MEET THE DESIGNER
KAREN L. BROWN
FOUNDER & CREATIVE DESIGNER
SUGA BROWN DESIGNS
Fashion Lives Here
HER STORY
CREATIVE VISIONARY.
SELF-TAUGHT.
PURPOSE DRIVEN.
Karen L. Brown is a passionate, self-taught seamstress and designer born and raised on Long Island, New York. Inspired by her grandmother Dora Brown and great aunt Ivy Jackson-Boyd, she developed her craft through family inspiration, dedication, and hands-on experience.
Her work gained momentum in August 2022 when she began collaborating with Elizabeth Carson Racker on alterations and special projects for major industry events, including New York Fashion Week, USF Gospel Choir Tampa Bay Fashion Week, and the Dominique Rodgers Cromartie Foundation.
In addition to her design and production work, Karen serves as an assistant to Keyshonna McNeal, owner of “Styled by That’s Key” and “Designed by That’s Key,” strengthening her understanding of styling, brand presentation, and the creative process from concept to completion.
Karen’s journey reflects a blend of heritage, craftsmanship, and sustainable creativity—positioning her as an emerging designer with a clear vision for both style and purpose.
Fashion Lives Here
THE STORY BEHIND THE COLLECTION
Green to Gold is a military-inspired collection that represents the journey of starting at the bottom of the ranks and breaking through to become part of an elite group of men and women who dedicate themselves to serving our country.
The inspiration is deeply personal. Karen's youngest son, Lieutenant Roderick L. Armstrong Jr., began his military career as an E-1 and rose to Second Lieutenant in just eight years.
A mother's pride. A veteran's respect.
A designer's tribute.
THE JOURNEY
SHOW
CASES
From her first mini-collection to Tampa Bay Fashion Week, each showcase marks another step in Karen's evolution as a designer.
JULY 2023
FIRST
MINI-COLLECTION
Debuted her first mini-collection, featured with the Dominique Rodgers Cromartie Foundation.
JANUARY 31, 2026
JUMPOFF
AFRICA
Presented her first full collection of 18 pieces at Jumpoff Africa.
APRIL 24, 2026
TONI HEART
FASHION SHOW
Featured at the Toni Heart Purple Spring Hair and Fashion Show.
MAY 17, 2026
IN FULL
BLOOM
Debuted in the In Full Bloom Fashion Show, a platform dedicated to recycling clothing for a fresh new look.
SEPTEMBER 25, 2026
TAMPA BAY
FASHION WEEK
Designer debut in Tampa Bay Fashion Week 2026 with her collection, “Green to Gold.”
IN THE PRESS.
Rising Stars: Meet Karen L. Brown
VoyageTampa sits down with Karen L. Brown, the self-taught designer behind Suga Brown Designs, to explore the journey that took her from a lifelong love of creativity to developing and showcasing her own fashion collections. Karen shares the influences that shaped her, the mentors who helped refine her craft, and her passion for creating stylish, comfortable clothing for real people and different body types.
Read The Full Article →Green To Gold
THE INSPIRATION.
For Karen L. Brown, Green to Gold is more than a collection. It is a story of service, transformation, perseverance and family legacy.
The collection draws its deepest inspiration from Karen's youngest son, Lieutenant Roderick L. Armstrong Jr. He began his military career as an E-1 and, through determination, discipline and perseverance, rose to the rank of Second Lieutenant in just eight years.
As a mother who also served in the military, Karen understands the commitment behind that journey. Green to Gold became her way of translating the pride she feels as a mother and the respect she carries as a veteran into her work as a designer.
The collection also honors a much larger legacy of military service within Karen's family — a history extending across generations, from service in the British Army to members of the family serving in the United States military today.
Of Karen's children have served in the military, continuing a family tradition of service across generations.
Transformation
Rising from where you begin to where determination, discipline and purpose can take you.
Discipline &
Perseverance
Continuing forward through challenges, sacrifice and adversity.
Service
Honoring those who dedicate themselves to something greater than themselves.
Legacy
Recognizing generations of military service within families and communities around the world.
Sacrifice
Remembering those who answered the call to serve, especially those who never returned home.
A Personal Dedication
FROM
GREEN
TO GOLD.
Thank You,
Lieutenant Roderick L. Armstrong Jr.
“Your journey from Green to Gold became the inspiration for mine.”