We Speak Fashion
The Multifaceted Maven: Demi Howell’s Journey to Empowerment

Demi Howell is a force to be reckoned with. With over 25 years of experience in the beauty industry, she has evolved from a talented hairstylist and makeup artist to a visionary entrepreneur, leading multiple ventures that inspire and uplift others. Her remarkable journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication, creativity, and passion for empowering individuals to embrace their authentic selves.
A Creative Spark
Demi’s journey began behind the chair, where she honed her skills as a hairstylist and makeup artist. Her artistic flair and ability to understand her clients’ unique needs quickly earned her a loyal following. However, Demi’s creative spark soon ignited a desire to explore beyond the confines of the salon. She began to envision a more comprehensive approach to beauty, one that integrated creativity, strategy, and personal growth.
The Birth of Demi Howell & Co.
Demi Howell & Co. was born out of Demi’s desire to help others elevate themselves through both creativity and strategy. This innovative company offers a range of services designed to empower entrepreneurs and businesses. From The Idea Incubator, which brings concepts to life, to The Style Suite, focusing on personal style and beauty consultations, Demi’s expertise guides clients toward transformative growth.
Reputation Rescue, another facet of Demi Howell & Co., helps brands and individuals navigate public relations challenges, turning potential crises into opportunities for growth. Demi’s unique approach has earned her a reputation as a trusted advisor and creative problem solver.

A Beauty Revolution
Demi’s passion for beauty led her to create Demi Howell Beauty, a cosmetics brand rooted in the belief that beauty should celebrate diversity and enhance natural features. Despite facing trademark challenges, Demi refused to give up. Instead, she reinvented and reinvigorated the brand, which is now poised for a major relaunch.
Demi Howell Beauty’s iconic “Girl Bye” lip gloss and top-selling concealers have made a lasting impact on the industry. However, Demi’s true triumph lies in empowering individuals to feel beautiful in their own skin.
Soft Boss: Embracing Feminine Power
Demi’s latest venture, Soft Boss, is a podcast and community dedicated to helping women in leadership embrace their feminine and masculine energy. In a world that often pits strength against softness, Soft Boss provides a safe space for women to harness their natural essence while confidently wielding their power.
The WISER Process: A Path to Balance
Demi’s own journey has taught her the importance of balance and self-care. She developed the WISER process to help entrepreneurs achieve their goals without sacrificing their peace. This holistic approach prioritizes well-being, intentional decision-making, and boundary-setting, empowering individuals to thrive in all areas of life.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Throughout her remarkable journey, Demi has received recognition and accolades, including the Top 50 “Better Business Practice Award” from American Salon and features in Forbes, Womenpreneur, and Geaux Queen. Yet, her greatest reward remains the impact she’s made on others – helping them develop a brand, guiding them through beauty transformations, or simply showing them that success can be redefined on their own terms.
Demi Howell’s story is a testament to the power of creativity, resilience, and determination. As a multifaceted maven, she continues to inspire and empower others, leaving an indelible mark on the beauty industry and beyond.
We Speak Events
“Pop Couture” Redefines Fashion during NYFW: A Bold Fusion of Anime, Pop Culture, and High Fashion
Jan. 22, 2025 (New York)— Pop Couture is set to redefine the runway during New York Fashion Week with a runway show and post runway show event on Friday, February 7, 2025, presented by Studio|Couture and Plus Ultra Entertainment. This groundbreaking show spotlights the transformative influence of anime, Japanese craftsmanship, and pop culture on modern fashion, featuring visionary designers who are reshaping the industry with bold, innovative designs.
Pop Couture is a fashion revolution, blending pop culture’s bold artistry with high-fashion craftsmanship to redefine the runway. With Millennials and Gen-Z leading the charge, this event celebrates the storytelling and individuality shaping the future of media, retail, and style. More than a show, Pop Couture is a cultural and economic statement unveiling what’s next in fashion and beyond.
Meet the Designers Who Are Changing the Game
Frank Huynh | Lê Tâm (He/Him): Frank is the mastermind behind Lê Tâm, where heritage meets avant-garde fashion. Drawing deeply from his Vietnamese roots, Frank’s designs are a stunning collision of tradition and modernity, exuding elegance and artistry. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and storytelling through fabric, Frank’s creations have captivated audiences in prestigious arenas such as the Smithsonian’s Arts and Industries Building and DC Fashion Week, making him one of the most exciting designers to watch this year.
