I’m Laura. I’ve encountered both triumphs and challenges in my life. These experiences have shaped my mission: to mentor and support underrepresented and BIPOC entrepreneurs.
AUTHOR, PODCASTER & GLOBAL BUSINESS MENTOR
STREET CRED
- FIDM Alumni, Product Development
- IED Madrid Branding Professor
- Led & Managed 30-person start-up teams
- Empowered 100+ global clients
- First venture was valued at 7 figures.
- 98.5% client satisfaction
- Featured in Vogue Business USA
- Certified in Guided Meditation
LET MY STORY GUIDE YOU TO FIND THE COURAGE TO DESIGN THE LIFE YOU TRULY WANT.
Like you, I’ve always felt a burning passion for discovering the world and taking a chance at love.
In Feb. of 2019, I found myself at a significant crossroads. For over a decade, I had been the driving force behind my thriving fashion business, pouring every ounce of my energy and time into it. It was my life, my identity, my baby. It took precedence over everything else—my family, romantic relationships, and even my health. I was so intertwined with my brand that I could hardly tell where it ended, and I began.
But then, the hustle culture that had once fueled me began to eat away at my spirit. The constant pressure and relentless pace became a toxic presence, gnawing at my well-being. I felt my heart growing weary, my soul yearning for something different, something more.
In winter of 2019, I decided to leave the comfort and security of the world I knew to leap into the unknown. I was 31 years old, and for the first time in my life, I chose to place love ahead of my career. I decided to risk everything for a chance at a love that was new and different, a love that was nurturing and supportive.
I took off, leaving my business heartbroken, and moved across the globe. In doing so, I stepped into a journey of self-discovery and healing. I confronted the toxic traits I had developed over the years, faced the traumas I had harbored, and began to untangle the intricate knot of my identity from that of my brand. Landing in Madrid, Spain, armed with nothing but two suitcases and my cherished Dimepiece sweatshirt, I found myself questioning,
"Stripped of my fashion brand, who in the world am I, truly?"
I would really enjoy telling a story with a happy ending, where I have fun exploring all the wonderful things Europe has to offer without any worries. Unfortunately, things didn't turn out that way. Life became very complicated for me. For several months, I had to completely reinvent myself and take on various odd jobs and rental properties, all while dealing with the challenge of the language barrier. I felt very alone and had no one familiar to turn to for comfort. My journey was far from finished.
Each day was a battle for me, leaving my apartment and trying to make my way around a city that was entirely new to me. But that was just the beginning of my troubles. As I struggled to come to terms with my own loss of identity, the constant scarcity mindset and waves of self-doubt began to consume me.
The year 2020 was marked by global distress as the pandemic swept across the world, leaving many of us feeling lost and uncertain about the path ahead.
As I sat gazing out my window in my cherished vintage Dimepiece sweatpants, uncertainty consumed me. The pandemic had brought about a seismic shift in my career, and I felt lost, searching for guidance. But amidst the turmoil, I realized that this was an opportunity to reflect on my past experiences and confront the traumatic events that I had swept under the rug during my decade-long fashion career. It was a painful process, but one that ultimately allowed me to connect with my inner mentor and reignite my passion to serve others. Despite the dormancy I had felt, the virtual world provided an avenue for me to share my extensive knowledge and experience in business, to guide and mentor others.
Assuming a leadership role, I mentored BIPOC solopreneurs, drawing upon my 15 years of startup experience to help them overcome personal and external challenges. While also highlighting the crucial role that community support plays in uplifting marginalized groups.
Grateful for their loyalty, my past Dimepiece customers and online community members became my first mentees. Now, I guide hundreds of aspiring entrepreneurs through my mentorship program daily. Others who joined me on this journey broke free from limiting beliefs and saw remarkable growth in their businesses. Having a mentor is crucial, and I know from personal experience how life-changing it can be.
Reflecting back on my fashion start-up journey, I can't help but wonder how different things might have been if I had someone to guide and mentor me along the way.
A mentor could have helped me avoid mistakes, navigate business liabilities, and protect my brand. They would have identified my strengths and weaknesses, celebrated my cultural heritage's importance in shaping my brand, and guided me to success.
I help my BIPOC clients feel empowered and fulfilled. And let me tell you, it’s the best feeling in the world. I get goosebumps just thinking about it. Why not let me help you experience it too?
DISCOVER MORE
My mission is to empower 10,000 POC entrepreneurs within 5 years by providing valuable information, knowledge, and motivation for clarity and visibility. My Why is to uplift and empower the BIPOC community through education and motivation, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed.
Motivated by the transformative potential of entrepreneurship, we endeavor to showcase our work directly and consistently deliver exceptional value. We pledge to allocate 3% of our proceeds to non-profits that support and uplift people of color communities and provide scholarships to promising entrepreneurs from these communities who lack the necessary financial resources. Our mission is to make a significant and positive impact, rooted in empathetic action and collective advancement.
Laura Fama, 37, is an American fashion pioneer of Filipino descent who, at the young age of 23, founded the trailblazing streetwear brand Dimepiece LA. With a B.A. in Product Development from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, her designs have been worn by influential celebrities like Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Kylie Jenner, and Hailey Baldwin name a few. Over a decade of operation, the brand sold online and wholesale in over six hundred renowned stores worldwide, making a global impact with its empowering brand voice and messaging. Laura’s partnerships with brands like Adidas, Beats By Dre, and Nike only cement her status as a sought-after figure in the fashion industry. Besides her flourishing fashion career, Laura also provides business growth services for BIPOC entrepreneurs through her brand “HER WHY” and inspires her community with her top-rated podcast, “The Conscious Kitchen,” as she strives to promote success and mindfulness for 2023.
