I have always loved fashion since the age of 8. I would sketch pictures of what my family members were wearing; I also crocheted all my barbie and cabbage patch clothes. Through junior high school and high school I continued to sketch all my ideas. When it was time for college I decided it was time to pursue my dreams. I had nothing to lose, it was all or nothing!!! I attended The Art Institute of NYC, graduated in 2006 with an AOS in Fashion Design. While in school I realized that there was only one size 14 dress form; that no one used. It was heartbroken that no one wanted to use it. At that moment I decided that I wanted to do plus size fashion. I thought to myself, "I'm plus size and I need to represent for all the plus size women in the world!" The dress form reminded me of the plus size fashion industry because it was left in a corner to gather dust to never receive any love and attention. During my duration in school I had some challenges. One of my teachers refused to allow me to use the size 14 dress form for the final fashion show. She said,"I'm not familiar with plus size and I don't think you should do it." Hearing "No", inspired me to get my plus size collection in the fashion show. I went to the Director of the fashion department and told her what I wanted. She hesitated then finally agreed that I can use the plus size dress form, but my designs would have to on point and better than everyone else's'. My collection teacher and I bumped heads throughout the whole semester. I never cried so much in my life. I put blood, sweat, and tears into my collection, literally; and my determination paid off. My collection was 2nd runner up at the fashion show. All my teachers told me that I was very close to winning for the best overall collection. That fueled my flame! In October of 2009, I designed and sold my first t-shirt, which has done really well. I am slowing building my clothing line. My goal is to design clothes for women like me. I am plus size, I know how it feels to walk into a store and the quality of clothes suck! I know how it feels to have limited options. I know how it feels to see a cute outfit and it not be in your size. I am focused on designing beautiful structured garments, with gorgeous fabric that fits the body of all plus size women, and helps a women feel fabulous in their clothes. There is so much more to come, please sit back and enjoy this incredible ride with me! "Don't hide in the dark. Dance in the light! Say what you think. Follow the dreams that define who you are!!!" |