The Mind Behind Runway Uncorked
Luxury fashion, wine, and community impact
Meet Our Founder
Andrea Denise Pegram
GEI Houston—President | Founder & Executive Producer- Runway Uncorked
AndreaDenise “Sweetz” created Runway Uncorked to be more than a stylish weekend — she envisioned a movement where creativity meets compassion, where art and advocacy walk hand in hand, and where giving back is always in style.
A Registered Behavior Technician and lifelong autism advocate, AndreaDenise has dedicated her career to supporting children, adults, and families in behavioral health since 2005. Alongside her advocacy work, she discovered her voice and passion in the fashion world — participating in and hosting fashion experiences that redefined her purpose and gave rise to Sweetz, a name now synonymous with confidence, connection, and community.
Having lived in New York, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Conneticut and now Texas, AndreaDenise has carried her mission wherever life has taken her — celebrating creativity, inspiring inclusion, and reminding others that no matter where you come from, giving back will always be in style.
Jonathan C. Ellerbee
Assistant Executive Producer | Director of Press, Media & Sponsorships | President | GEI
Jonathan C. Ellerbee is a professional photographer, creative producer, and media leader whose love for the camera has opened doors to people, places, and experiences he never imagined. As he puts it, he did not find the camera—the camera found him. Photography remains his way of showing people how he sees them and bringing his creative vision to life.Jonathan serves as Editor in Chief of *Fashion Passion Magazine*, a couture and editorial publication.
He is also Executive Producer of *The Fashionweek Experience*, a runway show held each February and September during New York Fashion Week. Its September presentation in Times Square is recognized as the longest-running outdoor fashion show during New York Fashion Week.His photography spans entertainers, athletes, models, and major events. His work includes assignments for *Billboard*, *ARTnews*, *Black Enterprise*, and iHeartMedia, as well as performances featuring Cardi B, Ashanti, Lil’ Kim, Keyshia Cole, Dru Hill, and others.
As Assistant Executive Producer and Director of Press, Media & Sponsorships for Runway Uncorked, Jonathan brings his experience in fashion production, visual storytelling, and media to the team. Through every role, he holds on to the excitement that first drew him behind the lens—and takes pride in delivering work of the highest quality.
Kelly Doyle
Director of Estate Society & VIP Experience
Born in Germany to a Jamaican mother and an Irish father, Kelly Doyle’s multicultural background and experience growing up as a military child shaped her into the adaptable and driven woman she is today. She spent her school-age years between the DMV area and Savannah, Georgia.
Kelly earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a specialization in Entrepreneurship. Her diverse professional background spans customer service, office management, digital marketing, and human resources—giving her the expertise to create elevated, thoughtfully curated experiences for Runway Uncorked’s Estate Society members and VIP guests.
An entrepreneur at heart, Kelly also co-founded a travel agency with her best friend, AndreaDenise. Her passion for travel, business, and exceptional service continues to inspire everything she does.
Kelly lives by the motto: “Hustle beats talent when talent doesn’t hustle.”
Jocelyn Ellis
Executive Administrator
Originally from New Jersey, Jocelyn Ellis was raised as the only child of a devoted single mother. Throughout her life, she had the opportunity to live in different parts of the country—an experience she considers a blessing because it introduced her to diverse cultures, communities, and perspectives.
Jocelyn earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and has dedicated her career to protecting, supporting, and advocating for children and families. Her professional experience includes working for the state through Child Protective Services, serving individuals in group-home settings, and working in the Applied Behavior Analysis field as a Registered Behavior Technician.
It was through her work as an RBT that Jocelyn met AndreaDenise. Their shared passion for children and commitment to making a meaningful difference created an immediate and lasting connection. Once you meet someone who carries the same passion for these children that you do, there is no turning back—and they have not looked back since.
As Executive Administrator, Jocelyn brings compassion, adaptability, organization, and a service-driven spirit to the Runway Uncorked executive team.
