The women were dressed to perfection. There were five-inch heels, denim jumpsuits, and studded shoulder pads. If you wanted to see what a New York fashionista looked liked, then this was the place to be.

Emerging designers and stylists filled the midtown loft that hosted “We Run the Night;” a networking mixer for those in the fashion industry looking to make the right connections, with the right people.

Hosted by J’Lynn Designs Agency (JLDA), the Aug. 11 mixer featured a host of celebrities and fashion industry insiders including, Emily B. of “Love & Hip Hop” and R&B singer Jade Alston . “We Run the Night” featured panelists from Black Enterprise, Kontrol magazine and other top publications.

“I’ve been to networking events that were boring and I wouldn’t meet people within my industry,” Jessica Lynn, founder of JLDA, said. “They were a waste of time…I wanted to create an event for the upcoming designer or stylist who wasn’t sure on how to break into the industry.”

In January 2012, the Haitian- American businesswoman envisioned a networking event that had a “fashion flare” for new designers and stylists. It was important for her to create an event that would not only be fun to attend, but would also educate those in attendance.

Initially an event production company, JLDA took off in May 2011 and slowly transitioned into a full-fledged agency offering representation to clients who need exposure. “I came to terms that within in this industry, representation is crucial,” Lynn said. JLDA’s primary clients are designers, stylists and makeup artists; however Lynn is open to working with anyone who has “drive” and “realistic goals.”

I learned from my parents that the things you want in life will not be handed to you,” she said. Having that strong mentality of a Haitian woman has given me the utmost confidence that I can succeed in this business and help others do the same.

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