Meet the Designers

“Art should be appreciated; not discarded in a basement or lost in a jewelry box.” A Columbus, Ohio native, Kincs by Nicki, Founder and Designer Nichole “Nicki” Burton is a self-taught artist and designer who turned her passion for drawing and painting into a sustainable enterprise. Burton’s creative instinct propels her to experiment with color and texture, producing a signature style that has evolved into a vibrant, unique brand of wearable art. Burton masterfully combines colors, textiles, and cultural relevancy to create pieces that resonate with its future owner. Each piece should be a one-of-a-kind work of art; she intentionally ensures that no hand-painted piece is the same. Additionally, Burton operates a mobile art studio that turns any location into an art studio in minutes. She also hosts themed “Paint & Sip” events throughout the year.

Justin Campbell is a fashion designer and painter living and working in Columbus Ohio’s Franklinton Arts District. Proud to be an Akron, Ohio native, he received his education in Interior Design, Arts Administration and Textiles from The University of Akron. Since then, he has enjoyed many creative endeavors, such as illustrating architectural renderings and books, designing clothing, painting murals, gallery work and planning special events. Sparked by his mother’s interest in sewing and his brother’s interest in sketching, Justin has been in love with the idea of being a creative professional since childhood. Currently, he is dedicated to his figurative paintings and fashion designs, and his focus is to provide the world with fun and innovative imagery and wearable art. Motivated by an inherent and true love of creativity, and his insatiable appetite for all things beautiful, he is continuously working in his studio and plans to open a public gallery space to house and display his growing collections.

tailoring and unique patterns, colors, and materials. He has earned a reputation for one-of-a-kind eye-catching designs that exude femininity and class. A Dreamer of DACA, born in Puebla Mexico, Ferret calls upon his Mexican heritage to bring inspiration.  The influence of world-renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo is evident in Ferret’s work, which embraces a bright and beautiful color palette and wide-ranging fabrics. Ferret is self-taught and his first collection debuted in Spring 2013. His designs have been featured on numerous tv shows and publications, have been a part of NYC’s Fashion Week, and have been worn by multiple celebrities.

Dominique Featherstone is a multifaceted professional with a background in healthcare, specializing in sexual health. With a passion for promoting well-being and education, Dominique merges his expertise in healthcare with his interests in fashion and art. His unique perspective allows him to approach issues of health and wellness creatively, advocating for both self-expression and informed choices. Through his work, Dominique strives to empower individuals to embrace their identity and health with confidence

Corey Hazel is a designer with a diverse background in architecture and robotics, bringing a unique, technical perspective to the world of fashion. Hailing from Columbus, Ohio, Corey attended the University of Cincinnati, where his passion for Architectural design first took root. His love for fine arts and music has always been a driving force in his creative process, infusing each project with a blend of artistic expression and structural precision.

Kevin Holley and Aita Carmichael both thought that there needed to be a bridge between customers and designers that allowed them to have a loud voice speaking to what they wanted and desired. Thus began their journey into menswear and womenswear. They love what they do; it is their passion. To be completely innovative, bold and fearless, to take chances and bend the rules. They do not follow trends. They pave the way for them. They are evolving every single day; their story is still a canvas that is being painted, and they would love for you to be a part of it.

Aita Carmichael, Fashion Designer in Harlem, NY has been creating timeless fashion collections using all kinds of Textiles. Her work which has been published in several magazines and has received many awards for her talent. She has partnered with Kevin Holley who has a unique passionate eye for Fashion, Design, and Style. Together they created RENAISSANCE COUTURE a collection of head turning clothing for men and women. Renaissance Couture works to satisfy and meet every customer’s fashion needs regardless of size and cultural interests. Fabric and fit are so important! It is foundational! Through their artistic design, they bring out the best look from each one of their customers.

Morgan Howard is a fashion designer known for their distinctive blend of contemporary aesthetics and cut and sew designs. Since launching her brand in 2020, Morgan has been a featured designer in shows all over Ohio, once in Miami, styled music videos for a notable recording label, worked on the 2022 Columbus Fashion Week Style team, and much more. Her designs reflect a deep appreciation for culture and craftsmanship. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Morgan is committed to redefining modern fashion.

Meet K Renee! Kimberly took her skills learned in 6th grade Home Economics and started to go to thrift stores in college to upcycle clothes and make them into original garments so she wouldn’t be dressed like anyone else. Kimberly moved to Atlanta, Georgia to further her career as the Midwest didn’t have as much to offer her creativity. Since moving to Atlanta, she has styled and/or designed for celebrities such as Shamea from Atlanta Housewives to rapper Akbar V! K Renee has also expanded her brand to include interior design and resin art.

Phantashia Johnson, who goes by Phan, is a wife, mother, and artist. She obtained a Fashion Design Degree from Kent State University in 2014. There she created the original concept for her business, The Aya Emporium. Aya means resourcefulness and endurance which is a direct reflection of her life and how she operates. She has a special interest in using African fabrics, and designs that are simple but have purpose. She creates everything from custom garments to hair accessories, including her specialty Durags which have allowed her business to take off. When you support The Aya Emporium, you support a Black, women-owned business building a family legacy!

Elyse Jones is a self-taught, published Fashion Designer located in Columbus, Ohio. Her signature brand, Cutting EDJ Designs, is a creative, unique, expressive brand that was built to be the ideal confident, fashion forward example that every person needs. Totally trendy, contemporary, and sophisticated, Cutting EDJ provides personal fashionable services to individuals that are seeking not only natural beauty enhancement but to also bring out the fierceness that lives within all of us. One aspect near and dear to this brand is reassuring that no matter what, there is more to you than what you see in the mirror. Cutting EDJ has begun to bridge the fashion gap between self-consciousness and fashionable clothes.

