Member Stories

BERIQISU

Manhattan
Drawing inspiration from her upbringing in Boston, her heritage in Ghana, and her experiences as a designer in New York City, Belkis Whyte created her international fashion brand BERIQISU on the foundation of inclusion, transparency, and education. Pronounced “Berry-Key-Sue,” Belkis named her line after her given birth name Beriqisu, developing a brand aligned with her own global lifestyle. In addition to growing her fashion line, Belkis has made it her mission to pay it forward to Ghana and the new generation of women and girls by supporting educational and vocational programs. Committed to making a positive social impact, Belkis not only purchases all fabric used in her fashion line directly from local fabric houses in Ghana, but her company also provides financial and in-kind contributions to local schools in Accra.

“The goal of BERIQISU is for each stakeholder to feel empowered and proud, from the fabric purchase, to manufacturing, to ultimately, the client.”

With a background designing for brands such as Natori, Ralph Lauren, Kate Spade, Burberry, Victoria’s Secret, and Nautica, Belkis has developed a wide range of skills. Having experience working with the delicate intricacies of intimate apparel as well as the sharp clean lines of tailored menswear, Belkis lets her unique skills shine through her tasteful, modern, and personalized brand BERIQISU.

What does your company make?

BERIQISU is a clothing and accessories brand that offers a variety of clothing collections, bags, hair accessories, and masks.

What’s the story behind your business?

BERIQISU started as a vintage clothing shop on Etsy and has developed into a lifestyle brand featuring clothes and accessories for men and women.

What is your favorite product right now?

Our masks, headbands, and clothing.

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