Ambassador & Business Mentor
As Ambassador & Business Mentor for the Informa Markets Incubator program, Showroom worked with the Informa team to elevate the voices and work of Black-owned brands and designers of color.
About the Partnership
In 2024, Informa Markets Fashion for Change (IMFC) welcomed Elaine Mensah, Founder & CEO of Showroom Etc, as Business Mentor for its annual incubator program.
Each season, Elaine guides 10-15 emerging Black-owned fashion brands across the MAGIC, PROJECT, and COTERIE trade show platforms, offering strategic business and brand-building insights each season.
Additionally, Elaine designs and lead business and learning sessions that deliver practical, foundational skills for success in the fashion industry, including:
- Wholesale strategy & trade show readiness
- Brand positioning & storytelling
- Retail relationships & growth planning
Her mentorship leverages two decades plus of industry expertise to nurture the next generation of innovative designers.
About the Program
Launched in 2020, the Informa Incubator Program is a corporate initiative committed to fostering allyship, inclusion, and equality in the fashion industry.
Each year, the program provides:
- Complimentary trade show participation at COTERIE (NYC), PROJECT (Las Vegas), and MAGIC (Las Vegas)
- Personalized mentorship from industry leaders
- Extensive marketing and editorial features
- Business development resources to accelerate growth
The program supports Black-owned, minority-owned, women-owned, and LGBTQIA+-owned brands, equipping them with tools, visibility, and opportunities to thrive.
About the Program
Launched in 2020, the Informa Incubator Program is a corporate initiative committed to fostering allyship, inclusion, and equality in the fashion industry.
Each year, the program provides:
- Complimentary trade show participation at COTERIE (NYC), PROJECT (Las Vegas), and MAGIC (Las Vegas)
- Personalized mentorship from industry leaders
- Extensive marketing and editorial features
- Business development resources to accelerate growth
The program supports Black-owned, minority-owned, women-owned, and LGBTQIA+-owned brands, equipping them with tools, visibility, and opportunities to thrive.
Brands We Mentored
Build Market Influence, Not Just Presence
Through our partnership with Informa, we connected visionary brands and serious buyers to opportunities that convert into long-term growth. If you’re seeking curated access and global relevance, we’re your entry point.