July 14, 2025 • 23 mins
On this episode of In Case You Missed It, Khristina dives into the electric intersection of basketball and fashion with LA Sparks forward Rickea Jackson and celebrity stylist Brittany Hampton. Brittany Hampton joins to share how she brought Rickea’s bold look to life, what makes a great tunnel fit, and why brands like Cheez-It are finally investing in the power and influence of women athletes.Then, Rickea reflects on her sophomore season in the WNBA, honoring the legacy of Candace Parker, and her Detroit roots that shape her game-day swagger. She also talks about her viral Cheez-It tunnel fit collab with Brittany, how fashion fuels her confidence, and what it means to be a role model on and off the court.
Want more women’s basketball scoop? Follow the show on Instagram @ICYMIwithKW and X @ICYMIwithKW and for more on Khristina, follow her on Instagram @khristinawilliams
Let us know what you think of the show by leaving a rating and a review!
CREDITS
Executive Producers:
Nikki Ettore
Jessie Katz
Tyler Klang
Jonathan Strickland
Producer:
Buffy Gorrilla
Producer & Editor:
Tari Harrison
Mike Coscarelli
Host:
Khristina Williams
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
In Case You Missed It with Christina Williams is an
Iheartwoman's sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment.
Welcome to a special edition of In Case You Missed
It with Christina Williams. I'm thrilled to have Brittany Hampton
as my guest today. Brittany is a fashion and creative visionary.
(00:25):
Her impressive career includes styling notable figures like Russell Westbrook
and contributing to campaigns for global brands such as Jordan
and Hennessy. She's dressed some of the biggest names in
the game. If you watch the WNBA Draft this past year,
you probably saw Page Becker's and Azy Budd absolutely kill it.
But she's here today, and now she's dressing stars like
(00:47):
Rikia Jackson and a special game day look. And Brittany
is here to tell me all about her latest collaboration.
So without further ado, please welcome to the show. Brittany Hampton.
Welcome to the show.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
Thanks for having me so.
Speaker 1 (01:03):
Brittany, my personal first introduction to you was when you
were on reality TV for the House of DVF so
so so so so long ago. But can you just
talk about your evolution as a stylist and your entry
point into styling for women athletes and the WNBA.
Speaker 2 (01:26):
Yes, definitely, Oh my god, that brings back so many memories.
I feel like we need to bring back reality version
of Brittany Hampton. But all that being said, I mean
I've been styling for a while now. I've been styling
since I was like sixteen seventeen. In terms of working
with a lot of these celebrities based out of Los
Angeles in particular, and then obviously transitioning over to women's sports,
(01:48):
it's been such a blessing. I got to work with
Russell Westbrook's brand, Honor the Gift, where I designed his
women's collection there, and I think that that truly just
transitioned into me working with a lot of these stars
and it's just been Yeah, it's been an evolutional moment
for sure.
Speaker 1 (02:07):
Huge news coming out today that you have a brand
new collaboration with cheese It. How did the collaboration come about?
Speaker 2 (02:17):
So Cheesus reached out to me, which I was really
excited about in regards to them knowing that I designed,
and so they wanted to come together and create achievements,
which obviously to me it being you know, so inspirational
right now to do women's basketball, and obviously the Tunnel looks,
we knew that we wanted to create something that was
just going to really become impactful, not only for the
(02:39):
Tunnel but for each individual player. So I teamed up
with Rikia and Chiefs.
Speaker 1 (02:46):
And what was it like working with La Sparks star
Rakia Jackson being able to bring a vision to life
for not only the brand, but for an athlete like Rakia.
Speaker 2 (02:55):
Rikia is a one of one star. Honestly, she's such
a doll to work with and she has like this
aura about herself. She's honestly like such a boost of
energy is what I like to call her, and she
really knows exactly what it is that she wants, even
when it comes down to her style alone is impeccable,
(03:16):
right I mean obviously right now she's killing it in
the Tunnels, and so getting to work with her and
collaborate with her on a look that truly was her
and identifying.
Speaker 3 (03:25):
Who she was was was great.
Speaker 2 (03:26):
It was a great moment, Like it was we were
so collaborative and exactly what it was that she wanted.
So we did right.
Speaker 1 (03:33):
One of the things that Rikia told me about the
outfit was that she really wanted a look that had
a really long pant. And I know how hard it
is to dress like an athlete's body because they're long
and tall. So what would you say the difference is
when you're trying to, you know, find these unique looks
for an athlete.
Speaker 2 (03:51):
I think that that was the thing that I really
appreciated with with working with Honor. The gift, right is
that we did do a lot of growing the end
seems growing torsos and understand and that like the body
contortions of a women in general is one thing, right,
but then also understand the proportions of an athlete is
very particular. With Rikia, she wanted to create not only
a look that was for her and just for women.
(04:13):
It's very gender neutral, so we wanted to create something
that both her and the men can appreciate. And so
we ended up doing the cheevy windbreaker and then the
cheevy pant and so it's really a set that I
feel like it's going to be like identified by the
basketball community is like the chief it fit very excited.
Speaker 1 (04:30):
Women's basketball is at an all time high and the
momentum just continues to grow, and I feel like with
that you see unique partnerships like the one that you
have right now with Cheese It, or the intersections of
fashion in sports. Why do you think it's important for
these brands to invest in women athletes.
Speaker 2 (04:48):
I think it's more than just the investment. I think
it's the reality that, like this is going to be
a long term thing, and this also helps the storytelling
of their legacy right through athletes in general. I think
every single thing that we do is going to pinpoint
to the fans and what they want to see, and
so us having that pregame ritual and us being able
(05:09):
to help us stylists identify each individual look through these
talent stars or you know exactly what it is that
we want to do.
