Tracy Reese: 'Love What You Do'

(The Root) -- Tracy Reese, the successful fashion designer who counts Michelle Obama as one of her fans, has made it to the top of a very tough industry. Backstage at her Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week show on Sunday, Feb. 10, The Root's contributing editor Harriette Cole talked to her about who and what has helped her become so successful.

"Hard work and loving what I do and being surrounded by great people," she said. She said she counts Bethann Hardison, a former model and modeling agent who is now a fashion activist and documentarian, as one of her mentors. Cole also caught up with Hardison, who explained why she thinks Reese has had such success in the fashion industry. Hear what else they both have to say in the video below.

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