Based in the Washington D.C. area, Jaquan Leonard is a dynamic creative designer and corporate program manager. With a deep passion for design, he harnesses his creativity across diverse formats, including art, fashion, film, and photography. Jaquan began his journey in garment creation in 2018 as a hobby. He’s set to launch his own fashion underwear brand in 2025. The brand will focus on providing unique and inclusive styles for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Maxx is a Columbus, Ohio-based luxury womenswear fashion designer and the visionary behind Maxx Marsico Maison. Known for creating opulent bridal and evening wear, Maxx blends bold design concepts with refined craftsmanship to bring every client’s unique vision to life. Specializing in custom-made gowns, Maxx’s work is rooted in attention to detail and a commitment to elegance. Maxx’s signature style incorporates innovative textiles and timeless silhouettes.

Alexandria Jay was established in 2017. Jasmine participated in Fashion Week Columbus in 2019 and New York Fashion Week in 2020. She has showcased her designs in numerous fashion shows around Columbus, including Bee Foster’s fashion shows for three years and the Power of Women events in 2017 and 2018. Jasmine also helped design alongside Jimelle Levon costumes for the rap group City Girls for their BET Awards performance, world premiere video, and world tour in 2022

Adrian is an American menswear designer that specializes in athletic wear and street wear. Growing up in the Midwest, he has a wide range of design influences. Black culture, pop culture, and the people and places around him have molded him into who he is today. Although clothing design is his passion, he is a true creative, and is also proficient in drawing and writing.

The KenneshaNycole brand is a luxury brand that creates timeless pieces for those who understand and value the finer aspects of fashion. Kennesha’s designs stand apart from societal norms and maintain a steadfast design philosophy, separating those who truly grasp the essence of luxury from those who do not.

By day, Karla is an Intervention Specialist for Columbus City Schools, married with six children. By night or any other spare time of the day, Karla is a plus size model and Designer/Stylist with a brand called “THICK-iish.” In 2018, along with Karla’s husband Tracey, they started a t-shirt business called “PERSONal Touch and Such,” where they customize shirts and other items. Soon after, THICK-iish was created and has since evolved into an entire fashion and styling line. The THICK-iish women is luxuriant, exuberant, and unrestrained in enthusiasm and style. She is just plain more. THICK-iish is not just a size, but a whole attitude! In The Underground BOSS Magazine, May 2019 edition, THICK-iish was titled “a fresh look on curvy fashion wear.”

For over 45 years, Princella Price has developed her love of fashion design into an extensive body of work that has made her one of the most talked about designers in the Midwest. These designs include garments made for some of Ohio’s most affluent residents, from business leaders to the religious sector. After many projects, events, and surviving cancer, Princess decided to create her fashion brand “Ella Price,” which has been featured in NYC and Midwest fashion weeks

Born and raised in Ohio, Jamel Isaac is an artist specializing in clay and fashion design. With 3 years of experience in the fashion industry, Jamel creates unique, timeless high-fashion pieces that blend luxury with an edgy flair, designed for everyday wear.

Drawing inspiration from global fashion and art, Jamel is captivated by how style shapes communities, both locally and internationally. A major influence on his work is Alexander McQueen, whose edgy yet beautiful designs inspire his creative direction.

Jamel is dedicated to bringing innovative, high-fashion concepts to life while celebrating the beauty of diversity through his art.

Damien Sheppard Sr. is a Columbus, OH native and a seasoned fashion designer and entrepreneur. After graduating from Columbus East High School, he studied fashion design at Norfolk State University, where he also played basketball. It was during this time that he founded his custom apparel line, MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS. He later honed his skills through business studies and fashion design classes at Columbus State Community College and the University of Cincinnati.

Damien’s career began in retail at Just For Feet, where he helped grow stores across multiple locations. He later worked at a tuxedo rental company and a major Midwest fashion retailer, gaining recognition for his custom designs, including personalized Nike Air Force 1’s. After taking a break to study sewing under renowned designer Bea Foster, he debuted in fashion shows, including CMH Fashion Week, and expanded his work to Atlanta in 2015, where he launched a ready-to-wear line, MAN PRO.

Upon returning to Columbus to be closer to his son, Damien founded two new fashion brands—C/O, a nod to his city and state, and DRUG WAR VETERAN, which honors victims and survivors of the war on drugs. As the founder of DAME SHEPP DESIGN CONCEPTS, he now mentors aspiring designers and creatives, helping them build their own brands while continuing to push forward his own ventures.

Damien has become a pillar in the local fashion community, winning awards for Best Menswear Designer and Brand, and is known for his trendsetting style, including pioneering the jogger pant. His ultimate goal is to create innovative, globally recognized designs while inspiring the next generation of fashion creatives.

Oliver Valdienne, born and raised in Columbus, is a visionary in avant-punk couture, blending rebellious energy with high fashion. Known as a fashion anarchist, Oliver creates one-of-a-kind pieces that defy convention, offering an unapologetic fusion of rock-and-roll attitude and edgy, bold designs. Each creation is not just clothing but a statement—a fun and fearless experience that challenges norms and celebrates individuality. Living by the motto, “Fashion never dies, people do,” Oliver’s work is a testament to the eternal power of style.