Speaker 1 (05:16):
What would you say makes a solid tunnel fit?
Speaker 2 (05:19):
Oh my goodness. I think the accessories for me are
the go to which we made sure to do when
we created this fit, because the snack proof, crunch proof,
like actual pocket that we created was something that like
you can actually carry your snack with you. So I
think that like accessories are a mess that's going to
be a mess that we included and of course Jewelery.
Speaker 1 (05:41):
I think that your work is amazing and for the
w community. I think that this past year's drafts and
also last year's draft as well, you've been able to
dress some of the biggest athletes in the sport. Page
Becker's absolutely killed her draft look azy bug, I mean,
jaws were drumped when they both walk the carpet. What
(06:01):
is it like to be able to collaborate with some
of the biggest athletes in the world and also just
bring those looks to life and having them step outside
of their comfort zone to be in these looks.
Speaker 2 (06:13):
Honestly, it's an honor. It's an honor to be able
to stand beside them and help them be who they are,
uniquely themselves every single time. I think that that's my
position and my role in it is to be able
to bring these opportunities to them and to be able
to have the bigger brands want to partner with them
to create a look and collaborate a look is even
more meaningful, right Like for them to call me to
help design something wasn't just like put this brand on them.
(06:37):
We had to collaborate, We had to design, We had
to sit and think about every single portion of this
piece and how it was going to tie together to
create something that she's going to be able to walk in.
So it was a moment. But yeah, it's an honor
beyond words to be able to partner with them.
Speaker 1 (06:51):
And lastly, as a black woman in the fashion space
in the sports space, you've been able to break barriers
already and just the short amount of time that you've
been in this space, what advice do you have for
you know, women who are looking to get into this industry.
Speaker 2 (07:06):
I would definitely say stride and stride hard. Like I
think that we constantly are stopped right in everything that
we do, and I think that it's about taking these
unique opportunities and not just sitting at this table and
waiting for a seat. It's about being the seat at
that table.
Speaker 1 (07:22):
Well, I want to thank you Brittany so much for
joining us today on In Case you missed It with
Christina Williams here on the Iheartwoman's Sports Network. We absolutely
love the cheese. It fit Rakia absolutely killed it. Tell
us where we can see some of your.
Speaker 2 (07:35):
Work, yes, definitely, Well you can catch me on Instagram
of course, it's at Bhampton and the Outfit. You can
purchase July seventeenth on cheese at dot com.
Speaker 1 (07:44):
Thank you so much, it was a pleasure of having
you on.
Speaker 2 (07:47):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (08:01):
Detroit raised her Tennessee, helped shape her, and now in
her second year with the Los Angeles Sparks, Rakia Jackson
is settling into her role and making a name for
herself within the WNBA. I want to take time to
welcome Rikia Jackson too, in case you missed it.
Speaker 3 (08:18):
Welcome to the show with you, Hi, thank you for
having me.
Speaker 1 (08:22):
So we like to start every show out with the
guest sharing their win of the week. So what would
you say is something that was a win for you
this week?
Speaker 3 (08:31):
Us speaking Indiana fever.
Speaker 1 (08:35):
That's definitely a win. More wins on the board for
the Sparks. So you're in your two of your WNBA career,
and I feel like for year one for a lot
of players, it's all about figuring everything out. What feels
more solid or more settled about this year two for you?
Speaker 4 (08:52):
Not really a lot. I feel like I'm still finding
my footing. I feel like, honestly like it's my rookie
ce all over again in a sense of new new system,
new coaches. So I'm still finding my footing, still getting
comfortable with everything, but just knowing at the end of
the day, like everyone's here to support me, and you know,
(09:13):
my teammates love them very much. They're always there and
we're just continuing to figure it out build that chemistry.
Speaker 3 (09:19):
But I feel like it's getting there for sure.
Speaker 1 (09:22):
Is there anything that you learned about year one that
definitely helps you as you head into year two for
your professional career.
Speaker 4 (09:31):
Yeah, I would just have to say, like having that
confidence stepping out on the court with the best players
in the world.
Speaker 3 (09:37):
This is the best league in the world.
Speaker 4 (09:38):
So just making sure I'm continuing the sharpen my tools
in my toolbox and not being afraid to, you know,
go out there and perform how I should. But at
the same time, give myself grace when I'm not like
holding myself, I am holding myself to a high standard,
but when I'm not performing as I would like to,
so just again give myself grace, tell myself like you're human,
It's okay.
Speaker 3 (09:58):
Every day isn't going to be your day.
Speaker 1 (09:59):
So the Sparks have already made progress in terms of
last season's win total and getting better, and you talked
about building chemistry with your teammates in a new system,
with a new coach. What feels different about how the
team is approaching this season.
Speaker 4 (10:14):
I will just have to say, like our mindsets, like
we know what we need to do to win.
Speaker 3 (10:18):
I feel like this team can be really well.
Speaker 4 (10:20):
Once we put both ends of the floork together in
one game and played forty minutes of good basketball. Nothing
will ever be perfect in the game as much as
we wanted to, So just staying together and you know,
making sure we overcome that adversity.
Speaker 3 (10:33):
But I feel like we're trending in the right direction.
Speaker 1 (10:35):
The Sparks is a storied and legacy franchise in the
W and just last week you all were able to
honor Candae Parker, who is not only a Sparks legend,
but a Tennessee Lady Bowles legend as well. What was
it like to just witness that moment as a current
Sparks player but also as a former Lady Bowls yourself.
Speaker 4 (10:55):
Yeah, to be able to witness that moment and play
in the game where her Jason was being retired was amazing.