KingKitsu (He/Him): KingKitsu is rewriting the rules of fashion with their transformative, statement-making designs. Known for their daring blend of regal and rebellious styles, KingKitsu creates bold looks that embrace individuality and celebrate self-expression. Their work is a perfect balance of theatrical artistry and wearable luxury, captivating audiences with every collection.
Dykemint (They/Them/He/Her): Dykemint is redefining couture with a bold mission: to create sustainable, one-of-a-kind fashion that’s equal parts chaos and beauty. Fi Black’s anime-inspired, maximalist designs break the mold of fast fashion, delivering handcrafted pieces that are as thought-provoking as they are jaw-dropping. With a commitment to size-inclusivity and sustainability, Dykemint is a rebellious force in the industry, proving that creativity knows no limits.
Aya Sakai | SAI Japan Vintage (She/Her): Aya, founder of SAI Japan Vintage, brings Japanese heritage to the forefront of modern fashion. Her designs reimagine centuries-old kimono fabrics as contemporary masterpieces, each piece telling a story of history, culture, and innovation. Aya’s work is a love letter to traditional craftsmanship and a bold statement about sustainability, earning her a place as one of fashion’s most visionary upcyclers.
Plus Ultra Entertainment (They/Them) is making its fashion debut with an anime-inspired capsule collection set to premiere at the Pop Couture runway show during New York Fashion Week. This limited-edition collection draws on the vivid energy and imaginative worlds of anime, translating them into sleek, wearable art pieces designed to captivate both pop culture and high-fashion enthusiasts.
Featured Makeup Partner
Elevating the runway looks is Yva Expressions, the featured makeup partner for Pop Couture. Renowned for its vibrant eyeshadow palettes, luxurious lip glosses, and stunning use of color, this cruelty-free and vegan brand seamlessly blends pop culture with high-quality cosmetics. With products that cater to both bold and subtle aesthetics, Yva Expressions will craft the unforgettable beauty looks that complement and elevate the fashion on the runway, embodying the show’s dedication to ethical and inclusive artistry.
Featured Jewelry Designer
TruFacebyGrace is a celebration of African heritage and Afrofuturistic vision, crafting bold, culturally inspired jewelry and fashion that bridge tradition and modernity. Drawing on the rich tapestry of African customs and craftsmanship, each piece tells a story—honoring the intricate artistry of diverse regions while embracing a forward-thinking aesthetic. This blend of heritage and innovation has captured the attention of global icons like Janet Jackson, Kelly Rowland, Zozi Tunzi and more. TruFacebyGrace has also been featured in Coming 2 America and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. From the Oscars to the Golden Globes and Essence red carpets, the brand stands as a testament to cultural pride and its powerful connection to pop culture, redefining what it means to wear your story.
Press & Media Invitations Now Open
Members of the press/media are invited to request credentials via [email protected]. Seating and capacity are extremely limited.
Stay Connected
Follow Studio|Couture and Plus Ultra Entertainment on social media for updates, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes looks at Pop Couture.
Studio|Couture and Plus Ultra Entertainment, the event’s award winning, visionary producers, have created a platform that blends impeccable event production with a passion for highlighting emerging talent. From small to large experiences, media features and impact, their expertise ensures Pop Couture delivers an experience that rivals the biggest shows of the season.
About Studio|Couture
Studio|Couture is a premier creative agency specializing in fashion, art, and luxury event production. Renowned for its innovative approach and dedication to elevating emerging talent, Studio|Couture blends high-end aesthetics with cutting-edge storytelling to craft unforgettable experiences. From conceptual design to flawless execution, the agency is committed to pushing boundaries and redefining modern couture.
About Plus Ultra Entertainment
Plus Ultra Entertainment is an award-winning entity and inclusive nerd space dedicated to celebrating and amplifying the diverse voices within nerd, anime, cosplay, and pop culture. With a mission to creatively build community and culture, Plus Ultra Entertainment bridges the gap between fandom and artistry, crafting experiences that unite and inspire. Through its innovative productions and dedication to inclusivity, the company has become a trailblazer in highlighting the transformative power of nerd and pop culture.
-
We Speak Actors1 week ago
‘Elkhorn’ star Travis Lee Eller talks Westerns, character-building, and the art of the perfect hat
-
We Speak Entertainment1 week ago
-
We Speak Entertainment1 week ago
Who Got Next Music Presents: Rhythm & Tech Pre-Lauch Tour
-
We Speak Podcast1 week ago
Kontrax Valentino on Building The Beat Lounge, Image Consulting & Community Empowerment | MTM S2E2