Students, staff, faculty and alumni came together in Kenan Auditorium on Feb. 9 for the Upperman African American Cultural Center’s annual fashion show. The production, organized every year as a part of UNCW’s homecoming and Black History Month festivities, featured live rappers, a local DJ and a rich collection of book-inspired student designs.

With the rise of fast fashion in recent decades and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, remaining small businesses face challenges of existing in an oversaturated, fast-paced consumer landscape. In spite of the challenges, people like Courtney Rivenbark, owner and creator of Cococlem, persist with their small businesses, focusing on sustainable, ethical products that make a positive impact in the fashion world. As a size-inclusive, made-to-order clothing brand with all fabric prints designed by Rivenbark, her business is truly unique to her.

Editor’s Note: Veronica Wernicke is a freshman at UNCW majoring in Communication Studies and is the Assistant Opinion Editor for The Seahawk. The opinions expressed in this article are solely those...