It was surreal to see someone get what they deserve,
someone that you've always looked up to growing up and
looking at her game and you know, stilling some tricks
and things from her game, but just a confidence she
(11:15):
has as a person. And not only is she such
a great player, but she's also so down to earth,
so willing to give to others, so willing to just
be there for people.
Speaker 3 (11:26):
And I appreciate her so much for that. But to
be able to.
Speaker 4 (11:29):
Experience that was a moment I would never forget.
Speaker 3 (11:33):
We didn't get the win for.
Speaker 4 (11:34):
Her, so I was upset about that, but she did
play for Chicago to win a championship there too, so
it was a win win situation for her.
Speaker 3 (11:42):
But I'm so happy and proud of Kandice.
Speaker 1 (11:45):
What is the legacy that you hope to carry forward
now as a current Spoks player as a forward for
the Sparks. What do you hope to carry forward?
Speaker 4 (11:53):
Just having that confidence and you know, being that player
that it's fun to watch and you know, great attitude
there for her teammates.
Speaker 3 (12:01):
And just being do it all player.
Speaker 4 (12:05):
Don't need to do it all, but having those tools
in her toolbox where I can be versatile how Candice
was so just making sure I'm carrying her legacy in
that way because She's definitely inspired all the todgirls that
wouldn't be cards.
Speaker 1 (12:18):
This week was full of announcements for the WNBA, most
namely expansion. And I know you're from the east side
of Detroit and they recently announced an expanded team headed
to Detroit. As someone who's from there, what does it
mean to you to have a team back in your hometown.
Speaker 4 (12:35):
Yeah, it means so much to bring a team back
to Detroit. I cannot wait to go back home and
play against them. So it's gonna be so fun, and
I feel like Detroit deserves it. We always have great
fans turn out to events and just to support from
the city. I feel like it's going to be amazing.
(12:55):
But I'm super excited for I cannot wait to see
the name of the team, the colors, just everything that
comes with it.
Speaker 3 (13:02):
I'm so excited.
Speaker 4 (13:03):
But Detroit definitely deserves it, and I just can't wait
to see it be all put together.
Speaker 1 (13:08):
I know you wrapped Detroit through and through your draft
outfit last year was amazing with the homage to your hometown,
But in what ways does being from Detroit show up
in your everyday life?
Speaker 4 (13:19):
I would have to say just having that swagger and
that mentality of like, I'm not trying to beat anyone
but myself. Like we're such girls girls in Detroit, but
we like to come and fly at the same time.
So no matter what the event is, you know, we
probably overdressed and we don't care. But at the same time,
we're so real, We're so down to earth and major
(13:42):
girls girls like we just we just love that.
Speaker 3 (13:45):
That's how we bond. So just everyday life. Just again,
when I'm.
Speaker 4 (13:49):
Out shopping, I'm making sure I'm getting some fly stuff,
something that speaks Detroit. Sometimes sometimes stuff people may not
wear as well, like someone may be uncomfortable wearing.
Speaker 3 (14:00):
But that's just how I live, honestly.
Speaker 1 (14:03):
So I know that you come from a basketball family.
Your mom played at Kansas and you talk a lot
about your brothers playing basketball, how they inspired you to
get into the game. How did being from a sports
family shape the way that you approach the game in
life today?
Speaker 4 (14:20):
Being from a sports family definitely shaped how I am today.
It definitely made me have tough skin through a lot
of things and being able to overcome a lot of adversity.
Speaker 3 (14:31):
But just growing up, I mean, being the only girl
in the household.
Speaker 4 (14:34):
You get treated like the princess, but at the same
time you get bullied because it's like, yeah, you're the girl.
Speaker 3 (14:39):
Of the family. You get to pink the tutus.
Speaker 4 (14:41):
But when we're on this court, we're not trying to
get be by a girl, so we're gonna go extra
hard at you.
Speaker 3 (14:47):
A lot of.
Speaker 4 (14:48):
Mac talking growing up, but of course it was all
out of love, and I feel like that's what shaped
me to be the player that I am today. And
you know, having fun out there, talking a little trash
every now and then and just being so.
Speaker 1 (15:00):
We talked about how basketball runs in your family, but
in terms of style, it's your own lane, and you
talked about how being from Detroit and being a girl's
girl has influenced her fashion approach. When did you start
owning that side of yourself.
Speaker 4 (15:13):
I feel like I started owning it in my rookie
year last year. I've always been into fashion growing up,
being a little girl Touto's gothic era, bandana era, Converse era.
I had every era you can think of, but just
staying true to who I am and having fun with it,
and you know, knowing that there are little girls that
(15:35):
look up to me, So you can do both. You know,
you can dress nice before work and go to work
and perform well. And I feel like that's what it's
all about, just being who you are and do what
makes you comfortable.
Speaker 1 (15:45):
The evolution of the tunnel fit has provided an opportunity
for brands to be able to partner with athletes like yourself.
When you think about the evolution of the tunnel fits
and then fashion, why is it important for brands to
get behind it athletes like you to do these sorts
of collaborations.
Speaker 4 (16:03):
Yeah, I feel like it's very important for brands to
get behind us as athletes because this is something that's
super popular, and this is something that our fans love
to see. This is something that you know, people are
highly talking about and it's pretty much everywhere you know,
they're coming in like, oh, who got the best fit today?
Or ranking people's tunnel fits and just what vibes are
(16:24):
people given today. So I feel like it's very important
for brands to continue to partner with us because the
league is growing and I feel like as people were
growing and we can help each other, you know, we
can grow them and they can grow us. So I
feel like it's just a great partnership at hand that
could be had as brands continue to get behind us.
But for me, in the brands that I've worked with
(16:47):
thus far, very grateful for them great partnerships, and you know,
they always are amazed at how many supporters we do
have in the w once the things that you know,
we work with come out. So I feel like that's
been pretty cool to experience because they truly get to
see like how we are as people and not just players.
