Plus size fashion designer, and Atlanta native, Shawn Denise is making her mark on the fashion industry with her plus size fashion brand PaintbyShawnDenise. PaintbyShawnDenise offers vibrant, colorful, and beautifully detailed pieces highlighted with lots of movement. Shawn Denise's designs are an answered prayer for plus sized women, like myself, who are tired of drab colors and monotonous designs when it comes to plus size fashion. In this post, Shawn Denise shares with us the inspiration behind launching a plus size fashion design business and what it means to be #PAINTED. TC: Fans, especially social media fans, love to connect with the face behind the brands that they follow. What do you want readers to know about you…Shawn Denise? SD: I am a proud graduate of Tennessee State University, class of 2007. I am a self-taught plus size fashion designer from Atlanta, Ga. In 2013, I decided to create my own plus size brand, PaintbyShawnDenise. TC: What sparked your interest in becoming a fashion designer, and your interest in plus-size fashion design in particular? SD: After years of not finding stylish, detailed statement looks, I came to realize that my true dream was in fashion and becoming a fashion designer. On January 3, 2013, I decided to cultivate PaintbyShawnDenise, creating chic fashion for the woman with curves, sizes 12-34. I went out, bought a sewing machine, and began teaching myself how to sew by watching YouTube videos. Three months later, I made my first sale! I was also inspired by witnessing others pursue their dreams. I believed that creating this lifestyle focused on fashion and classy pieces was the route for me. TC: What makes your brand unique? SD: Wearing PaintbyShawnDenise means you are #PAINTED. When you are #PAINTED, it’s a different type of glow. Are you Ready to be #PAINTED? My goal is to have thousands of women with curves, or plus size women, #PAINTED in my designs. My brand is chic, colorful and dramatic! I love bold prints and bright, stand out colors! PaintbyShawnDenise provides bold, creative, classic statement garments for plus size women sizes 12-34. TC: What has been your greatest accomplishment so far? SD: I have released more than 10 collections over the past 7 years. My brand has appeared on runways from New York City to Atlanta. The appeal of PaintbyShawnDenise and my brand’s direction are things that I am very proud of. I have been honored with requests to do fashion shows from London to Vancouver and LA to Miami. TC: Are any new projects or events in the works for your company? SD: I am currently releasing my full Spring 2020 collection and will release a Summer Collection in June/July. PaintbyShawnDenise is my first brand but will be followed by MSTbyShawnDenise (Men), PAiNTED KiDS, DOPSbyShawnDenise (Shoes & Accessories) & Shawn Denise Home Decor. Stay tuned! TC: What is your advice to someone who is trying to start a business similar to yours? SD: Do your research. If you want to sell clothes for extra cash, by all means, do that! But if you want to create and manufacture as a designer, the process is very different for you. Stay focused and stay true to your creative capabilities. Gallery: PaintbySeanDenise's Spring 2020 campaign Paw Patrol Thanks, Shawn Denise, for sharing your brand with us! Continue to make your mark in the fashion industry. Friends, be sure to check out the latest designs at paintbyshawndenise.com. First, drop a comment and give us your thoughts on the blog post! Don't mis a Charmed Life moment!
Charmed Life Fashion Feature: Luxury Vogue Couture Say It With Your Tee: A Few of My Fav Statement Tees
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Never trust the naysayers who tell you that it isn’t the right time or that you’re not in the right place to excel in your chosen field. Fashion designer, Aneesha Ballard, forged ahead and has made her mark on the fashion scene in South Carolina and beyond. Through hard work and determination, she has honed her craft and is known for her unique and cutting-edge couture designs. Read on and get to know Aneesha Ballard and Luxury Vogue Couture. TCL: What do you want readers to know about you…about Aneesha? AB: I am a Christian, a mother, and a widow-in that order. Fashion is my first love but had always been a dream deferred for me. I was always told that you couldn't be a fashion designer and live in South Carolina. For a long time I believed that. I went to college and majored in business management and cosmetology. I always knew I wasn't maximizing my full potential. I became a shopaholic, always searching for that one outfit or accessory that would make me feel complete. TCL: What motivated you to pursue clothing design? AB: One day while watching Project Runway my son asked "how long are you going to watch other people make clothes and just wish you could?" The next day I took a $35 sewing class and it literally changed my life! I became obsessed with making a straight stitch. I ran out and purchased my own sewing machine. I took every fashion course available online and off. I enrolled in the Art Institute and began to attend fashion and textile shows. I began selling my garments on social media and the business literally grew itself. I don't advertise on TV or radio. My clients simply get noticed and BOOM I get another client! I have clients in other states who have seen my work and contact me. I love that! I even dress some of the same people that told me I couldn't be a designer here in South Carolina. God proved that if you bloom where you're planted, your gift will make room for you! TCL: What makes your brand unique? AB: Luxury Vogue Couture is a fashion house. All garments are designed and custom made by me, Aneesha Ballard. We