1. Could you tell us a bit about who Terry is and what inspired you to pursue fashion design as a career?
I’ve been drawn to expressing my creativity through fashion from an early age. I’ve always had a unique sense of style and enjoyed standing out from the crowd with my clothing and accessories. Being multiracial, I often felt like I didn’t quite fit into one specific box, and fashion became a means for me to carve out my own identity. Sewing quickly became a form of self-expression and a way for me to relieve stress. Whether my fashion choices sparked positive or negative reactions, I found joy in being noticed and starting conversations. When I ‘?was a kid, I remember wanting new Barbie clothes for my doll, and my mom told me to get creative with unmatched socks. It all started with designing and making dresses for my dolls, which gradually transitioned into creating outfits for myself throughout middle school and all through high school. This journey from doll clothes to personal style has been transformative, shaping my love for fashion and design into a lifelong passion. For me, fashion is not just a passion – it’s my sixth sense. It serves as a powerful medium for self-expression, creativity, and individuality. As I navigate the intricate world of fashion, I carry these experiences with me, reminding myself to stay true to my roots and embrace the journey with authenticity and enthusiasm.
2. What particular niche or style does your design house focus on, and why?
In my design house, I gravitate towards aesthetics that are visually captivating and prioritize how the fabric and cut of a garment can evoke emotions and make the wearer feel a certain way. I aim to create pieces that establish a deep connection with the individual who wears them. By allowing the fabric to guide my designs and listening to its inherent qualities, I stay true to my unique creative vision. By staying true to myself and carving out my own niche, I am able to produce work that I am proud to stand behind.
3. Could you walk us through your creative process, from ideation to final product?
When discussing my creative process, it varies depending on whether I am designing for myself, a client, or a specific project. To begin, I typically start by creating mood or vision boards, as well as illustrations and sketches to visualize the end product. Understanding the purpose and desired outcome of the garment is crucial, which involves asking questions about comfort preferences, personal style, and any insecurities the individual may have. Once the design direction is established, I delve into selecting suitable fabrics that align with the desired durability, style, stretch, color, and theme. During client meetings, I assess their needs and offer three distinct types of services: Wardrobe Styling Services, Tailoring Services, and Custom Fashion Design Services. These services range from garment pulling and rentals to custom clothing production and alterations, catering to a wide spectrum of requirements. After determining the specific services required by the client, I present a detailed quote outlining the scope of work and associated costs. Upon confirmation with a deposit, the client is booked for their chosen services. My commitment lies in providing exceptional custom services and ensuring that clients not only look their best but also feel confident and satisfied with the end result. Ultimately, my goal is to listen attentively to their needs and deliver personalized solutions that exceed their expectations
4. As a designer, stylist, creative director, and mom. Which role do you find most fulfilling?
As a designer, stylist, creative director, and mother, each role holds its own unique significance in my life. While being a creator is ingrained in my DNA and has allowed me to express my passion for design through clothing and accessories, being a mother stands out as the most rewarding and fulfilling role I have been blessed to undertake. The journey of motherhood has provided me with boundless joy, purpose, and the determination to continually strive to be a better person. It has instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility, love, and the drive to keep moving forward, not just for myself but for the precious life I have brought into this world. Nurturing my creative pursuits alongside the joys of motherhood has truly enriched my life and shaped me into the multifaceted individual I am today.
5. In an industry often criticized for promoting unrealistic body standards, how do you ensure that your designs celebrate diverse body types and empower individuals to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin?
I firmly believe that clothing should act as a second skin, providing comfort and confidence to individuals of all shapes and sizes. It is essential to me that my designs not only celebrate diverse body types but also empower people to embrace and feel comfortable in their own skin. Embracing inclusivity and diversity is at the core of my design philosophy. As a woman of color with a mixed ethnicity background, I recognize the importance of representing and uplifting individuals from all walks of life. I am dedicated to ensuring that every person, regardless of their shape or shade, feels heard, seen, and confident in what they wear. By creating garments that exude empowerment, strength, and worth, my aim is to inspire myself and others to feel invincible and worthy in their own skin, celebrating the beauty of every individual from head to toe.
6. Terry, as a fashion designer with a keen eye for sustainability, how do you view the current state of the fashion industry’s impact on the environment?
I perceive the current environmental impact of the fashion industry as concerning, with a significant amount of clothing wastage contributing to environmental harm. The fast fashion culture has accelerated this issue, leading to immense textile waste and pollution. To address this urgent challenge, I am deeply committed to promoting sustainability in my designs by utilizing recycled materials such as old clothes, curtains, and other discarded fabrics, as well as repurposing existing garments. In addition, I also use synthetic and donated fabrics to further enhance the sustainability of my creations. For me, sustainability is both a challenge and an opportunity. I see the potential and beauty in upcycling fabrics and creating new pieces from existing materials like clothes, jewelry, and bags. By embracing sustainable practices, I strive to reduce waste and contribute positively to the environment while infusing creativity and innovation into my designs.
