Established in New Orleans in 2011 and since 2012 where its production takes place, the brand AYA DESIGNS GLOBAL is best described as a fusion between traditional cultures, sub-cultures, and contemporary fashion. Ja’nese Galathe and Dana Leon-Lima credit their passion for fashion and the eclectic aesthetic and multi-culturalism present in their work to Women in their family, dance, travel, music and their lifestyle exposure. “As Teaching Artists we began to expose our students to cultural dance, dialogue and costume design, which led to educational conversations about the diaspora that empowered our students with knowledge of history and self worth.”