mentor to countless individuals pursuing their dreams in business, faith, fashion, and beyond.
A trailblazer in her own right, Cindy’s influence extends far beyond the walls of her business. She serves on the boards of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, Kettering, Moraine, and Oakwood Chamber, Women in Business Networking (WiBN), Women in Christian Leadership, and the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator. Her relentless dedication to collaboration and innovation has made her an indispensable force for growth and transformation.
Cindy’s work reflects her deep-rooted belief in uplifting others, particularly women and underserved communities. As a member of organizations like the Centerville Noon Optimists, Home Builders Association, and Beavercreek Women’s League, she consistently brings people together to foster empowerment, education, and opportunity.
Her achievements are as bold as her approach. In 2022, Cindy was named one of Ohio’s Top 500 Most Influential Executives and received the Lydia Leadership Award from Women in Christian Leadership. In October 2023, she was honored with the Better Business Bureau Women in Business Networking Career Achievement Award, a testament to her enduring impact and leadership.
At her core, Cindy is a disruptor who challenges the status quo, combining entrepreneurial savvy with a passion for community growth. Whether she’s advocating for local businesses, mentoring future leaders, or driving innovation at (DE-FI), Cindy Gaboury—Mama Joy—is a force for (DE-FI)ance, determination, and positive change.
Sandra "Imi" Bowden: Crafting Dreams, (DE-FI)ng Limits
Sandra "Imi" Bowden: Crafting Dreams, (DE-FI)ng Limits
Sandra Bowden, known by her brand name IMI, is a force of creativity and resilience who has re(DE-FI)ned what it means to follow your passion. As a fashion designer, pattern maker, artist, and home stager, Sandra is the visionary behind Other by IMI, a boutique and studio in downtown Fairborn offering shoes, clothes, custom design service
Sandra Bowden, known by her brand name IMI, is a force of creativity and resilience who has re(DE-FI)ned what it means to follow your passion. As a fashion designer, pattern maker, artist, and home stager, Sandra is the visionary behind Other by IMI, a boutique and studio in downtown Fairborn offering shoes, clothes, custom design services, styling, art, alterations, and home staging.
Sandra’s journey to success is anything but conventional. Armed with a BFA in Fashion Design and over 15 years of industry experience, she spent 25 years working in the food industry to pay the bills, keeping her passion for fashion as a side hustle. In 2018, she made a bold decision to bet on herself, leaving behind restaurant culture to make her art and design her full-time career—a choice she proudly calls the best decision of her life.
Since then, Sandra has flourished. After six years of growing her business from home, she opened Other by IMI in April 2023, a space where her creative vision comes to life. Open Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m., the boutique is a hub of innovation, offering everything from unique fashion pieces to curated home staging solutions.
Sandra’s work is as diverse as her talents. From alterations and custom clothing to window displays and fashion shows, she approaches every project with precision and artistry. Her boutique is a testament to her multifaceted expertise, featuring not only her designs but also shoes, accessories, and artwork that reflect her distinctive style.
A partner of the (DE-FI), Sandra is actively expanding her business while staying booked months in advance. She excels at managing an extensive array of offerings, including trade shows, fairs, annual events, website development, marketing, and more. Her ability to seamlessly blend artistry with entrepreneurship has made her a standout in the fashion and creative industries.
Sandra’s story is one of transformation and (DE-FI)ance. She took a leap of faith, leaving behind a stable career to pursue her dreams—and she hasn’t looked back. With her sights set on continued growth and innovation, Sandra Bowden is proving that it’s never too late to follow your passion and build the life you’ve always envisioned.
Something Unforgettable is Coming...
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