Five Powerful & Influential Women in Rhode Island Fashion By: Sarah Nicole Women have come a long way in entrepreneurship, making their own marks in the business and fashion world. Starting a business endeavor from the ground up is never an easy road to travel, although the five women below make it seem like a breeze! Each of the woman below are an inspiration, as they have become successful entrepreneurs who have launched and maintained their own business entities, all in our big little state of Rhode Island.
Rosanna M Ortiz Rosanna Ortiz is the creator and executive director of the premiere bi-annual fashion week in New England, STYLEWEEK Northeast. Ortiz has successfully cultivated a high quality fashion production that connects the community and industry professionals, while providing a platform for emerging designers to showcase their talent. Ortiz also established company of STYLEWEEK Northeast, SEED, which is a mentor program for students ranging from elementary, high school, and college. After all of her prior business experiences and entrepreneurial skills, Rosanna launched her own boutique public relations firm, RMO Public Relations in 2016. Since its inception, RMOPR has gained momentum and has coveted jewelry, fashion, construction, and fitness clients.
Amy Page DeBlasio Rhode Island native, Amy DeBlasio, is the creative powerhouse behind the eccentric, street-style brand, APD: Amy Page DeBlasio. From early on in her career, DeBlasio has been a go-getter, taking it upon herself to fulfill her artistic dreams and goals. DeBlasio taught herself how to construct her own jewelry, incorporating unexpected components within each piece. She has never forfeited her passion of daring to be different. Her clothing and accessories push conventional norms, as she is always experimenting and manipulating fabrics. To date, Amy has debuted two collections on the STYLEWEEK Northeast runway during two separate seasons. DeBlasio’s energy and dedication were confirmed as her last collection was constructed and showcased while being pregnant with her first son.
Anna Badalyan Anna Badalyan is responsible for bringing the exclusive sunless tanning studio, blushtan, to Providence. She opened the brand new location last year and has been managing it ever since. With her down to earth personality and calm demeanor, she makes clients, the “babes”, feel comfortable as if they have known her forever. Badalyan holds herself to a high standard that directly reflects the company’s moral and social responsibilities. She takes her time to match the organic tanning solution to each individual “babe”, as well as keeping record of their color for future appointments. She goes above and beyond to maintain and ensure cleanliness of the studio and freshness of the products, and executes the tans with blushtan’s unique technique. 36 ShopInRI