From the runway to the heart of Baltimore’s youth, Saran Fossett is a force of nature. As the founder of AZIZA PE&CE, she’s more than a former model—she’s a creative powerhouse, healer, and advocate whose work fuses fashion, mentorship, and art into life-changing tools for transformation. Her journey is rooted in legacy, love, and lived experience—and her impact is undeniable.
Before founding a movement, Saran got her start in the fashion industry under the legendary Travis Winkey in Baltimore. Her career quickly expanded to Chicago, where she modeled for The House of David Byrd and became a platform artist and hair model for brands like Avalon and Revlon. Modeling both nationally and internationally, she also pursued fashion merchandising and marketing, eventually carving out a space as a personal shopper and stylist. But after the birth of her first child, her focus shifted: she wanted to open doors for others. That desire led her to launch IMAGES Productions—a modeling agency dedicated to helping Black models thrive—and later, LABELS, a boutique on Baltimore’s Howard Street.
Still, what truly ignited the spark behind her entrepreneurial journey was a powerful mix of legacy and love. “My father, a former Black Panther, instilled in me the values of ownership, civic responsibility, and collective empowerment,” she shares. “Combined with the fierce love I have for my daughter, those values laid the foundation for AZIZA PE&CE—a space where fashion, the arts, and mentorship become powerful tools for healing, self-expression, and liberation.”
While Saran didn’t always envision herself as an entrepreneur in the traditional sense, she knew from an early age that she wanted to create something meaningful. Drawn to creativity and leadership, she imagined herself working in fashion or education—two paths that beautifully intersect in her current work. “Entrepreneurship found me through purpose,” she explains. “I realized there were gaps—especially for Black girls and LGBTQ+ youth—when it came to spaces that centered healing, identity, and empowerment. So I built what I wish existed.”
And that’s exactly what she did. We connected with Saran for an inspiring deep dive into her journey—unpacking the purpose, resilience, and personal power that fuel AZIZA PE&CE.
THE SPARK BEHIND THE VISION
STRUT: What inspired you to start AZIZA PE&CE?
SARAN: AZIZA PE&CE is a program I founded in 2008, inspired by my daughter, Nile AZIZA. Her middle name means “precious, gorgeous, and powerful,” and my love for her drove me to create a space where young people, especially girls and LGBTQ+ youth, could thrive. Concerned about her ability to navigate a predominantly white, elitist school, I left my job at Baltimore City Public Schools to be more involved in her life and others who needed guidance.
“AZIZA PE&CE uses arts, fashion, and mentoring to empower youth, focusing on their social, emotional, and academic development. Our goal is to create safe, supportive spaces where they can grow in confidence, leadership, and self-love.”
Over the years, we’ve celebrated hundreds of graduates and built a strong network of mentors who continue to give back to the next generation. Support from the Baltimore Children & Youth Fund (BCYF) has been instrumental in allowing AZIZA PE&CE to continue its mission of empowering youth through fashion, the arts, and social entrepreneurship. With BCYF’s funding, we have been able to expand our reach, enhance program offerings, and provide more safe, creative spaces where girls and LGBTQ+ youth can build confidence, develop leadership skills, and find a sense of belonging.
Navigating the Early Challenges
STRUT: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in the early stages of building AZIZA PE&CE?
SARAN: Limited resources. I had a bold vision rooted in love, healing, and cultural pride—but like many Black women founders, I didn’t have immediate access to funding, infrastructure, or a roadmap. Actually for nine years, AP was not a funded program.
In 2017, we received a grant from the Family League for $2000, that we used as reimbursement for summer programming investments. Shortly after, I had to learn how to build while walking, often wearing multiple hats, navigating burnout, and trusting my instincts when systems weren’t designed to support my work. Another challenge was helping people see the value of centering Black girls and LGBTQ+ youth in a world that often overlooks them. But I stayed grounded in my “why,” leaned into {my} community, and surrounded myself with people who believed in the mission. Over time, I learned to trust my voice, ask for help, and rest when needed. What kept me going was knowing this work isn’t just about me—it’s about creating a path for others to rise.
Let’s stop here for a second… as founders, we know how difficult it can be to build a business—let alone secure the necessary funding. Women, particularly women of color, face even greater challenges when it comes to receiving funding for their ventures. In fact, many women entrepreneurs, especially in the early stages, often rely heavily on personal savings or informal loans rather than seeking outside funding—much like Saran.
