Meet The Designers

 Daynah Grant -Trend Anomaly 

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Daynah Grant is all about standing out and standing for something, fusing her passions for Cosplay, alternative fashion, and social causes through her design projects at WSU. She talks about how she got started, what inspires her, and looking forward to her future career as a professional designer.

Things flowed together

It's often a role model that inspires young people to pursue creative careers. It's no wonder that for Daynah, that role model was a superhero who sees the future. "I used to love to watch the show 'That's So Raven' when I was a kid. I thought it was so cool that she was a fashion designer," says Daynah. After she graduated from high school in 2015, Daynah began to develop her sewing talents by enrolling in an industrial sewing program at Detroit Sew in Pontiac. Participation in that program led to a job, and eventually to her enrolling in fashion design at WSU. Her path to fashion design set off from there. "I never thought that it would come to where I would actually be in college for Fashion Design! But once I learned how to sew, I realized that I actually really love it and it's my best skill. It all flowed together."

Standing out

Daynah has been inspired by Cosplay since she discovered anime. Her excellent sewing skills opened up a world of opportunity for her to express herself and dive into the cosplay community. "Ever since I started watching anime I wanted to cosplay," Daynah explains. "But I could never do it because costumes are expensive and I didn't even know where to start. Once I started learning to sew, I realized that I could sew my costumes! I started around 2016 and it just snowballed from there." Through cosplay, she sees the opportunity for young people to learn a variety of design skills. "When you're a cosplayer you literally become talented in so many different aspects of design - you become a foamsmither, a hair dresser, a makeup artist, and of course a sewer." She also thinks it's a great way to feel empowered, go against the grain, and connect with new people. "I like Cosplay because it's about standing out," she explains. "It challenges people's views of what's normal and what's not. And it is great when people recognize and connect with a character that I am playing. I feel like I have powers when I wear these costumes!"

Jaunita Ceaser- J Ceaser Collection

Personal Designer Juanita Caesar is a proud native of Michigan, with a passion for design that has been with her since childhood. From an early age, she channeled her creativity into designing for her dolls. Her first design competition, a Christmas-themed doll contest for the Salvation Army, resulted in her winning first place—a moment that ignited her lifelong passion for fashion.

Caesar’s admiration for European Haute Couture, entertainment, and media design has always inspired her work. Her designs are timeless, multifaceted, and one-of-a-kind creations—handmade garments suited for any event, crafted for the trendsetter. Her men’s sportswear collection has been featured in Detroit Sportz magazine, and her designs have even graced the White House stage at a tribute to Motown founder Berry Gordy. One of the highlights of her career was being approached by legendary Motown artist Martha Reeves, a Walk of Fame recipient, who requested a custom design for the White House event. It was a privilege for Caesar to style Martha for such a memorable occasion.

A passionate advocate for nonprofit causes, Caesar’s designs have helped raise funds for organizations like the American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and the American Red Cross. Her community efforts have earned her accolades, including award certificates for service from the Mayor of Detroit, the House of Representatives, and the Detroit Branch of the NAACP. Caesar also served on the African American Leadership Red Cross Executive Board, under the leadership of Heather Johnson.

In addition to her design work, she hosted the inspirational radio program "Gospel Spotlight" on 1440 WMKM, where she highlighted individuals making a positive impact in the community.

Caesar's love for design has allowed her to craft sculptural garments that prioritize shape, volume, comfort, convenience, and the unique silhouette of each client. Her focus is to blur the lines between art and fashion, embracing artistic expression in every creation. The J. Caesar Collection is dedicated to creating quality handmade, one of a kind garments!

Madison Muszynski- 707 Clothing heaven 

I am a fashion and textile designer from Detroit and studied fashion, textile design, and business at Wayne State University, graduating in 2022.  This is where I developed a passion for sustainability, low-waste practices, and transparent production within the fashion industry. Being in school and creating many projects, I quickly realized how wasteful creating can be - sometimes I felt I was doing more harm to the environment than good.  That's when I started experimenting with ways to reuse waste materials and be the most sustainable. Intentionally create and be as low waste as possible.  Making sure I think the whole creation and production process through. Now, my work is rooted in sustainability, upcycling, and going against traditional production methods. I love to create and it is a way of healing and self-expression for me - but it should not be at the cost of the environment.  