Speaker 1 (17:06):
Cheess It teamed up with fashion styles Britney Hampton to
create a bold, snack inspired look just for you. Can
you talk about how that partnership came about.
Speaker 4 (17:15):
Yeah, Jesus reached out to me and I just felt
like it was the perfect thing. They were, you know,
tapping into basketball tunnel fashion.
Speaker 3 (17:24):
I'm into that.
Speaker 4 (17:25):
I played basketball, so it was just love at first sight,
and I feel like the partnership itself truly felt like
a partnership.
Speaker 3 (17:33):
You know, they asked me what did I want? Were
my thoughts? And I gave them feedback.
Speaker 4 (17:37):
But knowing of Britney's work and what she's done, I
already trusted her. I just told her I just have
one thing. And as for the pants to be super
super super long. That's my only thing. Anything else, I
will deal with it. But she did a great job
and the design of the outfit is so cool as unisex,
so I can't wait to showcase it. I can't wait
(17:59):
for the fans to see it, and I'm just excited
for it.
Speaker 1 (18:01):
This custom cheese and outfit brings a fresh new twist
to the tunnel fit fashion. What was your reaction when
you saw the fit? You said long pins was the
non negotiable.
Speaker 3 (18:13):
Yes, I mean the pants were honestly too long. Almost.
Speaker 4 (18:16):
I'm like, Brittany, you did your being miss ma'am's. But
I definitely loved it. It was so cute, so me,
you can dress it up anyway. Again, it's unisex, so
it's for the men, it's for the ladies. However you
want to dress it up. I perceive, well, I think
I'm gonna wait till y'all see it, so y'all can
see what I'm talking about. But yeah, super cute.
Speaker 1 (18:36):
How important is it for you to have fashion that
meets your personality.
Speaker 4 (18:41):
It's very important for me to have fashion that meets
my personality because at the end of the day, like
you want to dress, how you want to be addressed,
and I feel like that's very important walking into these
rooms and meeting these people. You know, if you come
in some sweats to a formal event, people may not
want to address you or speak with you with respect,
(19:01):
And I feel like sometimes clothing can speak for you.
You don't have to say things. Clothing nine times out
of ten gifts a lot.
Speaker 3 (19:09):
Of things and what you're wearing.
Speaker 4 (19:11):
So for me, I just thought that's very important to
remember what I'm doing it for, what brands, I am representing,
my family, representing myself, So.
Speaker 3 (19:20):
Just making sure I'm always remembering that as well.
Speaker 1 (19:22):
I like that that's a bar dress, how you want
to be addressed. I'm gonna use that. That's good. Brittany
Hampton is known for styling some of the league's biggest stars,
like yourself. What makes your creative relationship with Britney Hampton
work so well?
Speaker 3 (19:37):
I would just say her versatility.
Speaker 4 (19:39):
No matter what your style is, She's able to adjust
and pivot to whatever that may be. She's not one dimensional.
You can't put her in a box. I feel like
you ask her, like you know, this is the vibe
I'm going for. She's able to pull something up like
that that fits you. So, you know, Brittany is such
a great person, very easy going, and she's the.
Speaker 1 (19:59):
Best bringing this full circle. What's something about you or
Kia that no one expects but everyone should know?
Speaker 4 (20:10):
You know, I show case my personality a little bit
on social media, but I never know how to answer
that question.
Speaker 1 (20:17):
You know, it's so funny. I asked you this question
on Draft night and you told me about how you
love to do interior decorating, and that was like that
people should know. But you talked about social media just now,
and I think social media is going crazy this week
off of that viral moment with yourself and Sydney Coulton
(20:39):
in that game. You said that was your win of
the week. But just talk about that relationship and that moment.
Speaker 3 (20:46):
I will never get over this.
Speaker 4 (20:47):
But yeah, Sydney and I we have like this funny relationship.
She is like the funniest person I've ever met, truly,
and it's like her, It's just her. And of course
we've gone back and forth of joking on social media,
and right before the game, even during our workout, me
and Sidney had like a lengthy conversation during warm ups
(21:08):
where I was walking to the tunnel and she was
done her warm up, and she actually gave me some
really good advice with just handling things and being in
a pro and just being just there for me, honestly.
So I really appreciate the nuggets and things that she
gave me, and you know, her journey and things of
that nature.
Speaker 3 (21:28):
So that was a very like heartfel conversation.
Speaker 4 (21:31):
And if you know me and say, like, we're never serious,
and that was probably like our only serious moment ever.
Speaker 3 (21:36):
We never are serious.
Speaker 4 (21:38):
But I'm gonna say it was a foul because she
didn't let me land like. I don't care if it
was a little bit, because first of all, I told Sidney,
if that was anybody else, you would have never tried
to block their shot. But since it's me, you want
to try to block my shot. But let that have
been anyone else, you would not have blocked their shot.
So I was disappointed in her, And when I was
(22:00):
off from the free thow line, I told her a
little something. I'm not gonna say what I told her,
but I told her a little something because that was
so disrespectful. You don't do that to me, You don't
do that to me. You can do that to everyone
else but me. But I guess this is one and
O city right now. But it's okay because I'm gonna
get my get back.
Speaker 3 (22:16):
I always do.
Speaker 1 (22:17):
We're gonna be watching you as you continue to dominate
the season for the Los Angeles Sparks. For Kia Jackson,
thank you so much for joining us this week on
In Case You Missed It with Christina Williams here on
iHeart Women's Sports Network.
Speaker 3 (22:30):
Lanky, Rikia, You're welcome. Thank you.
