In this episode of Built to Last, host Elaine Welteroth chats with Anifa Mvuemba—founder of the womenswear brand, Hanifa. Together they uncover the inspiration behind Hanifa, the craft of designing for Black women, and how community serves as a motivator in the face of entrepreneurial challenges. Reflecting on the pioneer that paved the way, celebrity stylist Zerina Akers introduces us to Zelda Wynn Valdes, fashion designer and creator of the iconic Playboy Bunny costume. Valdes’ designs were seen on everyone from Josephine Baker to Diahann Carroll and were known to exude ultimate femininity and confidence for a woman, just as Hanifa does for its clientele. To learn more about the small business featured in today’s episode, visit www.hanifa.co. Also make sure to follow Hanifa on Instagram @HanifaOfficial. Continue the conversation by reaching out to us @americanexpress on social media or by using #AmexBuiltToLast. Be sure to check out the video version on AMEX’s YouTube page featuring illustrations by Reyna Noriega. Relevant sources: https://kentakepage.com/zelda-wynn-valdes-the-creator-of-the-playboy-bunny-costume/ https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/23/nyregion/about-new-york-matriarch-of-dancers-sews-clothing-of-delight.html » Listen to the podcast on the following platforms, or wherever you get your podcasts. Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/59EBMJYIBjl3TQ8WE7nX0S Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/built-to-last/id1536208331 Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/built-t-o-last » Subscribe to the Amex YouTube Channel: null TIME CODES 0:00 – Intro 1:00 - Zerina Akers Background 1:42 - Legacy of Zelda Wynn Valdes 6:58 - Anifa Mvuemba Introduction 7:45 - The Challenge of Being an African Designer 10:20 – The Inspiration behind Zelda Wynn Valdes’ Story 15:34 – Hanifa’s Journey 18:00 - The Biggest Challenges Faced 19:20 - The Greatest Lessons Learned 22:00 - Utilizing Technology As a Tool 25:42 - Betting On Yourself 27:00 - Breaking Out The Box 28:50 – Utilizing Instagram 31:17 - Supporting a Young Black Designer 33:52 - The Vision For Hanifa 34:47 - Anifa’s Advice for Small Business Owners 36:29 - Black Owned Small Businesses to Support 37:39 - Learnings from This Episode About the Podcast: In the debut season of Built to Last, we dive into the stories, history and continued legacy of small businesses that shape American culture. Hosted by Elaine Welteroth, New York Times best-selling author, journalist, producer and former Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue, the podcast features in-depth interviews with Black-owned small business owners who are thriving despite the challenges they face. Each episode honors the trailblazing Black entrepreneurs that paved the way for the business leaders of today. These conversations uncover and celebrate the stories, past and present, of Black entrepreneurship in America – and seek to inspire listeners to support Black-owned small businesses in their communities. About American Express: American Express is a global service company, providing customers with exceptional access to charge and credit cards, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Get up close to the passionate lives of rising artists, a new wave of entrepreneurs, and everyday people. Join us for everyday inspiration on the official American Express YouTube channel. More from American Express! Website: https://www.americanexpress.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanexpress/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanExpressUS/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmericanExpress #AmexBuiltToLast #ShopSmall #AmericanExpress