How much waste will this create? What can I make from that waste? How am I preserving material? How will this garment live on? 

These questions are always at the top of my mind. 

My passion project turned into my brand, 707CLOTHINGHEAVEN, in 2021, and with each garment, I aim to bring awareness to circularity, upcycling, and other ways to keep materials from their inevitable ending in a landfill. I intentionally craft every piece with sustainability practices in mind and with a transparent production process.

Lashandra Massey- MeCheZeeCoz

In 1995 life empowered my love for God through traumatizing experiences: rape and torture, marriage and divorce; verbal and physical abuse, homelessness, and burglaries are the many memories of Detroit. Crafting is my solitude by designing from deep within the soul. I suffer from Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, and fear which God led me to birth the Woman Crying Out Ministry. Which is purposed for strengthening through altruism, prayer, support, encouragement, phone calls, and gifting designer pieces with inspired butterfly and cross embellishments made by myself and my children. God restores Brokenness, and all things make them anew! We began to donate to women’s shelters in care packages, feeding the homeless, and offering encouragement to them by understanding the loss they were challenged with. 

At a young age I had a passion for fashion and design. My mother taught me how to sew at the age of 7 by hand after she noticed me designing doll clothes from tissue, paper, clothes, etc… In 1999 I started my business as Miraculous Beads under Women Crying Out Ministry. Attending vendor shows, trade shows, fashion shows, and home jewelry parties. 

In 2008, I faced the loss of my mother, who was my inspiration throughout all of my trials. Losing her to breast cancer, suffering from a bad breakup to be a single mother again. The Lord blessed me with a new Miracle. My past tried to haunt me once again through suffering great losses. Anxiety, stress, PTSD, and fear tried to defeat me with the findings of cervical cancer and a newborn NICU for two months. I  prayed tubes to be removed from her. My Faith is now unleashed. WE SURVIVED IT ALL!!  Continuing to walk in my purpose to encourage and inspire many. I continued to give when it hurt.  My business rebirthed to MeCheZeeCoz Jewelry established and named after my four daughters. Prophetically I was led to collect broken pieces to design one-of-a-kind handcrafted timeless statement pieces and wearable art to encourage and enhance the outer and inner beauty we encourage and uplift through positive encouragement. Working diligently on my promise and purpose that God led me to build further. Using my skills as therapy and worship unto God.

No matter what MeCheZeeCoz's mission is to not give up on what we do for others. Rising from the brokenness we chose to make a change and difference through love and kindness, to empower and uplift others. Knowing the demonstration of love through mankind is the only form of Godliness people will see through our acts of love and compassion.  To encourage women to smile instead of frown, to love instead of hurt, to grow and not be stagnant. To encourage each other to not compete but to know your irreplaceable and your uniqueness and worth. I challenge my company to continue to grow to employ those who are suffering from poverty, incarceration, recidivism, and unemployment, and those who suffer from mental illness and battle suicidal thoughts. I have been there. And I know, change starts with you! We are the words we speak to ourselves and others. I will be the change I want to see in the world! 

Harpreet Diya

 My journey to success is a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication. I'm Originally from India, where I endured many harsh circumstances due to being a women, I escaped to America through marriage, carrying with me a lifelong dream of becoming a fashion designer. Despite facing the challenges of adapting to a new country and culture, My passion for fashion never wavered.

With a quiet strength and unwavering focus, I immersed myself in perfecting my sewing and design skills. While many turn to social media to showcase their work, I prefer not to have it at all and i choose to dedicate my time to reading, learning, and refining my craft, ensuring that every piece i creates reflects my deep knowledge and artistic vision.

my work has graced the stage, I have designed stunning garments for movies and theatrical productions, bringing characters to life with my intricate and thoughtful designs. Now, I am now preparing to take my dream to the next level by opening my very own fashion boutique, where i can create timeless designs that will continue to inspire and captivate.

My story is one of quiet determination and artistic brilliance, and i am honored to showcase my talent at “Pop for NAMI,” where my designs will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.

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Fashion for change