Making It Happen: Atlanta International Fashion Week

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Atlanta International Fashion Week (AIFW) appeared on the scene in 2007 as a result of Paula Whittle’s efforts. She is the Founder and Director of the annual event that has become a major staple to Atlanta, Georgia’s Arts and Culture community. Paula started her career as a radio personality and quickly moved through the ranks in different areas of the entertainment industry. She has gone from entertainment executive, to fashion mogul, to PR maven, to event extraordinaire, to marketing guru, to mother, teacher, visionary, and community leader and her clientele has included the likes of Sony, BET, VIBE, VH1, Virgin Records, SoSo Def, Rockmond Dunbar, R. Kelly, RHWOA Husband Peter Thomas and many more.

Paula came on the fashion scene initially as a modeling agent. She saw a void in the fashion community in Atlanta and wanted to create a platform for independent designers and independent models to showcase their talent and advance their careers. This is a platform that she sought to have on the same level as New York Fashion Week. Now that AIFW is in its 9^th year, that dream is becoming a reality. She has since been featured in both the Atlanta Tribune magazine and Encore HD magazine for her efforts.

FORBES Accounting & Consulting, Inc. CEO/President, Jeri M. Forbes, CPA CGMA sat down with Paula Whittle to discuss how she makes things happen for Atlanta International Fashion Week when it comes to negotiating deals with potential sponsors and strategic partners.