Speaker 1 (22:33):
All right, y'all, that's gonna do it for this special
edition of In Case You Missed It with Christina Williams
here on the iHeart Women's Sports Network. Don't forget to rate,
review and subscribe to the podcast. For the next episode,
we're gonna be joined by Jordan Robinson. She's gonna help
me break down all things WNBA All Star before we
head out to Indianapolis for the w's biggest weekend of
(22:54):
the year. So make sure you subscribe so you don't
miss any of that conversation. In Case you missed It
with Christina Williams is an iHeart Women's Sports production in
partnership with Deep Blue sports, and entertainment. You can find
us on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast, or wherever you
get your podcasts.
In Case You Missed It with Christina Williams is an
Iheartwoman's sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment.
Welcome to a special edition of In Case You Missed
It with Christina Williams. I'm thrilled to have Brittany Hampton
as my guest today. Brittany is a fashion and creative visionary.
(00:25):
Her impressive career includes styling notable figures like Russell Westbrook
and contributing to campaigns for global brands such as Jordan
and Hennessy. She's dressed some of the biggest names in
the game. If you watch the WNBA Draft this past year,
you probably saw Page Becker's and Azy Budd absolutely kill it.
But she's here today, and now she's dressing stars like
(00:47):
Rikia Jackson and a special game day look. And Brittany
is here to tell me all about her latest collaboration.
So without further ado, please welcome to the show. Brittany Hampton.
Welcome to the show.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
Thanks for having me so.
Speaker 1 (01:03):
Brittany, my personal first introduction to you was when you
were on reality TV for the House of DVF so
so so so so long ago. But can you just
talk about your evolution as a stylist and your entry
point into styling for women athletes and the WNBA.
Speaker 2 (01:26):
Yes, definitely, Oh my god, that brings back so many memories.
I feel like we need to bring back reality version
of Brittany Hampton. But all that being said, I mean
I've been styling for a while now. I've been styling
since I was like sixteen seventeen. In terms of working
with a lot of these celebrities based out of Los
Angeles in particular, and then obviously transitioning over to women's sports,
(01:48):
it's been such a blessing. I got to work with
Russell Westbrook's brand, Honor the Gift, where I designed his
women's collection there, and I think that that truly just
transitioned into me working with a lot of these stars
and it's just been Yeah, it's been an evolutional moment
for sure.
Speaker 1 (02:07):
Huge news coming out today that you have a brand
new collaboration with cheese It. How did the collaboration come about?
Speaker 2 (02:17):
So Cheesus reached out to me, which I was really
excited about in regards to them knowing that I designed,
and so they wanted to come together and create achievements,
which obviously to me it being you know, so inspirational
right now to do women's basketball, and obviously the Tunnel looks,
we knew that we wanted to create something that was
just going to really become impactful, not only for the
(02:39):
Tunnel but for each individual player. So I teamed up
with Rikia and Chiefs.
Speaker 1 (02:46):
And what was it like working with La Sparks star
Rakia Jackson being able to bring a vision to life
for not only the brand, but for an athlete like Rakia.
Speaker 2 (02:55):
Rikia is a one of one star. Honestly, she's such
a doll to work with and she has like this
aura about herself. She's honestly like such a boost of
energy is what I like to call her, and she
really knows exactly what it is that she wants, even
when it comes down to her style alone is impeccable,
(03:16):
right I mean obviously right now she's killing it in
the Tunnels, and so getting to work with her and
collaborate with her on a look that truly was her
and identifying.
Speaker 3 (03:25):
Who she was was was great.
Speaker 2 (03:26):
It was a great moment, Like it was we were
so collaborative and exactly what it was that she wanted.
So we did right.
Speaker 1 (03:33):
One of the things that Rikia told me about the
outfit was that she really wanted a look that had
a really long pant. And I know how hard it
is to dress like an athlete's body because they're long
and tall. So what would you say the difference is
when you're trying to, you know, find these unique looks
for an athlete.
Speaker 2 (03:51):
I think that that was the thing that I really
appreciated with with working with Honor. The gift, right is
that we did do a lot of growing the end
seems growing torsos and understand and that like the body
contortions of a women in general is one thing, right,
but then also understand the proportions of an athlete is
very particular. With Rikia, she wanted to create not only
a look that was for her and just for women.
(04:13):
It's very gender neutral, so we wanted to create something
that both her and the men can appreciate. And so
we ended up doing the cheevy windbreaker and then the
cheevy pant and so it's really a set that I
feel like it's going to be like identified by the
basketball community is like the chief it fit very excited.
Speaker 1 (04:30):
Women's basketball is at an all time high and the
momentum just continues to grow, and I feel like with
that you see unique partnerships like the one that you
have right now with Cheese It, or the intersections of
fashion in sports. Why do you think it's important for
these brands to invest in women athletes.
Speaker 2 (04:48):
I think it's more than just the investment. I think
it's the reality that, like this is going to be
a long term thing, and this also helps the storytelling
of their legacy right through athletes in general. I think
every single thing that we do is going to pinpoint
to the fans and what they want to see, and
so us having that pregame ritual and us being able
(05:09):
to help us stylists identify each individual look through these
talent stars or you know exactly what it is that
we want to do.
Speaker 1 (05:16):
What would you say makes a solid tunnel fit?
Speaker 2 (05:19):
Oh my goodness. I think the accessories for me are
the go to which we made sure to do when
we created this fit, because the snack proof, crunch proof,
like actual pocket that we created was something that like
you can actually carry your snack with you. So I
think that like accessories are a mess that's going to
be a mess that we included and of course Jewelery.
