DEFI Fashion Incubator in Dayton and Cincinnati

DEFI Fashion Incubator in Dayton and Cincinnati Where fashion meets infrastructure. Building opportunity through mentorship, resources, and economic development across Cincinnati and Dayton.

Welcome to the (DE-FI) Fashion Incubator: Dayton | Cincinnati, a dual-city incubator committed to developing fashion talent from the ground up while also amplifying established brands poised for growth. This page merges the energy, vision, and resources of two unique yet complementary incubators: the Fashion Incubator of Dayton and the Cincinnati Fashion Incubator. In Dayton, we specialize in cult

ivating aspiring and emerging designers those who are just beginning their journey, whether students or self-taught creatives ready to build their foundation in design, construction, and business. Through hands-on development, mentorship, and industry exposure, our Dayton arm nurtures raw talent into refined vision. In Cincinnati, we champion independent designers, boutique brands, and fashion entrepreneurs who already have the skills and experience, but need infrastructure, visibility, and strategic support to scale. This incubator is designed to elevate brand-ready professionals and push them to the next level of excellence and exposure. Together, Dayton and Cincinnati serve as a connected pipeline of fashion innovation, business growth, and community impact uniting under the (DE-FI) mission to cultivate tomorrow’s fashion stars and disrupt the fashion ecosystem with intention, integrity, and edge.

Leadership in fashion requires more than programming. It requires standards, oversight, and shared accountability.2026 i...
02/13/2026

Leadership in fashion requires more than programming. It requires standards, oversight, and shared accountability.

2026 is about building what lasts across education, industry, and market development in our region. We are inviting aligned contributors to help shape the structural future of fashion in Southwest Ohio.





We’re ready.
01/21/2026

We’re ready.





A new year brings new builders.As part of The Build Out™, we are seeking skilled sewing instructors to contribute to the...
01/01/2026

A new year brings new builders.

As part of The Build Out™, we are seeking skilled sewing instructors to contribute to the next phase of support for our fashion incubators. We are looking for professionals who understand the discipline, patience, and responsibility involved in developing talent.

This is a contributor role within our incubator ecosystem. Our instructors are contracted collaborators in the work, not background support.

Apply today. Set your own rates and schedule.
























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12/01/2025

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There are moments when “thank you” just doesn’t feel like enough. To those who chose a life of service, who wore the uni...
11/11/2025

There are moments when “thank you” just doesn’t feel like enough.

To those who chose a life of service, who wore the uniform, carried the weight of duty, and bore the cost of freedom, your sacrifice reaches far beyond words. Whether you’ve faced combat, served on peace missions, or spent nights wondering if your family was safe while you were away, your courage is the quiet thread that holds this nation together.

At (DE-FI), service is personal. Our founder, Caressa L. Brown, comes from a proud military family, her father, a Marine drill sergeant and a combat Purple Heart recipient; her brother, a Marine gunnery sergeant who served in two wars; her oldest brother, an Army veteran of the first Gulf War; and her oldest sister, a Navy veteran.

Their stories, of discipline, endurance, and sacrifice are woven into the fabric of who we are and why we exist...to build, to serve, to uplift.

To the veterans within the (DE-FI) family, those who’ve walked through our incubator doors, lent their skills to our community, or simply stood by us, your resilience and integrity inspire everything we create.

Today, we don’t just say “thank you.” We say we see and honor you.And we carry forward the same spirit of service that (DE-FI)nes you.

Andre 3000   said it best during his  speech: “Great things start in little rooms.” 2025 was a year of firsts for (DE-FI...
11/11/2025

Andre 3000 said it best during his speech: “Great things start in little rooms.”

2025 was a year of firsts for (DE-FI) Global INC. For the first time ever, we produced four multi-day fashion experiences in one year:

A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance (March – Dayton & Cincinnati)
Dayton Fashion Week (July – Dayton)
(DE-FI) Fashion Week (September – Dayton & Cincinnati)
Fashion Week of Cincinnati (November – Cincinnati)

Not only did we produce and host four different multi-day, we did it in two cities, and
we did it with the support of incredible people from six cities and in four states.

From one-on-one's, to rooms of 15 to gatherings of 75+, every space and conversation was intentional,
built on purpose, vision, and impact rather than scale. For those that we weren't able to accommodate this season, you were not forgotten and we will be in touch soon.

As we’ve said all year, our goal isn’t to go big or go home. Our goal is to be impactful and functional to help talent fulfill their dreams.

To everyone who saw the vision, believed in the process, showed up, stayed connected, or reached out, we thank you.

Our 2025 season concluded Saturday with the finale event of Fashion Week of Cincinnati,
and now we’re preparing for The Build Out™ in 2026. Stay tuned next season's details. The best is yet to come.


Not able to make it to Fashion Week of Cincinnati  ? Be sure to head over to Indianapolis for Midwest Fashion Week's Jou...
11/06/2025

Not able to make it to Fashion Week of Cincinnati ? Be sure to head over to Indianapolis for Midwest Fashion Week's Journey

JOURNEY is a fusion of fashion and beauty!
Experience three unforgettable days of style, storytelling, and creativity as Midwest Fashion Week takes over Indianapolis, November 7–9, 2025.

Friday, Nov. 7 — The Journey of Style Storytelling

Saturday, Nov. 8 — The Journey of Creatives Merging

Saturday, Nov. 8 — Scholarship Fundraising Event

Sunday, Nov. 9 — Runway Show: JOURNEY
An inspiring showcase of global designers

Be sure to tell them that (DE-FI) Sent you!

Address

580 Calumet Lane
Cincinnati, OH
45417

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