My journey began as a young child, most likely because I was raised by a single mom and helped raise my younger sister. Under those circumstances I was forced to grow up fast. I was approximately seven years old when I started designing and making soaps and candy to sell around the neighborhood. By the responses I’d get I learned that I was in fact creative. I was looking for a way to make money to buy myself clothes and lunch. I was very much into fashion at a young age. I then started working at my uncle’s deli by the age of 9 to save money and continue with my love of fashion, wearing the latest trends. In high school I started working at a department store and then a couple boutiques along the way. In my 20’s I was hired to model and did some acting as well. The wardrobe people always wanted to borrow whatever I was wearing. I was cast for a pool scene in the movie Casino and put together my own ensemble in the wardrobe department, only to have the wardrobe ladies ask me to take it off because Sharon Stone liked what I was wearing. I was flattered, but also deflated…I was proud of what I was wearing as I was on my way out to the set to meet Robert De Niro.
Since my clients vary from entertainment people, my local community, and international tourists, my merchandise can take you from the beach to the red carpet. Most of my designs and clothing you can dress up with a pair of heels, or dress down with a pair of sandals and a denim jacket for a more casual day, or walk on the beach. women come in my store of all shapes and sizes. As a stylist/designer I provide a unique vision that allows all my ladies to feel, and look great for any occasion.
My most recent notable recognitions were designing a few dresses for Rhonda Vetere, last month for a charity event where she honored Donna Karan while wearing one of my dresses. I was told Donna had asked Rhonda who she was wearing. I was elated and hugely complimented by this.
Other notable recognitions would be styling Rhonda Wills for Entertainment tonight last week. She was on the show to talk about her upcoming television show that airs Sept 13th on CBS. It’s called Relative Justice. I’ve been styling and designing dresses for Rhonda for six years now for various red carpet events and television appearances.
The pandemic has definitely changed my business. I primarily conduct business by appointment only and my retail store has shifted over to online shopping mostly.
The obstacles and challenges I’ve faced along the way would be not enough funding. I’m always looking for more funds to produce and share more of my designs with my clients.
I agree that we live in a world that’s dominated by masculinity…and as a women your voice needs to be heard. The way to do that is through education. Know your business better than anyone. Having the knowledge and education gives your voice the confidence needed in the business world.
