Debbie Lorenzo + Angie Pearson
To celebrate International Women’s Day, oHHo is shining a spotlight on women who have circled into our orbit, and made a lasting impression. Each oHHo muse dances to her own tune, transforming her passion into profit, and upending gender stereotypes as she goes. Prepare to be inspired…
Debbie Lorenzo & Angie Pearson
Debbie Lorenzo is the founder of luxury millinery brand, Frances Grey. Her daughter, Angie Pearson, is launching her own line, FGNY, this fall. Both are members of oHHo’s Community Connector affiliate program
Angie’s Answers
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
It's a way to celebrate, and be inspired by, the different journeys of other amazing women.
What inspired you to launch FGNY? From where do you draw inspiration?
FGNY was founded after I was laid off from a previous job, and my mom suggested I launch it as an extension of her company. This made sense since we had already worked together on her Frances Grey brand. A year later, I pivoted my business into another area after deciding it didn't make sense for both of us to focus on hats. I want to create a scenario where our businesses can complement each other. FGNY launches Fall 2023!
What career/personal challenges have you faced as a woman?
The biggest challenge as a woman - and specifically a black woman - is being given opportunities that I am more than qualified for, and being paid fairly.
If you could share a piece of advice with your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t consume yourself with other people’s journeys. Your journey is just as interesting and motivating. You are an inspiration to someone!
This year’s theme is #embraceequity. What does gender equity mean to you?
To me gender equity means making sure everyone has the opportunity to have a seat at the table! In my world, the way I embrace equity is sharing all the information I learn with other people who need it. It costs me nothing to be helpful to someone else. We don’t gate-keep over here!
In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge women face today?
Being given the same opportunities as men, and being taken seriously.
What lessons have you learnt from your mom?
You’ll never know until you try. So what if it doesn’t work! Try something else.
What is your proudest achievement?
Becoming a business owner has been one of my greatest achievements, by far. It’s taught me so much about myself, and helped me to see the future through a new perspective.
Who is your greatest mentor/supporter?
My mom, Aunt Zene and my boyfriend!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Run your own race. Your journey is just as important as anyone else’s.
Quick Fire Round
Last thing you Googled?
Best places to travel in 2023
Last book you read?
The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
Most-used app?
TikTok
Favorite oHHo product?
New York Oil
Signature style in a sentence?
Tomboy chic
Favorite daily ritual?
My morning skincare routine
Guilty pleasure?
Watching old Disney movies from my childhood
You never leave home without…
My Fenty lipgloss and my phone
Your life motto?
Stay real, and live life!
Debbie’s Answers
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
One day is not enough to celebrate women and their many accomplishments. Let’s normalize giving women flowers every day. Here’s to all the amazing women breaking glass ceilings. You’re appreciated!
What inspired you to launch Frances Grey? From where do you draw inspiration?
I love hats but couldn’t find any that fit my head size. This inspired me to launch my own line. My maternal great-grandmother was a seamstress from Jamaica, West Indies. I named my company in her honor (her signature is the company’s logo), and I continue to draw inspiration from my Caribbean heritage.
What career/personal challenges have you faced as a woman?
Trying to balance my work and personal life. Also trying to build a support system with like-minded individuals.
If you could share a piece of advice with your younger self, what would it be?
Never allow others to influence your decision to do something you’re truly passionate about. It’s your canvas to paint.
This year’s theme is #embraceequity. What does gender equity mean to you?
To me gender equity means seeing more women of color in leadership roles, and equal pay for doing the same work as men.
In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge women face today?
Being respected, and being taken seriously as a female entrepreneur.
What values have you passed down to your daughter?
Don’t let anyone deter you from your dreams. And always operate from a place of integrity.
What is your proudest achievement?
Seeing my business grow year after year, Frances Grey being carried by Nordstrom, and being able to showcase my designs among talented artisans at markets and trade shows.
Can you share with us a woman to watch?
I am surrounded by some amazing women but the one to watch is my nutrition coach friend, Jenon Wong.
Who is your greatest mentor/supporter?
My family.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Make a to-do list, and aggressively attack it every day.
Quick Fire Round
Last thing you Googled?
Dog food
Last book you read?
Bible in a Year
Most-used app?
Instagram
Favorite oHHo product?
Milk chocolate bar, Recovery Balm and Dream Cream
Signature style in a sentence?
I like it, I wear it…with my Frances Grey hat as my accent piece
Favorite daily ritual?
Prayer and gratitude
Guilty pleasure?
Chocolate…chocolate…chocolate
I never leave home without…
My cell phone