WHAT’S YOUR LEGACY?
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
In celebration of Black History Month, we're amplifying the voices of the Black community while remarking on the history that influences the legacy to come. Throughout the month, we're highlighting Banana Republic employees from all departments and asking them to share their stories and the legacy they aim to leave behind.
DELONTÉ HAILSTOCK | BR Senior Designer
Who are prominent figures in your life that inspire you to live authentically?
I’ve always been inspired by regular people in my life. And as a designer, I express myself through clothes. Growing up and seeing how people dress and visually express themselves on the street has always inspired me to do the same. Also, Andre Leon Talley. Man! People don’t realize what we just lost. He showed me that no matter where I came from, I could be seen. I could be a part of fashion. I didn’t have to be a certain type of person and I didn’t need to fit in. Such a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. I’m NO comparison, but I want to be able to offer that to someone else.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I just want to be able to do some good in the world. Big or small. Every day I try to put a smile on somebody’s face. It can be that simple.
PAMELA NANTON | BR Manager, Technical Design
Who are prominent figures in your life that inspire you to live authentically?
My Pastor from New York, my Life Coach and my parents taught me to stay prayed up and treat people like I want to be treated.
How do you make your voice heard at BR and in the world?
I am not a shy person and I use my voice to help others—I look out for others and try my best to not ever be selfish. I give and give of myself until I am exhausted.
What do you want your legacy to be?
That I survived Breast Cancer from 2005 like a Diva Boss. That I helped by fighting and standing up for others.
MARTHA CHERY | BR Senior Stylist
Who are prominent figures in your life that inspire you to live authentically?
My mother. She immigrated to the US from Haiti in 1970 and raised my brothers and I as a single mother in New York City. Her unwavering spirit and resiliency always inspire me. She would always tell me, “No one is better than you and you’re not better than anyone else but, God only made one you – so be the best at that.” It has always reminded me to be my authentic self no matter where life takes me.
What does legacy mean to you?
To me, legacy is opening or walking through a door and making sure to keep it open for others.
How do you make your voice heard at BR and in the world?
Growing up with four brothers, I’ve always had to make my voice heard and couldn’t be afraid to speak my mind. As an adult, I learned that listening is just as important as speaking out. Reaming curious and open to learning gives me confidence in the contribution my voice brings to any situation.
CHRIS LAWRENCE | BR Editorial Men's Manager
Who are prominent figures in your life that inspire you to live authentically?
I’m inspired by so many people, but my family is my first true source of inspiration. I am first generation American. My parents were born in Guyana, and it was their dream to make a life for themselves here. My parents have always taught me to live authentically. As a middle child, my siblings are truly an inspiration. They both live life on their own terms and aspire to be as cool as dynamic.
What does legacy mean to you?
Legacy isn’t about what I have done with my time on this Earth, it’s about the doors I’ve opened for others. It’s about the model I can present to my future children and generations after me. Growing up, I had many role models but no one directly in my industry. My legacy is not just being seen; it’s about making a difference so I’m not an outlier but a series of role models for others.
MARQUIS BURCH | BR Brand Marketing
What does legacy mean to you?
Legacy feels like a buzzword most times, but to me I believe legacy is more like a crater than a name on a building. Craters leave impact that last for eons. It shapes how we move around, changes the actual landscape and how we interact with our environment. Some people seek out names on buildings – which is impressive to those who know them and can witness its unveiling. But buildings crumble, people move on. That “legacy” dies once people stop caring to maintain it. Craters exist whether people care or not. Craters are ideals that can be passed on and embodied by generations after you die.
How do you make your voice heard at BR and in the world?
I take up the space I believe I deserve. I don’t shy away from saying things if I believe I have something to say. I also commit my time to organizations and mentorship opportunities to give people support and inspiration that they too can use their power of choice to benefit themselves and their communities.
DERIOUS BROWN / Banana Republic General Manager
Who are prominent figures in your life that inspire you to live authentically?
My grandparents and [my] parents are a huge part of the man I am today, but also continue to inspire me to be the best version of myself that I could possibly be.
How do you make your voice heard at BR and in the world?
I am no quiet individual, but I assure that my growth, my authenticity and life’s attributes show up in all that I do. I believe that blend helps my voice to be heard.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I want people to say I created laughter in their life at all times. That I kept a positive outlook on life, but also shared that with others. I want to make a fashion statement on this planet when it’s all said and done.
CHANELLE MINNS / Banana Republic District Manager
What does legacy mean to you?
Legacy means I made an impact. Legacy means even when I am no longer here in the physical, I left a story behind to be remembered and carried on
How do you make your voice heard? At BR and in the world?
I speak. Even If I am not the loudest one in the room. Even if I'm scared and my voice trembles I speak up. And with that voice I also take the time to listen intently.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I hope my legacy is one of influence, power, strength, and family.