Speaker 1 (05:41):
I think that your work is amazing and for the
w community. I think that this past year's drafts and
also last year's draft as well, you've been able to
dress some of the biggest athletes in the sport. Page
Becker's absolutely killed her draft look azy bug, I mean,
jaws were drumped when they both walk the carpet. What
(06:01):
is it like to be able to collaborate with some
of the biggest athletes in the world and also just
bring those looks to life and having them step outside
of their comfort zone to be in these looks.
Speaker 2 (06:13):
Honestly, it's an honor. It's an honor to be able
to stand beside them and help them be who they are,
uniquely themselves every single time. I think that that's my
position and my role in it is to be able
to bring these opportunities to them and to be able
to have the bigger brands want to partner with them
to create a look and collaborate a look is even
more meaningful, right Like for them to call me to
help design something wasn't just like put this brand on them.
(06:37):
We had to collaborate, We had to design, We had
to sit and think about every single portion of this
piece and how it was going to tie together to
create something that she's going to be able to walk in.
So it was a moment. But yeah, it's an honor
beyond words to be able to partner with them.
Speaker 1 (06:51):
And lastly, as a black woman in the fashion space
in the sports space, you've been able to break barriers
already and just the short amount of time that you've
been in this space, what advice do you have for
you know, women who are looking to get into this industry.
Speaker 2 (07:06):
I would definitely say stride and stride hard. Like I
think that we constantly are stopped right in everything that
we do, and I think that it's about taking these
unique opportunities and not just sitting at this table and
waiting for a seat. It's about being the seat at
that table.
Speaker 1 (07:22):
Well, I want to thank you Brittany so much for
joining us today on In Case you missed It with
Christina Williams here on the Iheartwoman's Sports Network. We absolutely
love the cheese. It fit Rakia absolutely killed it. Tell
us where we can see some of your.
Speaker 2 (07:35):
Work, yes, definitely, Well you can catch me on Instagram
of course, it's at Bhampton and the Outfit. You can
purchase July seventeenth on cheese at dot com.
Speaker 1 (07:44):
Thank you so much, it was a pleasure of having
you on.
Speaker 2 (07:47):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (08:01):
Detroit raised her Tennessee, helped shape her, and now in
her second year with the Los Angeles Sparks, Rakia Jackson
is settling into her role and making a name for
herself within the WNBA. I want to take time to
welcome Rikia Jackson too, in case you missed it.
Speaker 3 (08:18):
Welcome to the show with you, Hi, thank you for
having me.
Speaker 1 (08:22):
So we like to start every show out with the
guest sharing their win of the week. So what would
you say is something that was a win for you
this week?
Speaker 3 (08:31):
Us speaking Indiana fever.
Speaker 1 (08:35):
That's definitely a win. More wins on the board for
the Sparks. So you're in your two of your WNBA career,
and I feel like for year one for a lot
of players, it's all about figuring everything out. What feels
more solid or more settled about this year two for you?
Speaker 4 (08:52):
Not really a lot. I feel like I'm still finding
my footing. I feel like, honestly like it's my rookie
ce all over again in a sense of new new system,
new coaches. So I'm still finding my footing, still getting
comfortable with everything, but just knowing at the end of
the day, like everyone's here to support me, and you know,
(09:13):
my teammates love them very much. They're always there and
we're just continuing to figure it out build that chemistry.
Speaker 3 (09:19):
But I feel like it's getting there for sure.
Speaker 1 (09:22):
Is there anything that you learned about year one that
definitely helps you as you head into year two for
your professional career.
Speaker 4 (09:31):
Yeah, I would just have to say, like having that
confidence stepping out on the court with the best players
in the world.
Speaker 3 (09:37):
This is the best league in the world.
Speaker 4 (09:38):
So just making sure I'm continuing the sharpen my tools
in my toolbox and not being afraid to, you know,
go out there and perform how I should. But at
the same time, give myself grace when I'm not like
holding myself, I am holding myself to a high standard,
but when I'm not performing as I would like to,
so just again give myself grace, tell myself like you're human,
It's okay.
Speaker 3 (09:58):
Every day isn't going to be your day.
Speaker 1 (09:59):
So the Sparks have already made progress in terms of
last season's win total and getting better, and you talked
about building chemistry with your teammates in a new system,
with a new coach. What feels different about how the
team is approaching this season.
Speaker 4 (10:14):
I will just have to say, like our mindsets, like
we know what we need to do to win.
Speaker 3 (10:18):
I feel like this team can be really well.
Speaker 4 (10:20):
Once we put both ends of the floork together in
one game and played forty minutes of good basketball. Nothing
will ever be perfect in the game as much as
we wanted to, So just staying together and you know,
making sure we overcome that adversity.
Speaker 3 (10:33):
But I feel like we're trending in the right direction.
Speaker 1 (10:35):
The Sparks is a storied and legacy franchise in the
W and just last week you all were able to
honor Candae Parker, who is not only a Sparks legend,
but a Tennessee Lady Bowles legend as well. What was
it like to just witness that moment as a current
Sparks player but also as a former Lady Bowls yourself.
Speaker 4 (10:55):
Yeah, to be able to witness that moment and play
in the game where her Jason was being retired was amazing.
It was surreal to see someone get what they deserve,
someone that you've always looked up to growing up and
looking at her game and you know, stilling some tricks
and things from her game, but just a confidence she
(11:15):
has as a person. And not only is she such
a great player, but she's also so down to earth,
so willing to give to others, so willing to just
be there for people.
Speaker 3 (11:26):
And I appreciate her so much for that. But to
be able to.
Speaker 4 (11:29):
Experience that was a moment I would never forget.
Speaker 3 (11:33):
We didn't get the win for.
Speaker 4 (11:34):
Her, so I was upset about that, but she did
play for Chicago to win a championship there too, so
it was a win win situation for her.
Speaker 3 (11:42):
But I'm so happy and proud of Kandice.