She and her spouse, now residing in Madrid, Spain, aim to support people in their global community by growing individual businesses by imparting knowledge, fostering creativity, and promoting a growth mindset.
As your hybrid mentor, I offer expertise in business and life coaching.
With experience in achieving customer reach and generating 6 to 7-figure revenue, I can guide you toward your goal of a large customer base. Trust, reliability, and open communication are my priorities, tailored to your needs. In addition to business growth, I provide mentorship in personal relationships, work-life balance, goal-setting, and decision-making. With a holistic approach, we will work towards success in your professional and personal life, helping you thrive in all areas.
Location Freedom: The power to travel and make memories with family & friends without anxieties & restrictions.
Financial Freedom & Inclusivity: Breaking free from earning limits and financial security for the family while supporting BIPOC-owned and publicly-owned companies for equality.
Time Mastery: Crafting a schedule prioritizing family, personal growth, the larger community, and maximizing life’s precious moments.
Audacious Storytelling: Amplifying your voice. Your story holds immense significance in breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes. It’s about owning your narrative, celebrating your heritage, and showcasing your audacity in navigating the entrepreneurial landscape as a biz owner.
I believe in inclusion, diversity, & acceptance of all sexual orientations, races, and religions.
- 13+ years of experience in branding/entrepreneurship.
- Expert in fashion styling, art direction, and online marketing.
- Launched 6 e-commerce sites and managed a customer database of 50K and built an engaged social media audience of 174K followers on Instagram.
- Skilled in product development, manufacturing, global distribution, staff management, budgeting, payroll, design, and forecasting for apparel/accessories.
- Viral campaigns featured on Vogue, Elle, and mainstream media.
- 4 years of podcast production and 1 year of crowdfunding campaigns.
- 8 years of global popups, and cultural activations/partnerships.
- 8 years of graphic design/illustration.
Humble: At Her Why, we’re humble, inclusive, and never complacent.
POC Community: We celebrate diversity and inclusivity in our community of individuals from various cultural backgrounds, united by shared goals.
Exothermic: Our infectious energy and warmth create a welcoming environment for all Her Why Pioneers.
Macro Optimistic: We approach problem-solving and decision-making proactively and positively.
Scrappy: We tackle business challenges head-on, celebrating innovation, adaptability, tenacity, and audacity in pursuit of our goals.
Why is Her Why unique?
- Rediscovering your source (culture & background)
- Grounded in perspective
- Demonstrate the work firsthand
- Results-Driven
- Thought-provoking
- Curiosity is the access
- Over-deliver
What Does Her Why Mean?
Her: Referring to the female gender but truthfully representing all gender types & spectrums.
Why: The purpose, motivations, and reasons behind one’s core actions and beliefs.
“Her Why” empowers individuals to define their purpose, motivations, and desires through exploration and self-discovery. It entails questioning old beliefs, adopting healthier ways of living, and achieving a balanced life on their terms. With a focus on aligning work and play with aspirations, values, and desires, “Her Why” fosters empowerment and personal growth, reflecting the journey to live out a newfound purpose with profound human impact.
Customer First – With empathy as our compass and knowledge as our tool, we journey together with our customers, empowering them to thrive and reach their fullest potential. We celebrate diversity, prioritize equity, and work tirelessly to create a brighter and more inclusive future for all.
Leading by first-hand experience. – We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive space where our customers feel seen, understood, and inspired. With our past and current brand-building affairs as a guiding light, we navigate the path together, equipping our customers with the tools, insights, and resilience to blaze their trails and achieve their dreams.
Opening hundreds of doors – No Gatekeeping here. We believe in removing barriers, creating opportunities, and providing access to invaluable resources without gatekeeping. Our mentors serve as guides and connectors, empowering our customers to navigate new pathways and unlock doors that may have been previously closed.
Celebrating Wins & Failures – Our mentors lead by example, celebrating successes and setbacks as valuable learning opportunities for growth and resilience. Every win, big or small, deserves recognition, and failures are seen as stepping stones toward improvement.
Healing from Workplace-Related Trauma – We prioritize healing from workplace-related trauma by providing a supportive and inclusive space for individuals to process and recover. Our trauma-informed mentors offer compassionate guidance to navigate recovery challenges and prioritize mental health and well-being. Together, we develop strategies for resilience and growth, empowering BIPOC individuals to overcome and thrive.
Deliver outstanding results – Her Why Pioneers are high achievers with a drive to succeed. We take end-to-end accountability for seeing our work through and delivering on our commitments.
Our Promise
At Her Why, we create profound connections by turning dreams into reality with outstanding products and services. Our unmatched support, swift problem-solving, and unwavering commitment to growth make us your dependable partner. We value micro-patience for success and pledge long-term dedication. Experience confidence with a team that genuinely understands and supports you.
- Results-driven, not driven by money: Proven track record of delivering measurable results for my clients.
- Agile problem solver: I adapt and respond quickly to changes in the fast-paced, demanding fashion environment.
- Strong networks (my real superpower): My connections and relationships benefit you as a client and instantly become your connections.
- Diverse AF: A decade of working with various groups and cultures.
- Innovative in the school of hard knocks: Real-world problem-solving experience and delivering fresh ideas for expansion.
- Empathetic: I listen to my client’s ever-changing personal needs and concerns through transparency, flexibility, relatability, and active listening.
- Serial Entrepreneur: My lifelong ambition is to build business models that benefit the larger community and environment.
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Honest: I made some mistakes, so you don’t have to; I share my failures.