Meet Hazel Hartfield | Founder & CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hazel Hartfield and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hazel, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
BLK Fashion Group started from a clear gap we saw in the fashion industry, especially for minority creatives. So many talented designers and professionals are creating incredible work but lack access to the resources, networks, and platforms that help turn passion into sustainable success. We kept asking ourselves: Where’s the consistent support system for us?

Our thought process was, Let’s build a space where we can grow, connect, and collaborate. We wanted to create something beyond networking that offers professional development opportunities, financial support, mentorship, a platform to showcase their creativity, and a sense of community.

BLK Fashion Group is about rewriting the narrative, creating equity, and building a fashion ecosystem in which we don’t just participate—we lead.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My passion for creating space and opportunities for others to shine sets me apart, especially minority creatives and fashion entrepreneurs. I’ve always believed there’s enough room at the table for everyone — and if there isn’t, I’ll build a new table. My purpose isn’t just about what I can do for myself but about how to use my gifts, experience, and resources to open doors for others.

I’m most proud of building a real, genuine community within an industry that can sometimes feel competitive or isolated. I’m excited about the future of BLK Fashion Group and how we’re building something beyond fashion — we’re building legacy, collaboration, and culture.

My journey in business wasn’t easy. Nothing about entrepreneurship is a straight line. There were seasons of doubt, financial challenges, lessons learned the hard way, and moments when walking away seemed easier than pressing forward. But what kept me going was the vision — I knew my “why” was bigger than any obstacle.

I overcame challenges by staying rooted in faith, being surrounded by other visionaries, and being willing to pivot when necessary. I’ve learned that success isn’t just about talent but also about consistency, relationships, and resilience.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to trust the process and embrace every part of the journey, the wins, the losses, and everything in between. Every closed door taught me something, and every delayed opportunity-built character.

What I want the world to know about me and BLK Fashion Group is that this is bigger than fashion. It’s about creating impact, building legacy, and making space for others to thrive. My story is still being written, but if it inspires someone else to keep going, take the leap, or bet on themselves, then I’m walking in purpose.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1
• Brunch: Bread Winners Café & Bakery
• Activity: Stroll McKinney Avenue & West Village
• Dinner: Terilli’s
• Drinks: Midnight Rambler

Day 2
• Breakfast: La La Land Kind Cafe
• Activity: Dallas Museum of Art + Nasher Sculpture Center.
• Lunch: Tejas or Klyde Warren Park Food Trucks.
• Hangout: Walk Bishop Arts District
• Dinner: Paradiso
• Nightcap: Botanist

Day 3
• Brunch: RH Rooftop Restaurant
• Activity: Spa Day at The Joule or Hiatus Spa.
• Shopping: Highland Park Village or NorthPark Center.
• Dinner: Maison Chinoise
• Drinks: Regines Lounge

Day 4
• Brunch: Kessler Baking Studio
• Visit: Pan-African Connection Bookstore & Resource Center.
• Shop: The Dallas Farmers Market
• Dinner: Roots Southern Table
• After Hours: Truth & Alibi

Day 5
• Coffee: Weekend Coffee
• Activity: The Dallas Arboretum or AT&T Discovery District.
• Lunch: Truck Yard
• Hangout: Deep Ellum
• Dinner: Niwa Japanese BBQ
• Drinks: Ruins

Day 6
Options depending on what’s happening:
• Dallas Cowboys or Dallas Mavericks Game
• Visit The Star in Frisco
• Day trip to Fort Worth Stockyards
• Lounge at Virgin Hotel Pool or Canvas Rooftop

Day 7
• Brunch: The Henry
• Activity: Stroll Katy Trail or White Rock Lake.
• Late Lunch: Hutchins BBQ
• Drinks: HG Sply Co Rooftop

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to all of the minority creatives in Dallas/Fort Worth who support the launch of our organization.

Website: https://www.blkfashiongroup.org

Instagram: blkfashiongroup

Image Credits
Headshot-For Beauty Sake (Tavia Whitlowe)

Launch Event-Francesca Nelo & BizzyBTee