Nathone “Nate” Richardson
Director of Wine, Culinary & Vendor Relations
Nathone “Nate” Richardson is a Houston-area entrepreneur and restaurateur with a passion for bold flavors and memorable experiences. He founded Belly of the Beast Bacon and Belly of the Beast Grill around a simple belief: familiar food can still surprise you.
With Belly of the Beast Bacon, Nate turned a classic staple into a premium specialty product. His lineup includes pork and Certified Black Angus beef bacon in flavors ranging from Maple and Honey Hickory to Honey Jalapeño and Pineapple Habanero. He later expanded the brand into dining with Belly of the Beast Grill, bringing his distinctive take on comfort food to burgers, seafood, breakfast favorites, and signature bacon creations.
Nate remains hands-on across product development, restaurant operations, catering, and the customer experience. As Director of Wine, Culinary & Vendors for Runway Uncorked, he brings that entrepreneurial perspective and appreciation for quality to the event’s vendor experience.
LS Jones
Co-Director of Runway Production & Operations
Born and raised in Brooklyn and Long Island, LS Jones has spent more than 20 years bringing people, talent, and creative visions together. She is the founder of LS Jones & Co., The Event and Talent Specialist, a business built on her passion for planning, production, and connection.
Known as the “Master Coordinator,” LS has produced events across the fashion and entertainment industries, including shows during New York Fashion Week and Miami Swim Week. Her experience spans event planning, casting, talent coordination, and stage management. She is valued for her attention to detail, creative thinking, and ability to keep a production moving while making clients and guests feel at ease.
LS also serves as a public relations spokesperson for the Golden World Group’s Miss & Ms. Golden World Pageant. Beyond production, she has appeared in films, commercials, web series, and short films. Giving back remains central to her work: throughout her career, she has donated her time and talent to help others bring events to life.
As Co-Director of Runway Production & Operations for Runway Uncorked, LS brings seasoned leadership, energy, and a gift for turning ambitious ideas into memorable experiences. In her words, she is “the plug that keeps you connected.”
Patience
Co-Director of Runway Production & Operations
Patience has spent decades shaping fashion experiences and helping talent find its place on the runway. A designer, model, creative director, runway coach, and show coordinator, she brings a wide view of what it takes to turn a creative vision into a production.
Patience is the founder of Home Made Runway Models (HMR Models), a model management and booking agency in the DMV area, and the creator of her fashion line, Proceed with Caution. Through both ventures, she supports emerging talent while continuing to develop her own creative work.
For nearly a decade, Patience has served as Lead Fashion Show Coordinator for *The Fashionweek Experience* in Times Square during New York Fashion Week. She has also produced and coordinated runway shows and photoshoots in cities across the United States, working with designers, models, and creative professionals from around the world.
As Co-Director of Runway Production & Operations for Runway Uncorked, Patience brings her eye for emerging style, deep production experience, and commitment to mentoring the next generation of fashion talent.
Charisse Edwards
Executive Director of Hair & Makeup Services
Hair Connoisseur • Entrepreneur • Creative Professional
GEI: Florida President
Charisse Edwards is a seasoned hairstylist, entrepreneur, business owner, and self-described Hair Connoisseur with more than 30 years of experience across the beauty, fashion, and entertainment industries.
Throughout her career, Charisse has brought her artistry to runways around the world, creating memorable looks for fashion shows, editorial projects, television, film, and commercial productions. Her résumé includes serving as a lead stylist on sets and projects associated with BET, Weight Watchers, FX productions, and more.
Known for her creativity, professionalism, and extensive industry knowledge, Charisse understands the important role that hair and makeup play in completing a designer’s vision and bringing each runway presentation to life.
As Executive Director of Hair & Makeup Services for Runway Uncorked, Charisse leads the beauty team with experience, artistry, and attention to detail. She also serves as President of the GEI Florida Division, where she plans to create meaningful opportunities for both established and developing professionals throughout the fashion and beauty industries.
