Lakeya Callaway.
Lakeya Callaway.

Rochester Scholar Embraces Entrepreneurship, Fashion Career

Spring 2020 | D.C.

Lakeya Callaway, a junior Posse Scholar at the University of Rochester, is a D.C. native with a passion for entrepreneurship and studio art. Her own creative work has extended beyond academics into the launch of her own fashion brand, Underground Stone.

“Underground Stone represents Washington, D.C. and its eight wards, formed in the shape of a diamond,” Lakeya says. “I wanted to remind people that diamonds form under pressure. Hard times don’t last. You can always become something great.”

“You don’t have to major in business to create your own.”

Once Lakeya had taken her first steps to launch the concept, her mentor suggested she join a local fashion show at Rochester Institute of Technology to showcase her work. At the time she only had one sample sweatshirt, but she quickly began coordinating models and committed to the first stock order of clothes.

“I realized that, with a growing brand, I needed more people to know about it,” Lakeya says.

She sought momentum by banding together with other local brands to create her own entrepreneurship networking event, a “Hidden Talents” mixer. The conference promoted five businesses founded by young, creative entrepreneurs at the university and in the community, including Underground Stone. Lakeya also brought in a guest speaker, serial entrepreneur David Mammano, to advise attendees.

“My experience has proven that you don’t have to major in business to create your own,” Lakeya says. “I want people to see that they can start a business, too.”