Our Program

Concerned that underprivileged youth lack the support and resources necessary to provide consistent mentorship and exposure to real-world business experience, In True Fashion was founded in February 2010 by luxury handbag line designer Nancy Gale of JAMAH. In True Fashion is a competition-based entrepreneurial program that builds self-esteem and work ethic in low-income students through hands-on participation and promotes the value of products “Made in the USA.” Founded on cause, commerce & consciousness, In True Fashion empowers today’s youth to dream big.

Together with Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, In True Fashion is able to bring to life a much-needed resource for building better futures in our community.

The In True Fashion journey educates teams of high school students as they participate in the creation of a luxury product from design to physical fruition. They are exposed to every aspect of running a business including strategic planning, branding, financing and marketing. Collaborative in-class work is supplemented by workshops with expert mentors and visits from high profile, inspirational guest speakers. Through the process, the students cultivate a strong work ethic and a consciousness of their surroundings.

In True Fashion is about a process, not a product. Currently hosted by luxury handbag line JAMAH, the students participate in the making and marketing of a luxury handbag. At the end of the school year, the finished designs are voted on by the public and the winning piece becomes a new addition to JAMAH’s line. Honoring cause & commerce, every time the winning product is purchased, a portion of the proceeds goes to the program and the winning high school. The original designs are signed by the students and up for auction, with one hundred percent of the auction proceeds going to the program, benefiting the students.

In True Fashion is based out of Environmental Charter High School, our concept school in Los Angeles, California. Since the inception of In True Fashion, the program has gained high profile attention from coveted guest mentors including Richard Branson, founder of THE VIRGIN GROUP, Jane Wurwand, founder and owner of DERMALOGICA and THE INTERNATIONAL DERMAL INSTITUTE, Rob Minkoff, acclaimed film director and Steve Schimmel, a founding business team member and 13th employee at GOOGLE.

With the expansion of In True Fashion, additional luxury brands that uphold the “Made in the USA” philosophy will be invited to unite with JAMAH and participate as host companies. In True Fashion is committed to encouraging businesses to intrinsically connect cause and commerce in such a way that one cannot function without the other.