Meet Angelique Terrelonge

I was born into fashion, right in the heart of the fashion capital, New York City. My parents were Jamaican immigrants, and my family was filled with stylish women who inspired me. As a child, when asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I always confidently declared, "A Fashion Designer." Looking back, I'm not even sure if I fully understood what a Fashion Designer did, but I knew that they created beautiful clothes that made people look and feel good.

My journey into the fashion industry began at the age of 13 when I started modeling on the runways of NYC. Modeling allowed me to earn the money I needed to pursue my dream of going to college and becoming a Fashion Designer. One of the happiest days of my life was when I was accepted into the Fashion Institute of Technology's fashion design program. Finally, I was on my way to fulfilling my aspirations.

After completing the Fashion Design program, I was fortunate to be accepted into F.I.T.'s inaugural Fur Design and Marketing degree program. It was during my time there that I fell in love with furs. Upon graduating from F.I.T., I worked as a Fur Designer in various prestigious establishments in New York City, including Fred The Furrier, Alexander's, Davellin Furs, and Macy's Fur Salons. Those years provided me with invaluable hands-on experience, learning the intricate techniques and craftsmanship used to create the finest furs in the world. Today, I still utilize those same techniques to create my signature collection.

Life brought me to South Florida, where I became passionate about using fashion as a means to empower women. In 2009, the perfect opportunity arose for me to fulfill that mission. I eagerly embraced the chance to teach Fashion Design to incarcerated women as part of the re-entry vocational program for the Florida Department of Corrections. It has been a rewarding experience, and I'm proud to use my expertise to make a positive impact on the lives of these women.