Francheska “Fancy” Felder: From Southern Struggles to Media Mogul Empowering Black Women
- Tammy Reese
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
By Tammy Reese | Tuesday, December 23, 2025 | Media in Motion
Francheska “Fancy” Felder has lived a life defined by determination, resilience, and purpose. From her humble beginnings in McComb, Mississippi, to building SwagHer Magazine, SwagHer Society, and SwagHer PR, Fancy has consistently turned adversity into opportunity. A single mother of three navigating college, multiple jobs, and financial uncertainty, she discovered the power of storytelling and the importance of amplifying Black women’s voices. Today, she stands as an award-winning editor, publisher, and media educator, creating platforms that uplift, empower, and inspire. Her journey is not just about personal triumph; it’s about transforming challenges into lessons, paving a path for others, and building brands with intention, heart, and visibility.
If someone were to ask you, “Who is Fancy,” what would your reply be?
Fancy: Fancy is a Goddess in human form, so I guess that makes me just a girl who longs for the world. I’m a former teen mom, business owner, educator, partner, Libra woman — those are the things I would list at the top, but I’m so much more than I have time to write, lol.
You’ve lived many lives in one (mother, student, dancer, editor, writer, CEO). When you look back at the girl in McComb, Mississippi, what part of her still lives inside you today?
Fancy: The part of the girl from McComb, MS that still lives in me is the romantic and the dreamer. My deep Southern roots still allow me to see the good in people and things.
SwagHer was born during one of the most difficult periods of your life. How did adversity fuel your purpose instead of stopping you?
Fancy: It sounds silly, but SwagHer Magazine was supposed to be the thing to save me. In many ways, it has, but there’s still more work to be done. However, for that reason, I’ve only known that I need to keep going, and I’ve poured the best of myself into my work, praying for the best possible outcome.
You’ve been incredibly open about your mental health journey. How has vulnerability become part of your power?
Fancy: By facing my truth, I am at peace with and understand who I am. I open myself to seeing myself how others may see me, so that I can improve. Living with bipolar disorder means my mood changes often without my noticing it, but that does not mean others do not. Being transparent about this helps others gain a deeper understanding of me and my actions.
SwagHer Magazine and SwagHer PR have become powerful platforms. What does “building a brand with purpose” really mean to you?
Fancy: Building a brand with purpose means keeping that purpose front and center in everything. Our purpose is to uplift Black women and amplify their stories, and that’s what we keep in mind when we create every piece of content, product, and event. We go through great lengths to ensure that everything we do empowers our sisters, not tears them down. In the words of Ms. Jill Scott, “I wanna see you grow. I wanna see you glow.”
What have been the most meaningful aspects of your career journey so far?
Fancy: Seeing the ladies’ excitement about their features and following their transformations are always heartwarming. There’s something freeing about sharing your story, and it’s a bonus when others can relate. But there’s also something special about seeing your ideas come into fruition and people appreciating them.
What is a super fun fact about yourself that many people are not aware of?
Fancy: I love to dance, but I am rhythmically challenged, so I dance at home. One of my dreams is to one day let loose and dance like no one is watching.
What does the rest of the year look like for you and what can we expect from you in the coming year?
Fancy: This is the first year that I really plan to rest during the holidays. So that’s first, but I am a recovering work alcoholic, so I am sure I will be working on the Intentional Women Collective Directory, our next issue, Pour Into Others, and Black Women Made Whole, a healing event for Black women, for 2026.
Any additional or exclusive news you would like to share with us at this time?
Fancy: Black Women Made Whole is coming 2026.
If you could speak directly to the woman reading your feature who is on the brink of giving up — what would you tell her?
Fancy: I have been where you are many times, and I know I will be there again at some point. Quitting is the natural first choice, but can you really imagine what might happen if you see this through? You will have a story worth telling.
Keep up to date with you on social media:
Instagram @fancyswagher
Websites: https://swagheronline.com | https://www.SwagHerPR.com
CEO Chatter LIVE Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3XuPjHhear0wF2vgdMuqYv
SwagHer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SwagHerMagazine
SwagHer Instagram: @swaghermagazine
Owner of Visionary Minds Public Relations and Media, Tammy Reese is an award-winning writer and journalist best known for landing major interviews with Angela Bassett, Sharon Stone, Sigourney Weaver, Laurence Fishburne, Geena Davis, Billy Porter, Morris Chestnut, Nelly, Mona Scott Young, Giancarlo Esposito, Luke Evans, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jennifer Connelly, Joseph Sikora, Meagan Good, Leon, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Phylicia Rashad, Omar Epps, Courtney Kemp, Vivica A Fox, Ryan Coogler, and so many more.
She is a proud member of ForbesBLK as well as New York Women in Film and Television.
Other articles by Tammy Reese in Vision & Purpose LifeStyle Magazine.
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