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New fashion club attempts to cross into USG org status
By Samantha Wulff
On May 8, 2013
Fashion shows would not be complete without two major ingredients - hair and makeup -
and these are the elements Taliek "TJ" Singletary, a sophomore hospitality major, has been
taking pride in since his junior year of high school.
With the help of other business-minded individuals, Singletary is expanding his role in the
fashion world and has become president of the fashion and event planning company, Crossing
Boundaries.
Singletary has always had a passion for art, and he feels that makeup is just an extension of
it. Through watching the techniques of his makeup artist friends as well as YouTube videos,
Singletary began to experiment.
"It became a trial and error-like process," he said.
Soon, Singletary was doing makeup for proms, birthdays and parties. Hair styling fell into place
as organically as the makeup did.
More videos and self-instruction was all it took.
The 20-year-old CEO founded his business in December 2012. Since he was already doing hair
and makeup for various campus events, he thought: "Why don't I do this and make money?"
After just four months, the brand is now picking up the pace. Singletary's stylish appearance
makes for easy marketing and serves as a physical representation of the styling department.
"I'm definitely at the event planning side," event coordinator Leah Singleton said. "I'm not as
fashionable as TJ."
As much as Singletary enjoys fashion, his concentration in event planning supports his desire to
play behind the scenes, too.
"It doesn't always have to be fashion," Singletary said. "I always wanted to be backstage and
planning it."
Event planning allows the company to subtly stamp their brand on many goings-on. This side
deals with putting together fashion shows, sweet 16 parties and even bar mitzvahs. Singletary
and other hospitality majors involved are gaining real-life experience.
For example, Singleton, a Buffalo State sophomore, dreams of becoming a hotel manager. She is
shooting high, hoping that her endeavors will bring her to Spain.
"This will open my eyes to how difficult it may be," she said.
Crossing Boundaries's styling department showcases the artistic skills of its members.
Singletary likens the department to a modeling agency. Hair, makeup and portfolio-building
shots are provided at a reasonable price. Currently, the photo shoot deal for high school students
is $50.
"We try to be as reasonable as possible," Singletary said. "We do everything. I tell them to just
come with a clean face."
Singletary has recently scooped up the Fashion Student Association awarded titles of Mr.
Smoove and Mr. Trendsetter for the 2012-2013 school year. He is active in campus life, and is a
familiar face for many students.
Instead of just building his business behind a computer screen, he gets out to socialize and
interact with people face-to-face. The feedback is overwhelmingly positive.
"It's amazing to have people say I'm an inspiration," Singletary said. "I'm only 20."
The young businessman cannot take a day off. He makes sure to post new material often to
Crossing Boundaries media outlets, he's aiming for a 4.0 this semester and he travels for work.
This past weekend he did hair and makeup for a New York City fashion show.
"He has so much spunk," said design, modeling and talent coordinator Shanay Prince, who
joined Crossing Boundaries two weeks ago after assisting Singletary with some projects. "He's a
real go-getter. He wants it really bad, and that makes us want it even more."
Singletary, Singleton and Prince are all from New York, the fashion capital of the world. Many
photos on Crossing Boundaries' site, blog and Facebook were shot in the city, and many other
members reside there.
So why would individuals that were in the midst of it all come to Buffalo to pursue their dreams?
A lot had to do with their programs of interest, but a change in scenery is always welcome when
starting a new chapter.
"It was more like I wanted to get away from home," Price said.
Regardless of the paths they took to Buffalo State, Crossing Boundaries members are excited for
the future. Many college organizations are stepping stones in students' careers, but these young
business people are in it for the long haul.
"I would like Crossing Boundaries to be my job," Singletary said.
Prince's dedication has brought her to integrate her role as a part of her identity.
"It's part of my life," she said. "It's not just a label."
Although Crossing Boundaries is not yet recognized by USG, plans are not being postponed.
While working to overcome the funding hurdle, the team is putting together a fashion show set
for Oct. 26. It's not going to be easy, but the support is there.
"You gotta have time and have a lot of people who are very supportive," Singletary said.
Although unsure of reaching out at first, Singletary came to see that he could not do it alone.
Help made his vision a reality.
"He's very inventive," Singleton said. "He does things way out of the realm of what people
would do."
With two years of school left, this young entrepreneur has to stay focused. Long nights and a
hectic schedule will likely find their way into the remaining itinerary.
However, the quick success of Crossing Boundaries proves that Singletary is crossing some of
his own.
"It's hard to do, but it's coming from love," he said.
Samantha Wulff can be reached by email at wulff.record@live.com.
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