When we are empowering ourselves, we are empowering others.
Monique “Mo” Glover
As a nine year old, Monique “Mo” Glover knew what she wanted to do for the rest of her life.
“I come from a background of a single mom,” she told THE BLOCK. “I’m the oldest of 10. I didn’t have a lot of money but luckily enough, there were a lot of teachers that were able to see something in me, help me to hone in on my skills and help me direct myself to what I always wanted to do.”
Today, with more than two decades of experience in the fashion industry, the New York native—who attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts and studied fashion at the Pratt Institute—is the owner and lead designer of Zyem NYC. While Mo founded the apparel brand in 2017, the path between realizing her childhood dream and making it a reality, on her own terms, has been paved with life lessons at every turn.
From eye-opening experiences that reinforced the notion of the glass ceiling in business to understanding the inner workings of middle of the road companies and department stores where women of color were less likely to be in the forefront, Mo experienced it all.
One of the aspects of Mo’s life that has remained constant is her son, who was not only the inspiration for the brand’s name but also one of the reasons for her decision to go at it alone. After spending a huge part of her career designing for well-known brands like Ralph Lauren and Macy’s, Mo was ready to unleash her creativity in a way she wasn’t able to in the past. Showcasing her skills in everything from children’s apparel to creating designs for both men and women was rewarding but something was missing. She craved flexibility after giving birth to her son and wanted a creative space where she could truly be set free.
An opportunity for Mo to use her skills and experience to create distinctive designs for her son and his friends to wear to a local block party was initially just a chance for her to do what she loved. But it turned into so much more.
“Before we even got close to the venue, they kept getting stopped by people who wanted to take pictures of them,” Mo recalled.
That’s when I realized, maybe this was my niche. This was something I could own.
Monique “Mo” Glover
“Prior to [this], it was really hard for me as a designer to find my own voice. Working for so many different companies, you tend to design their way,” she added.
A love for the community and a greater love for kids is what fueled Mo and led her straight into the happy accident that is the children’s apparel brand Zyem NYC. Since inception, Mo has ensured that every piece—equipped with bold patterns, prints and graphics that make a statement—remains true to the brand’s unique aesthetic and mission to promote positivity, self expression and empowerment for children. Mo’s work extends beyond apparel and into the community where she supports a number of local organizations and is looking to offer free classes to youth who are interested in fashion or art.
“I make a point not to put anything out there that would make people feel less than. I try to evoke inclusiveness. I don’t want to make it so that a child feels like they can’t access something from it, which is why it’s for girls, boy and nonbinary,” Mo explained.
The power of perspective that’s a result of personally experiencing fashion across multiple decades spanning from the 80s to present day is what makes Zyem NYC unique. Couple the latter with Mo’s international travel to London, China and India and you have tailor-made designs that are attainable.
“I’m not an avant garde designer,” Mo said. “I’m very much a ready-to-wear designer. I like to have that boutique feel for my kids. There’s a specialness to it, but it’s still approachable.”
Zyem NYC’s growth is a process, and it’s one that Mo is enjoying. Slowly growing a brand that she’s maintained 100 percent ownership of has been rewarding. Since 2017, Zyem’s apparel has appeared in Rolling Out, on Toddlewood’s version of the Black Panther movie poster and during Fashion Week Brooklyn.
“It is my mission to be able to utilize what I learned and my successes for the next generation, my son and any other peers,” she commented. “That’s what gets me up every day. It’s my purpose. I love it. Even though sometimes I want to cry.
“What I’m doing is what I’ve always wanted to do,” she added. “That’s a blessing, because not everyone gets to do what they always want to do. And so, that’s my way of just giving gifts and saying thank you to the highest power for putting me in this position.”
Currently in its fifth year, people are now connecting with Mo to inquire about partnerships, rather than the other way around, which was the reality when the company first started. As her brand evolves, Mo is eager to continue to use her platform to inspire others.
I know what my life’s purpose is. I’m using my skills to be able to give back and to be the person that I needed when I was younger because if I didn’t have anyone to help me, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
To support Mo and stay updated on her endeavors, connect with her on her website and on Instagram.