According to The Kauffman Foundation, 70% of women entrepreneurs use personal savings as their primary source of startup capital. Why is this? A report from ProjectDiane reveals that Black women receive only about 0.64% of all venture capital funding, despite being one of the fastest-growing groups of entrepreneurs in the U.S. This underscores the importance of staying grounded and committed to our businesses. Like Saran, we must stand ten toes down on our ventures, remaining true to our purpose and pushing forward despite the obstacles.
Building a Movement with Meaning
“For me, purpose looks like creating spaces where Black girls and LGBTQ+ youth feel seen, safe, celebrated, and empowered to become exactly who they are meant to be.”
STRUT: At what point did you realize that your work had evolved from a personal passion to a mission with a bigger purpose?
SARAN: When I saw how the work was transforming lives—when a young person found their voice, discovered their worth, or realized they had the power to shape their future. It wasn’t just about programming; it was about building a movement rooted in love, culture, and liberation. There’s a deep sense of peace and conviction that comes with doing what you were divinely designed to do. That’s how I knew—and that’s what keeps me going.
STRUT: How would you describe what makes AZIZA PE&CE unique?
SARAN: Our fusion of fashion, the arts, and social entrepreneurship as tools for youth empowerment. We go beyond traditional mentorship by creating safe, creative spaces where girls and LGBTQ+ youth can build confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of belonging. Our programs don’t just teach—they transform, helping young people embrace their identities, develop critical life skills, and see themselves as leaders and change-makers in their communities.
Leading with Intention
STRUT: What does a typical day look like for you as the founder?
SARAN: Running AZIZA PE&CE means no two days are ever exactly the same—but every day is rooted in intention, love, and service. A typical day can include anything from meeting with community partners, planning youth programming, and reviewing data, to checking in with our team, mentoring young people, or prepping for events like STRUT or MERAKI. There’s also the behind-the-scenes work—writing grants, developing strategy, managing operations, and making sure our programs are not only impactful but also sustainable. Some days I’m deep in vision mode, dreaming up what’s next. {On} other days, I’m on the ground with youth, listening to their stories and making sure they feel valued and heard. It’s a beautiful balance of creativity, leadership, and purpose, and while it can be intense, it’s also deeply fulfilling. Every day, I’m reminded that we’re building something powerful—together.
Resilience in Real Time
“While my health was a major hurdle, it also reinforced why I do this work—showing young people that perseverance, hope, and community can carry you through even the most challenging times. Instead of pivoting away from my mission, I leaned into it even more, ensuring that AZIZA PE&CE remained a source of strength and empowerment for those who needed it most.”
STRUT: Have there been personal challenges that shaped your journey as an entrepreneur?
SARAN: In 2019, while planning our annual fashion fundraiser, STRUT, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a moment that could have derailed everything—but instead, it became a test of resilience and purpose. Just days after my diagnosis, I learned that my bonus mom was also battling breast cancer, and we faced the fight together. Despite surgeries, treatments, and daily radiation, I remained committed to AZIZA PE&CE and the youth we serve. I showed up to events, led programs, and even traveled with our seniors just ten days after my second surgery. While my health was a major hurdle, it also reinforced why I do this work—showing young people that perseverance, hope, and community can carry them through even the most challenging times. Instead of pivoting away from my mission, I leaned into it even more, ensuring that AZIZA PE&CE remained a source of strength and empowerment for those who needed it most.”
I’m thankful to say that as of September 16, 2019 my bonus mom and I are both cancer free!
Words of Wisdom
STRUT: What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs about avoiding burnout and caring for their mental health?
SARAN: As entrepreneurs, we can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritizing rest, setting boundaries, and leaning on a supportive community is key to avoiding burnout. Remember to celebrate wins, big or small, and stay connected to your purpose. Most importantly, make mental health a non-negotiable—whether through therapy, meditation or simply taking a step back when needed. Your business thrives when you do!
STRUT: What keeps you going—what keeps you struttin’?
SARAN: What keeps me struttin’ is knowing that every step I take is not just for me—it’s for the Black girls and LGBTQ+ youth who deserve to see themselves reflected in power, purpose, and possibility. It’s the love I have for my community, the legacy I’m building, and the lives I’ve watched transform through AZIZA PE&CE. I strut because I’ve survived things that were meant to break me—including breast cancer—and I’m still here, walking in my purpose with my head high and my heart open. I strut because I believe in joy as resistance, fashion as expression, and healing as a revolutionary act.
What keeps me struttin’ is the vision of a world where our young people are free, affirmed, and unstoppable—and knowing I get to be part of making that world real.
How can our readers connect with you?
https://www.aziza-pece.org/
https://www.instagram.com/iam_azizapece/?hl=en