Each month the UT Martin Alumni Association highlights an alumnus who has soared to great heights and made significant contributions in their career post-graduation. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Youree Maddox Dickerson, a Successful Skyhawk whose achievements inspire us all and remind us of the boundless possibilities that lie ahead!
Well-Suited for Fashion
“I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t interested in fashion,” says Youree Maddox Dickerson (’08). While becoming a fashion designer had always been the dream, Youree’s travel experiences to Chicago and Dallas with the University of Tennessee at Martin’s fashion merchandising program inspired her to make it a reality.
“Traveling and actually going to market really sparked an interest in me,” she says. “I saw that there was room for me in Dallas, Texas, doing what I wanted to do in the fashion field.”
A native of Union City, Tennessee, Youree chose to attend UT Martin since it offered a program in fashion merchandising and the location allowed her to experience the freedom of being on her own while offering proximity to her close-knit family who had always encouraged her love of fashion. In addition to her studies, she became involved on campus through Leaders in Residence, the Black Student Associate, and pledging Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
After earning her bachelor’s degree, Youree was offered a position at her former middle school where she worked as a reading assistant and substitute teacher before relocating to Dallas and becoming a certified schoolteacher. Although she loved teaching, there was a creative piece missing from her career. Exploring other options, she gained experience as an office director for a modeling agency before managing hospitality and events on a college campus.
The pandemic in 2020 shifted Youree’s workdays from in person to at home, giving her more time to channel her creativity, resulting in her African-inspired clothing line, Youree’s aFREEcan Runway. The line features colorful garments handmade in Ghana and Nigeria using African Wax fabric and was featured in LA Fashion Week.
Eventually, she left her university position to work for a celebrity designer that creates custom suiting, introducing her to the world of menswear. “I would have never thought I’d be in menswear or most of my clients being men,” Youree notes on how her career has evolved. Her favorite project to date was designing her son’s tuxedo for his junior prom.
From custom-tailored suits to her clothing line, Youree is living her dream in the Lonestar state as the owner of three companies that allow her to pursue her passion as a fashion designer and stylist.
In my field, if you’re like everyone else, what’s the purpose? Be okay with being unique and different.
Youree Maddox Dickerson
Class of 2008
B.S. in Fashion Merchandising
Q&A with McKenzie
I would have to say my sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. From bonding with the girls to sisterhood, I learned a lot. I also learned a lot about myself. I grew up with my sorority.
UTM opened my eyes through those fashion tours. I was able to travel and to a place just for fashion events and seeing that industry. Those tours were very important to me because it allowed me to see things I’ve only seen on tv. It let me know that it’s real. I can do it and I can be there.
I now live in Dallas and am married to Ryan Dickerson. Together, we have a 17-year-old son named Maddox and a 12-year-old daughter named Morgan. My husband has two children, Ryniah and Ryan Junior from a previous marriage as well as three bonus daughters Kabresha, Markesha, and Anyla. I’ve been a mom and business owner.
Network. Network. Network. It’s not all about what you know. It’s about who you know. What goes hand-in-hand with that is making sure you’re presenting yourself well on and offline. You don’t want to be shown in a light that’s has someone questioning whether they’d want to hire or work with you.
Also, be confident in yourself. Be okay with being different and unique. In my field, if you’re like everyone else, what’s the purpose? People come to me because they want to look unique. Be okay with being unique and different.