What does fashion have to do with leadership, confidence, and community? More than you might think.

In this episode, Dr. Shaniece Criss connects with Leigh Ann Miller, Managing Partner at Mae New York, a luxury womenswear brand creating small batch, made to order pieces in the historic New York garment district.

Leigh Ann shares how early leadership experiences gave her the confidence to build what did not yet exist, why hearing “no” is rarely personal, and how fashion can help women feel seen, confident, and prepared for pivotal moments in their lives.

A powerful part of the conversation centers on choosing the right business partner. Leigh Ann explains why entering a partnership requires the same care, patience, and discernment as choosing a spouse, and how shared values, clear roles, and trust are essential to building a sustainable company. She reflects on how the right partnership can reduce stress, sharpen decision making, and ultimately strengthen leadership.

From launching a high school newsletter at 15 to selling a successful business and now co leading a fashion brand, this episode explores humility, responsibility, sustainability, and the long term impact of thoughtful leadership.

You’ll hear about:

1. Why “no” does not mean never
2. How early leadership builds lifelong confidence
3. Leading peers with humility and clarity
4. Why choosing the right business partner matters
5. How shared values shape strong partnerships
6. Fashion as identity, confidence, and community impact
7. Building a sustainable and values driven business

||||| Guest Bio |||||

Leigh Ann Miller is Managing Partner at Mae New York – a luxury womenswear collection devoted to creating small batch and made to order pieces in the historic New York garment district. Originally hailing from the vibrant culture of south Louisiana, Leigh Ann's journey led her to pursue her education at Wofford College in South Carolina. Falling in love with the Upstate, she made it her home and has been an integral part of the community ever since. After initially working in higher education, she embarked on a new path, earning her MBA from Clemson University and a certificate in Venture Finance from UC Berkeley. Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Leigh Ann seized the opportunity to acquire an iconic women’s clothing storefront in Greenville, Pink Bee GVL, and infused it with her own vision and expertise. At Pink Bee GVL, Leigh Ann curated a distinctive collection of clothing, featuring legacy brands from both the US and abroad. After almost 4 years of successful growth of the Pink Bee brand, Leigh Ann sold and exited the business in June of 2024. In addition to her professional endeavors, Leigh Ann is deeply involved in community service and advocacy. She serves on the National Advisory Council of The Policy Circle and plays an active role in the planning and execution of two local charity balls. Furthermore, Leigh Ann volunteers her time and resources to support her local children's hospital Child Life Department and is a faithful donor to academic, athletic, and patient support causes.

||||| Show Host |||||

Dr. Shaniece Criss