Speaker 1 (11:45):
What is the legacy that you hope to carry forward
now as a current Spoks player as a forward for
the Sparks. What do you hope to carry forward?
Speaker 4 (11:53):
Just having that confidence and you know, being that player
that it's fun to watch and you know, great attitude
there for her teammates.
Speaker 3 (12:01):
And just being do it all player.
Speaker 4 (12:05):
Don't need to do it all, but having those tools
in her toolbox where I can be versatile how Candice
was so just making sure I'm carrying her legacy in
that way because She's definitely inspired all the todgirls that
wouldn't be cards.
Speaker 1 (12:18):
This week was full of announcements for the WNBA, most
namely expansion. And I know you're from the east side
of Detroit and they recently announced an expanded team headed
to Detroit. As someone who's from there, what does it
mean to you to have a team back in your hometown.
Speaker 4 (12:35):
Yeah, it means so much to bring a team back
to Detroit. I cannot wait to go back home and
play against them. So it's gonna be so fun, and
I feel like Detroit deserves it. We always have great
fans turn out to events and just to support from
the city. I feel like it's going to be amazing.
(12:55):
But I'm super excited for I cannot wait to see
the name of the team, the colors, just everything that
comes with it.
Speaker 3 (13:02):
I'm so excited.
Speaker 4 (13:03):
But Detroit definitely deserves it, and I just can't wait
to see it be all put together.
Speaker 1 (13:08):
I know you wrapped Detroit through and through your draft
outfit last year was amazing with the homage to your hometown,
But in what ways does being from Detroit show up
in your everyday life?
Speaker 4 (13:19):
I would have to say just having that swagger and
that mentality of like, I'm not trying to beat anyone
but myself. Like we're such girls girls in Detroit, but
we like to come and fly at the same time.
So no matter what the event is, you know, we
probably overdressed and we don't care. But at the same time,
we're so real, We're so down to earth and major
(13:42):
girls girls like we just we just love that.
Speaker 3 (13:45):
That's how we bond. So just everyday life. Just again,
when I'm.
Speaker 4 (13:49):
Out shopping, I'm making sure I'm getting some fly stuff,
something that speaks Detroit. Sometimes sometimes stuff people may not
wear as well, like someone may be uncomfortable wearing.
Speaker 3 (14:00):
But that's just how I live, honestly.
Speaker 1 (14:03):
So I know that you come from a basketball family.
Your mom played at Kansas and you talk a lot
about your brothers playing basketball, how they inspired you to
get into the game. How did being from a sports
family shape the way that you approach the game in
life today?
Speaker 4 (14:20):
Being from a sports family definitely shaped how I am today.
It definitely made me have tough skin through a lot
of things and being able to overcome a lot of adversity.
Speaker 3 (14:31):
But just growing up, I mean, being the only girl
in the household.
Speaker 4 (14:34):
You get treated like the princess, but at the same
time you get bullied because it's like, yeah, you're the girl.
Speaker 3 (14:39):
Of the family. You get to pink the tutus.
Speaker 4 (14:41):
But when we're on this court, we're not trying to
get be by a girl, so we're gonna go extra
hard at you.
Speaker 3 (14:47):
A lot of.
Speaker 4 (14:48):
Mac talking growing up, but of course it was all
out of love, and I feel like that's what shaped
me to be the player that I am today. And
you know, having fun out there, talking a little trash
every now and then and just being so.
Speaker 1 (15:00):
We talked about how basketball runs in your family, but
in terms of style, it's your own lane, and you
talked about how being from Detroit and being a girl's
girl has influenced her fashion approach. When did you start
owning that side of yourself.
Speaker 4 (15:13):
I feel like I started owning it in my rookie
year last year. I've always been into fashion growing up,
being a little girl Touto's gothic era, bandana era, Converse era.
I had every era you can think of, but just
staying true to who I am and having fun with it,
and you know, knowing that there are little girls that
(15:35):
look up to me, So you can do both. You know,
you can dress nice before work and go to work
and perform well. And I feel like that's what it's
all about, just being who you are and do what
makes you comfortable.
Speaker 1 (15:45):
The evolution of the tunnel fit has provided an opportunity
for brands to be able to partner with athletes like yourself.
When you think about the evolution of the tunnel fits
and then fashion, why is it important for brands to
get behind it athletes like you to do these sorts
of collaborations.
Speaker 4 (16:03):
Yeah, I feel like it's very important for brands to
get behind us as athletes because this is something that's
super popular, and this is something that our fans love
to see. This is something that you know, people are
highly talking about and it's pretty much everywhere you know,
they're coming in like, oh, who got the best fit today?
Or ranking people's tunnel fits and just what vibes are
(16:24):
people given today. So I feel like it's very important
for brands to continue to partner with us because the
league is growing and I feel like as people were
growing and we can help each other, you know, we
can grow them and they can grow us. So I
feel like it's just a great partnership at hand that
could be had as brands continue to get behind us.
But for me, in the brands that I've worked with
(16:47):
thus far, very grateful for them great partnerships, and you know,
they always are amazed at how many supporters we do
have in the w once the things that you know,
we work with come out. So I feel like that's
been pretty cool to experience because they truly get to
see like how we are as people and not just players.
Speaker 1 (17:06):
Cheess It teamed up with fashion styles Britney Hampton to
create a bold, snack inspired look just for you. Can
you talk about how that partnership came about.
Speaker 4 (17:15):
Yeah, Jesus reached out to me and I just felt
like it was the perfect thing. They were, you know,
tapping into basketball tunnel fashion.
Speaker 3 (17:24):
I'm into that.
Speaker 4 (17:25):
I played basketball, so it was just love at first sight,
and I feel like the partnership itself truly felt like
a partnership.
