we are more than an agency, we are a community of thriving entrepreneurs and creatives
RAGTRADE ATLANTA is more than an agency, we are a community of strong, curious, and ambitious fashion design talent redefining entrepreneurship on our own terms. We are here to inform, advocate, and provide real business opportunities through brand collaborations, wholesale representation, retail incubators, and experiences we create. Our goal is to make high-impact and meaningful connections that drive Atlanta’s rise as a global fashion hub by fostering innovation, community, and economic growth within the industry.
Meet the Team
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ANGELA WATTS
FOUNDER
Angela Watts is an award-winning marketing and communications executive, and the founder of RAGTRADE Atlanta and Atlanta Fashion Week, a creative and event production agency, which strategically build partnerships between brands and fashion design talent, retailers, and multi-hyphenate creatives through collaborations, brand launches, experiential marketing, content, and business development programs. Currently based in Atlanta, GA, Watts has led strategy for a variety of global brands such Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Universal Pictures, HBO, Fox Searchlight, Lincoln Motor Company, BMW, and agencies for 20+ years. Watts is currently a board member of the National Black Arts (NBAF) and sits on the Mayor Andre Dickens Arts Advisory Board.
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AINSLEY CONNELL
SVP, OPERATIONS
Ainsley Connell serves as Senior Vice President of Operations for RAGTRADE ATLANTA, bringing extensive experience across the retail, fashion, and nonprofit industries. With a unique blend of managerial, production, and marketing expertise, he delivers innovative, out-of-the-box concepts and qualified production support, always keeping the core brand sensibility at the forefront. Ainsley has collaborated with Fortune 500 companies such as Mercedes-Benz, W Hotels, and Samsung, contributed to New York Fashion Week with IMG and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), and managed operations for iconic venues including Pier 59 and Skylight Studios.