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?
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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?
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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!
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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  

Get Social! 
PaintbyShawnDenise on IG!
PaintbyShawnDenise on Facebook!

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 

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?
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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?
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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!

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 

T-shirts will never go out of style! This closet staple can be a key player in a fashion diva's rotation.  A t-shirt-centered look can be made even more fun with the addition of a cool statement tee. There are an abundance of t-shirt lines in the retail market to suit diverse tastes...ranging from inspirational to super risque.  Statement t-shirts have been among my favorite recent wardrobe purchases.  Read on for tidbits and pics featuring a few of my favorite statement tees.  

Why Statement Tees Matter

Feeling Snackish?

I'm a sucker for a fashion deal on Facebook. When I saw the "Looking Like A Whole Snack" tee on LuxeCessories By T&E's Facebook page, I had to get it!  This company, coming upon its second anniversary, offers premium quality customized accessories.  

Rich Girl Loading (ooh, that's a good one, too)!  ​

As a budding entrepreneur who aspires to bank all of the money, the "I'm Pre-Rich Not Broke" tee by Glitz and Style truly spoke to me.  This t-shirt line offers a stylish array of statement tees.  

Giving Thanks While Giving Looks

I am a history buff, and I especially love learning and discussing the contributions of people of color in U.S. history, because (1) it's necessary and (2)our history has been altered and erased for all too long.  In fact, I was inspired by the movie Hidden Figures, to start a series about our unsung gems.  Read about Septima Poinsette Clark!  I said all of this to say that I was elated when I scrolled upon Thank You Tees' Instagram page.  This company, offering t-shirts celebrating Black Americans on whose shoulders we stand, is a refreshing presence in the statement t-shirt market.  As one who is a huge fan of Black literature, it was only natural that I chose the Thank You Phillis Wheatley tee.  Check Thank You Tees out on the web!

If you created a statement tee, what would yours say?  Tell me about your favorite statement tee that's currently in your wardrobe rotation? I look forward to hearing from you in comments. Take a minute, or a few, and visit each of the featured companies to check out their latest statement tees!  

Charmed Life Fashion Note: Oh, that bomb kimono that you see pictured with the "Pre-Rich" tee is one of my latest and greatest thrifting finds.  It's an authentic silk crepe Japanese kimono.  Get the deets HERE!