Melody Asherman Delivers a New Tune to Newark's Fashion Scene
Melody Asherman, CEO & Founder of Everrything Rrouge
“The woman I dress is fearless, bold, and strong. She’s classy with a rebellious side. She makes her own rules and stands out. She’s confident and is not afraid to be who she is. You either love her or hate her. She’s Rrouge!”
Fashion comes in all shapes, sizes, fabrics… and melodies? When fashion designer, Melody Asherman gets into her groove of sewing and creating a unique tune is created. A tune I can only describe as one you can’t help but turn up too, both loud and boastful… the sound you desire when you’re in need of a sunny day. But her tune doesn’t belong trapped in speaker boxers; it belongs on the bodies of all women and fashion runways around the globe.
Melody is the Founder & CEO of Everrything Rrouge, an upscale women’s collection of clothing. Melody has planned & produced Femme Fatale Fashion Show, presented at African Fashion Week D.C., presented at Ankara Miami, planned Everrything Rrouge NYFW, presented at Monrovia Fashion Week USA, and has even worked with Munaluchi Bridal for their Spring 2018 Magazine.
Although born in Newark, New Jersey, the clothing designed and created by Melody is heavily influenced by her culture and native roots of Liberia, Africa. This is apparent in her choice of colorful fabrics and cultural prints found on many of her pieces.
I had the opportunity to sit down with Liberian-American designer Melody Asherman to discuss her line Everything Rrouge, her journey of becoming an entrepreneur and more!
What inspires you to remain in the fashion industry?
Melody: My love for Fashion allows me to truly remain passionate in what I do. I’m a creator at heart… fashion, designing, and runways will forever be a part of me. In order to stay on top of the ever-changing fashion industry, I challenge myself. How can I be better than I was yesterday? Fashion is my inner fire and it isn’t close to dimming out!
What was the hardest thing for you getting started?
Melody: The hardest thing for me getting started was actually getting over the same doubts I believe many new business owners go through… Am I good enough? Is my product good enough? Will my product actually sell? How well will my product be received by the general public?
What does a typical day look like for you as a business owner?
Melody: I wake up every day at 7am. I like to start my day by reading Our Daily Bread. After, I head to work at my 9-5. After work, I return home from my day job I decompress for an hour. Once rejuvenated, I begin sewing at 7pm. I usually go to bed around 11pm. As for the weekends, I’m usually busy finishing orders for customers, doing photo shoots or runways. I sometimes have to literally find energy, but it’s always worth it from the smiles of my clients or the positive feedback from a successful photo shoot.
What does your clothing have in common with Newark?
Melody: Newark has so many cultures, being born in Newark and having family ties to Liberia. My clothing shares my flavor and combines my two worlds.
In 5 words sell your product?
Vibrant! Show-Stopping! Fierce! Confident! & Powerful!
What are your goals for 2019?
Melody: My 2019 goals are to work with more celebrities and to receive many more editorials. I also would like to continue creating one-off concepts for my photo shoots. Obviously, I want to keep breaking the bank.
What do you think of the Makerhoods’ mission?
Melody: I thought it was perfect timing. Newark is transforming and turning into a mecca for talented individuals… Instead of allowing the talent to escape from Newark into New York or Los Angeles. Makerhoods wants to create a community of Entrepreneurs allowing them to showcase their talents to the city in which they love and grew up in. It’s amazing and I need to be a part of it. I was actually at the first meetup which was centered on fashion and business.
What advice would you tell your younger self?
Melody: You’re perfect just the way you are. You’re one of a kind sis! You’re height and look makes you unique. Live in confidence and seek to become the best you by following your dreams. “You Poppin’, You Lit”
Anthony Smith, Community Outreach Coordinator
After graduating college and returning back to my hometown of Newark, NJ I became a member of the Newark Makerhoods team. This transformative experience put me in touch with many local entrepreneurs who are all in different business stages, ranging from established to upstart. Newark is a thriving city for talented creators. I'm here to share their stories and launch their business to the everyday public’s eye.