Meet Eve Clark of Parrish St Fashion District in Tempe

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eve Clark.

Eve, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
It all started in 2017… Nov 2017 my husband, a business associate and I created the Roots Fashion Event. Our goal was to feature as many minority vendors, models, spoken word artists, visual artists and emerging designers as possible in one space.

The event was a success and yielded over 35 local vendors, nine designers, eight artists and a crowd of about 250 people. That day we brought awareness to several brands which have gone on to become influencers in the black art and fashion Phoenix market including Herstori Wraps, RBG Tees, Nkosi Collection, ARIA FARI, and artist Antoinette Cauley to name few.

The next step in our mission was to provide a networking hub for that same demographic to support each other in business, circulate their dollars and expand their clientele base. We opened the Parrish St Fashion District in April of 2018 and since then have hosted several highly successful model calls for the Tru 2 You Movement, Qweendom, ARIA FARI, as well as Natori’s Club model agency.

To engage the next gen of fashionistas, Parrish St has also provided two kids sewing classes, an emerging model walk class, and an adult sewing social workshop in connection with AZ Curves creator Christina Joy. Looking into the future… We are planning a large scale Arts and Culture event to once again feature cut and sew emerging designers, visual artists, dancers and a host of other creatives which we call CULTURESCAPE.

Our membership website is close to launch, and we look forward to becoming the go-to resource for locating and networking with minority fashion and art professionals in the West.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely has NOT been a smooth road. Our biggest challenge is sponsorship. Parrish St is a non-profit organization currently in application for 501c3 status while we await finalization; however, the entire project is financed by myself and my husband as the directors as well as the fees for services we provide and classes we offer.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Parrish St Fashion District – what should we know?
Outside of our story info, I believe what sets us apart is our mission. We don’t want to be the next New York, LA, or even Phoenix fashion week. Our goal is to become a resource for local creatives in fashion, art and adjunct industries.

We want to see strong networking and opportunities created for photographers, makeup artists, stylists, and boutiques in addition to designers, models, agencies, dancers, singers, poets, and artists. We have a strong connection to our community and seek to see that demographic thrive.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Absolutely have to give credit to Dream Bucket Media, who was our partner in the first Roots Fashion Event show. We would not be on this path if they had not asked us to curate the show with them. Strong thanks to Anneke Mitchell who has been with us from the first show until today and continues to network with us on a high level.

Contact Info:

• Address: 4646 S. Ash Ave Suite 101, Tempe AZ
• Website: psfdistrict.org
• Phone: 1-866-ROYALS
• Email: psfdistrict@gmail.com
• Facebook: Facebook.com/parrishst

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