Episode 6: Friend...or Foe?

A-Y: The Process

Love and light; our sixth episode welcomes founder of SwapDC, Zsameria Rayford.

Zsameria Rayford is the creator of SwapDC, a Washington, DC based company aimed to bring awareness to the consequences of consumerism on our environment and culture. With experiences that range from organizing community-building events to producing virtual conferences to full time creative (creative director / stylist / DJ/ healer), Zsameria is passionate about creatively promoting recycling and cultivating community engagement by way of up-cycled fashion. Known for her unique style approach, this DC native uses her eclectic background and years in the fashion industry to be the driving force to empower and influence progression in her community. She utilizes her skills as both a strategic community influencer and event organizer to secure and host some of the most influential events in the metro area.

Most recently, SwapDC launched a youth initiative program to educate students on ways to recycle and upcylce clothing, to help with textile waste. Partnering with other second-hand enthusiasts and organizations, this program creatively brings awareness to environmental justice, social justice and sustainability for a better future for all. In addition, and amidst the global pandemic, she curated "The Revival 2021", a virtual cultural space that highlighted local creatives and a marketplace to help financially support individual artists. Currently, Zsameria continues to pave the way to create and empower environmental sustainability while building environmental literacy.

Our discourse will be authentic, raw, and spell-bounding as we engage in discussion regarding the specific steps that should be taken, to reach your professional goals, while maintaining (or adapting) within personal relationships. From conception to inception, this episode challenges the concept of “overnight success,” while heralding the result of hard work, dedication, and astute self-promotion. From building a unique business from the ground up, to maintaining relevance in an ever-evolving social economy; everyone has a story to tell. Let’s hear that of this ultimate entrepreneur and queen: Zsameria Rayford.