are unique in that I never make the same garment twice! You will never see someone else wearing the same outfit as you! Our motto is "Why fit in when you can stand out!?" The name Luxury Vogue Couture consists of my three favorite words in fashion. I grew up longing for luxurious things as most of us did. My only glimpses into fashion as a child were Vogue magazines that my neighbor would collect and give to me. Couture is what I do....design high fashion. LVC! TCL: How would you describe the custom items that you make? AB: I custom make gowns, club wear, and ready to wear garments. I also style photo shoots and offer private sewing classes. TCL: What has been your greatest accomplishment so far? AB: Wow! That's hard to say. Starting the business was something I never thought I could do, so establishing my brand means the world to me. I am a feature designer in Glam The Runway, an annual Breast Cancer Fashion Show held in Charlotte. It's an honor and privilege to dress survivors. It means so much to me. If I'm honest though I would have to say that having someone walk up to me at the mall, grocery store or wherever and say " you're the girl that designs clothes right?" That right there.....I love that! My peers recognizing my talent is the best! TCL: Are any new projects or events in the works for your company? AB: Yes, we are getting ready to launch a new website. I have just been offered a position as a custom designer for Juliet’s Bridal and Formal, an upscale gown boutique. I will also begin offering sewing classes. TCL: What would be your advice to someone who is trying to start a business similar to yours? AB: Don't wait until you are ready.....just dive in, go hard, and pray a lot! I would also say don't take advice from people who have NO business ....just criticism. TCL: How can customers place an order with Luxury Vogue Couture? AB: Customers can find me on Facebook, Instagram, and my website luxuryvoguecouture.storevny.com. You can email us at [email protected]. We are by appointment only. You must book to get the look! Luxury Vogue Couture Gallery Connect with Luxury Vogue Couture on social media and the website! Before you leave, share your thoughts in our comments section. Are you a member of the fashion community who wants to be featured on Truly Charmed Life? Contact us here! Read about The Denim Slayer Read about BJ Johnson Fashion Group
When I tell you that I love denim, believe it. I LOVE denim. I wear it dressed up, dressed down, and during all seasons. When I saw a designer showcasing her recycled denim pieces in one of the crafting groups that I’m a part of on Facebook, I had to get to know more about her. Jente Carter makes magic with denim! She crafts denim apparel and accessories in unexpected ways as only a true trendsetter could do. In addition to creating beautiful fashion, Jente promotes body positivity through both of her business ventures, Denim by Jente and Fluffie & Co. Read on to get to know the Denim Slayer, Jente Carter! A Love for Denim Hi! I am Jente Carter, from Dallas, TX, where everything is bigger! I am the CEO of Denim by Jente and Fluffie & Co. My passion for denim started when I was in junior high school. I have always wore jeans with everything. The creativity was sparked in 2017 by a Facebook post. I saw a shirt made from recycled jeans and it seemed easy to make. The next day I recreated that same top. My next project was a pair of shoes. I mastered that and just kept going! My 2nd business, Fluffie & Co. is a brand all in itself. Fluffie & Co. is all about being fine with being fluffie and beautiful. It’s about presenting confidence. Be confident in whatever you do, always holding your head high and remaining a lady. Turning Talent into Business Having that vision of one day owning a denim shop and not ever clocking in at a 9-5 is what inspired me to LEVEL UP and be my own BOSS LADY. Denim By Jente/ Fluffie & Co were officially launched in 2018. I’m into the whole Go-Green, recycling thing with Denim by Jente. This is what makes my business unique. The fact that a pair of jeans can be turned into a couture, fitted evening gown excites me. I take recycled denim and turn it into something so fashionable. Making Moves on the Fashion Scene My collection has graced the runway in 5 fashion shows and there are many more to come. My greatest accomplishment, so far, was showcasing at Raw Dallas, a major platform for creatives from all genres. I prayed to God about being busy and booked, and it is happening. Get Social with Denim by Jente/Fluffie & Co. Facebook Denim Slayer Instagram Jente_vs_Sasha Instagram Denim_by_Jente Awesome success stories happen when we find our true passion and we have the drive to turn it into something great. Thanks to Jente Carter for sharing her story, showing this mode of thought happening in real life. Her talent is undeniable and I am sure that there are monumental moments to come from Denim by Jente and Fluffie & Co! Are you inspired by the Denim Slayer? Aren't the pieces fabulous? Drop a comment and tell us what you think. Don't miss a Charmed Life fashion moment! Become a part of the most stylish tribe in town! Join the Charmed Life VIP Tribe! Simply text the code CharmedLife to 31996.
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AuthorThe creator of Truly Charmed Life, Antoinette Cain, delights in all things fashion, all things fostering empowerment, and all things that inspire ambition. Antoinette started this fashion and lifestyle blog to celebrate those who are living their Charmed Lives and to empower those who haven't yet realized that life may be imperfect, but in every day there is a Charmed moment. Archives
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