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
In celebration of Black History Month, we're amplifying the voices of the Black community while remarking on the history that influences the legacy to come. Throughout the month, we're highlighting Banana Republic employees from all departments and asking them to share their stories and the legacy they aim to leave behind.
DELONTÉ HAILSTOCK | BR Senior Designer
Who are prominent figures in your life that inspire you to live authentically?
I’ve always been inspired by regular people in my life. And as a designer, I express myself through clothes. Growing up and seeing how people dress and visually express themselves on the street has always inspired me to do the same. Also, Andre Leon Talley. Man! People don’t realize what we just lost. He showed me that no matter where I came from, I could be seen. I could be a part of fashion. I didn’t have to be a certain type of person and I didn’t need to fit in. Such a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. I’m NO comparison, but I want to be able to offer that to someone else.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I just want to be able to do some good in the world. Big or small. Every day I try to put a smile on somebody’s face. It can be that simple.
PAMELA NANTON | BR Manager, Technical Design
Who are prominent figures in your life that inspire you to live authentically?
My Pastor from New York, my Life Coach and my parents taught me to stay prayed up and treat people like I want to be treated.
How do you make your voice heard at BR and in the world?
I am not a shy person and I use my voice to help others—I look out for others and try my best to not ever be selfish. I give and give of myself until I am exhausted.
What do you want your legacy to be?
That I survived Breast Cancer from 2005 like a Diva Boss. That I helped by fighting and standing up for others.
MARTHA CHERY | BR Senior Stylist
Who are prominent figures in your life that inspire you to live authentically?
My mother. She immigrated to the US from Haiti in 1970 and raised my brothers and I as a single mother in New York City. Her unwavering spirit and resiliency always inspire me. She would always tell me, “No one is better than you and you’re not better than anyone else but, God only made one you – so be the best at that.” It has always reminded me to be my authentic self no matter where life takes me.
What does legacy mean to you?
To me, legacy is opening or walking through a door and making sure to keep it open for others.
How do you make your voice heard at BR and in the world?
Growing up with four brothers, I’ve always had to make my voice heard and couldn’t be afraid to speak my mind. As an adult, I learned that listening is just as important as speaking out. Reaming curious and open to learning gives me confidence in the contribution my voice brings to any situation.
CHRIS LAWRENCE | BR Editorial Men's Manager
Who are prominent figures in your life that inspire you to live authentically?
I’m inspired by so many people, but my family is my first true source of inspiration. I am first generation American. My parents were born in Guyana, and it was their dream to make a life for themselves here. My parents have always taught me to live authentically. As a middle child, my siblings are truly an inspiration. They both live life on their own terms and aspire to be as cool as dynamic.
What does legacy mean to you?
Legacy isn’t about what I have done with my time on this Earth, it’s about the doors I’ve opened for others. It’s about the model I can present to my future children and generations after me. Growing up, I had many role models but no one directly in my industry. My legacy is not just being seen; it’s about making a difference so I’m not an outlier but a series of role models for others.
MARQUIS BURCH | BR Brand Marketing
What does legacy mean to you?
Legacy feels like a buzzword most times, but to me I believe legacy is more like a crater than a name on a building. Craters leave impact that last for eons. It shapes how we move around, changes the actual landscape and how we interact with our environment. Some people seek out names on buildings – which is impressive to those who know them and can witness its unveiling. But buildings crumble, people move on. That “legacy” dies once people stop caring to maintain it. Craters exist whether people care or not. Craters are ideals that can be passed on and embodied by generations after you die.
How do you make your voice heard at BR and in the world?
I take up the space I believe I deserve. I don’t shy away from saying things if I believe I have something to say. I also commit my time to organizations and mentorship opportunities to give people support and inspiration that they too can use their power of choice to benefit themselves and their communities.
DERIOUS BROWN / Banana Republic General Manager
Who are prominent figures in your life that inspire you to live authentically?
My grandparents and [my] parents are a huge part of the man I am today, but also continue to inspire me to be the best version of myself that I could possibly be.
How do you make your voice heard at BR and in the world?
I am no quiet individual, but I assure that my growth, my authenticity and life’s attributes show up in all that I do. I believe that blend helps my voice to be heard.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I want people to say I created laughter in their life at all times. That I kept a positive outlook on life, but also shared that with others. I want to make a fashion statement on this planet when it’s all said and done.
CHANELLE MINNS / Banana Republic District Manager
What does legacy mean to you?
Legacy means I made an impact. Legacy means even when I am no longer here in the physical, I left a story behind to be remembered and carried on
How do you make your voice heard? At BR and in the world?
I speak. Even If I am not the loudest one in the room. Even if I'm scared and my voice trembles I speak up. And with that voice I also take the time to listen intently.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I hope my legacy is one of influence, power, strength, and family.