Speaker 3 (17:33):
You know, they asked me what did I want? Were
my thoughts? And I gave them feedback.
Speaker 4 (17:37):
But knowing of Britney's work and what she's done, I
already trusted her. I just told her I just have
one thing. And as for the pants to be super
super super long. That's my only thing. Anything else, I
will deal with it. But she did a great job
and the design of the outfit is so cool as unisex,
so I can't wait to showcase it. I can't wait
(17:59):
for the fans to see it, and I'm just excited
for it.
Speaker 1 (18:01):
This custom cheese and outfit brings a fresh new twist
to the tunnel fit fashion. What was your reaction when
you saw the fit? You said long pins was the
non negotiable.
Speaker 3 (18:13):
Yes, I mean the pants were honestly too long. Almost.
Speaker 4 (18:16):
I'm like, Brittany, you did your being miss ma'am's. But
I definitely loved it. It was so cute, so me,
you can dress it up anyway. Again, it's unisex, so
it's for the men, it's for the ladies. However you
want to dress it up. I perceive, well, I think
I'm gonna wait till y'all see it, so y'all can
see what I'm talking about. But yeah, super cute.
Speaker 1 (18:36):
How important is it for you to have fashion that
meets your personality.
Speaker 4 (18:41):
It's very important for me to have fashion that meets
my personality because at the end of the day, like
you want to dress, how you want to be addressed,
and I feel like that's very important walking into these
rooms and meeting these people. You know, if you come
in some sweats to a formal event, people may not
want to address you or speak with you with respect,
(19:01):
And I feel like sometimes clothing can speak for you.
You don't have to say things. Clothing nine times out
of ten gifts a lot.
Speaker 3 (19:09):
Of things and what you're wearing.
Speaker 4 (19:11):
So for me, I just thought that's very important to
remember what I'm doing it for, what brands, I am representing,
my family, representing myself, So.
Speaker 3 (19:20):
Just making sure I'm always remembering that as well.
Speaker 1 (19:22):
I like that that's a bar dress, how you want
to be addressed. I'm gonna use that. That's good. Brittany
Hampton is known for styling some of the league's biggest stars,
like yourself. What makes your creative relationship with Britney Hampton
work so well?
Speaker 3 (19:37):
I would just say her versatility.
Speaker 4 (19:39):
No matter what your style is, She's able to adjust
and pivot to whatever that may be. She's not one dimensional.
You can't put her in a box. I feel like
you ask her, like you know, this is the vibe
I'm going for. She's able to pull something up like
that that fits you. So, you know, Brittany is such
a great person, very easy going, and she's the.
Speaker 1 (19:59):
Best bringing this full circle. What's something about you or
Kia that no one expects but everyone should know?
Speaker 4 (20:10):
You know, I show case my personality a little bit
on social media, but I never know how to answer
that question.
Speaker 1 (20:17):
You know, it's so funny. I asked you this question
on Draft night and you told me about how you
love to do interior decorating, and that was like that
people should know. But you talked about social media just now,
and I think social media is going crazy this week
off of that viral moment with yourself and Sydney Coulton
(20:39):
in that game. You said that was your win of
the week. But just talk about that relationship and that moment.
Speaker 3 (20:46):
I will never get over this.
Speaker 4 (20:47):
But yeah, Sydney and I we have like this funny relationship.
She is like the funniest person I've ever met, truly,
and it's like her, It's just her. And of course
we've gone back and forth of joking on social media,
and right before the game, even during our workout, me
and Sidney had like a lengthy conversation during warm ups
(21:08):
where I was walking to the tunnel and she was
done her warm up, and she actually gave me some
really good advice with just handling things and being in
a pro and just being just there for me, honestly.
So I really appreciate the nuggets and things that she
gave me, and you know, her journey and things of
that nature.
Speaker 3 (21:28):
So that was a very like heartfel conversation.
Speaker 4 (21:31):
And if you know me and say, like, we're never serious,
and that was probably like our only serious moment ever.
Speaker 3 (21:36):
We never are serious.
Speaker 4 (21:38):
But I'm gonna say it was a foul because she
didn't let me land like. I don't care if it
was a little bit, because first of all, I told Sidney,
if that was anybody else, you would have never tried
to block their shot. But since it's me, you want
to try to block my shot. But let that have
been anyone else, you would not have blocked their shot.
So I was disappointed in her, And when I was
(22:00):
off from the free thow line, I told her a
little something. I'm not gonna say what I told her,
but I told her a little something because that was
so disrespectful. You don't do that to me, You don't
do that to me. You can do that to everyone
else but me. But I guess this is one and
O city right now. But it's okay because I'm gonna
get my get back.
Speaker 3 (22:16):
I always do.
Speaker 1 (22:17):
We're gonna be watching you as you continue to dominate
the season for the Los Angeles Sparks. For Kia Jackson,
thank you so much for joining us this week on
In Case You Missed It with Christina Williams here on
iHeart Women's Sports Network.
Speaker 3 (22:30):
Lanky, Rikia, You're welcome. Thank you.
Speaker 1 (22:33):
All right, y'all, that's gonna do it for this special
edition of In Case You Missed It with Christina Williams
here on the iHeart Women's Sports Network. Don't forget to rate,
review and subscribe to the podcast. For the next episode,
we're gonna be joined by Jordan Robinson. She's gonna help
me break down all things WNBA All Star before we
head out to Indianapolis for the w's biggest weekend of
(22:54):
the year. So make sure you subscribe so you don't
miss any of that conversation. In Case you missed It
with Christina Williams is an iHeart Women's Sports production in
partnership with Deep Blue sports, and entertainment. You can find
us on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast, or wherever you
get your podcasts.
Host
Khristina Williams
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