In the wake of widespread DEI cutbacks, many Black and woman-owned businesses are being left behind by the same systems that once promised support. But Ale’Jandra Breaux, founder of the New Orleans-based Ale’B Collection, is proving that innovation, intention, and independence can still fuel real growth for diverse-owned brands.

Ale’B Collection is a luxury handbag brand with a mission—not just offering elegant, functional, unisex bags, but also building a sustainable business model that thrives outside of traditional retail. As DEI programs dwindle, Ale’Jandra has built her brand through community relationships, influencer advocacy, and direct-to-consumer strategies that prioritize authenticity and access.

Her products have already been featured in Pop Out Magazine, worn by Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta star Bambi, business mogul Supa Cent, and fashion designer Milano of Milano di Rouge With over $30,000 in revenue in her first six months, Ale’Jandra’s story is about more than just fashion—it’s about resilience, strategy, and owning your narrative in a system that often overlooks creators like her.