7. How do you balance artistic vision with commercial viability?
I believe the best way for me to balance artistic vision with commercial viability is by staying true to myself and my creative process. I prefer to stay in my little bubble, not overly concerned with what other designers are doing or what’s currently trending in the industry. For me, it’s about following my instincts and creating what feels right to me. To be blunt, it’s really about finding a harmonious balance where both my artistic vision and the commercial aspects can coexist. By staying authentic to my vision while also considering market demands, I strive to create designs that not only resonate with me creatively but also appeal to my target audience.
8. As a brand how do you ensure that your supply chain is ethical and transparent?
As of now, I am a one-woman show, so every aspect of my brand goes through me. Ensuring that my supply chain is ethical and transparent is a top priority for me. I take great care in selecting suppliers who provide good-quality fabrics and materials while also adhering to ethical practices. Maintaining fast turnaround times and open communication with my customers and clients is essential in building trust and transparency within my supply chain. By personally overseeing every step of the process, I can guarantee that ethical standards are upheld and that all aspects of my brand reflect my values.
9. In your opinion, what are some emerging trends or technologies that will shape the future of your field?
In my field, notable emerging trends are AI (Artificial Intelligence), Virtual Reality (VR), and 3D Printing. These technologies present exciting opportunities for design and production. It’s crucial to recognize that all new technologies come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding and managing these aspects will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our industry. Additionally, as an artist, it’s disheartening to see machines gradually replacing human jobs in our field.
10. What challenges do you face as a fashion designer, and how do you overcome them?
As a fashion designer, one of the challenges I face is staying true to myself and my vision. It’s important to never let anyone manipulate you into thinking you’re just a seamstress. When tailoring clothes, I ensure that I am tagged and credited properly, as it can be frustrating to see everyone and everything tagged in a post except for the actual creators behind the designs. To overcome these challenges, I make sure to wear my own creations, as I believe that as a designer, I am my own best representation. Sewing my own clothes allows me to showcase my unique style and brand. Additionally, having a safe and creative workspace is essential for any artist. It’s crucial to have a space where I can let go and fully immerse myself in my work without any distractions.
11. As a designer what measures have you taken to protect your work from being duplicated?
As a designer, I have taken various measures to safeguard my work from unauthorized duplication. I have explored different avenues such as copyright, trademark, trade dress, design patents, contracts, and unfair competition laws. While some steps have been implemented, ongoing research and consideration of additional protection methods are part of my strategy. Additionally, I have experimented with using watermarks on photos of my designs, although the effectiveness can vary depending on external factors. Protecting my work remains a continual challenge, but I believe in the importance of thorough research and assembling a knowledgeable team that includes professionals like accountants and lawyers for comprehensive support in this area.
12. What advice would you give to someone aspiring to enter the fashion industry?
When entering the dynamic and vibrant world of fashion, it’s essential to embrace the industry’s exhilarating energy and creativity. Welcome to this exciting realm where innovation and self-expression reign supreme! While it may seem like a wild ride, remember to stay grounded in your core values and authenticity. Stay true to yourself and your unique creative vision. Do your homework, research the market trends, and understand the evolving consumer preferences. Remember that you are not just an individual but also a brand in the making. Your reputation and contributions to the fashion landscape hold significance. So, I’d like you to strive to make a positive impact through your work and projects. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. Above all, never underestimate the power of passion, perseverance, and dedication in pursuing your dreams within the fashion industry. Enjoy the journey ahead and conquer the runway with your distinctive style and flair!
13. What book can always be found on your bookshelf?
“The Confidence Gap” by Russ Harris
14. What song can be found on your playlist at any given time?
Purple Rain by Prince
Terry is an Experienced Fashion Designer and Stylist with a proven track record of creating custom-made outfits for various high-profile clients. Skilled in tailoring, reconstructing, and upgrading garments to meet client specifications. Notable projects include designing custom-made outfits for music tours, red-carpet events, editorial shoots, and promotional photoshoots. Strong attention to detail and ability to bring clients' visions to life. Collaborative approach with a focus on delivering exceptional results.Some of my career highlights include working with Ashley Darby from “Housewives of Potomac” and being featured on Episode 1, Season 2. Actress Chrystee Pharris (Scrubs, Monogamy, Moesha) wore a custom-made gown at the 50th NAACP Image Awards. Another red-carpet highlight featured Jessica Hansen (House voice coach at NPR headquarters) SAG Awards. She was also awarded 1st Runner-up “Emerging Fashion Designer of the Year” for RAWART – 2015 RawAwards. Has been published in over 100 magazines across the world and enjoy participating in local fashion shows and artist showcases. My goal is to create “Statement Pieces” in your wardrobe that you can Enjoy I believe clothes should make you feel confident, empowered, and comfortable in your own skin…PERIOD!