Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Keyes.
Elizabeth, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Bolton, Mississippi. From an early age, my mother made sure I knew how to dress, especially for church and family functions. My passion for fashion grew over the years, I started to sketch wedding gowns and even styling close family and friends. I did not have a fashion role model to look up to, but there are so many people that inspired me to go after my passion. My parents invested in a sewing tutor for me to begin to master my craft. My mother would often tell me, “If you want to be a fashion designer, you need to learn all the aspects of design”. I truly appreciated my experience of learning how to sew. I learned quickly, that sewing wasn’t an easy process and it required much patience. I learned that it’s okay to make mistakes just keep trying and watch all your mistakes form a masterpiece. I spent most of my time watching television shows like Project Runway to see the design process and learn the terminology. I often remind myself of the dream God gave me when I was eleven years old. I saw myself sewing clothes in a beautiful all white showroom and placing my clothes on customers. From that day forward, I knew that I was called to be a fashion designer.
Overall in high school, I stayed involved and built a portfolio of work and experiences. Today, I am a student at SCAD in Midtown, Atlanta. My major is fashion design and minor graphic design. Among my many responsibilities and tasks as a student, I make sure I take the time to develop my professional skills, whether it’s collaborating with other artists or interning. I love to network with people who are passionate about art, business, and fashion. Moving to Atlanta, Georgia has grown and built my character. I have been exposed to so many great opportunities and I am just at the beginning of my career. I am appreciative of all the things God has done and will continue to do for me on this journey in Georgia.
All I know is that the future is bright, and I must wear sunglasses every time I think about it. I plan to be a graduate of SCAD in 2021, get my master’s in business administration. The goal is to launch my own clothing company that provides clothes for the entire family. My goal is also to create looks that are functional and versatile. My brand will have longevity in the industry, and I will be known as a designer who cares about the whole image of her consumers. I see myself in New York fashion week, traveling and learning cultures. Along with having my clothing company, I want to be an author, real estate agent and start a nonprofit to offer scholarships for college students.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have a very supportive family. I mean, the love I experienced as a child to now is so strong that it makes me want to love and encourage people around me. But I can recall moments when a few people from my past questioned the idea of me becoming a fashion designer. People would say, “Fashion isn’t a career” or “Do you think you can go far with that”. My parents taught me how to respectfully dismiss negativity and doubt. So, I would politely ask, “What are you wearing?” The response would be, “Clothes”. Then I would say “It was one person who had a vision and executed it so that you could wear that garment. If the world did not have fashion designers, then everyone would be walking around naked.” As the person would change the conversation or walk away, I would laugh inside knowing that I did not allow someone’s fear enter my mind. I know now that I have the power to accept and decline someone’s opinion.
College is expense, but do not let that STOP you from going after your dreams. My mother told me, “If we allow money to control our dreams then we would never get far.”
Whenever I face discouragement, I quickly begin to pray. I must remind myself of my “Why” my dad encourage me that “it’s not about how I start it’s about how I finish. At times, I try to figure everything out when really this is a faith walk. I can’t see my tomorrow nor can I see my future. I believe I must lean on God more when I feel afraid or unqualified. Now that I am in college, I am surrounded by so many talented people that sometimes I struggle with comparing myself. I try to focus on my gift and celebrate others. But my advice to any artist or gifted person is to surround yourself with confident people. I know that my family has been my rock through this journey, and I have amazing friends back home and in Atlanta. I’ve learned that I spend so much time around people that sometimes their character influences mine. So, I want to surround myself with people that believe in what I believe, hold me accountable and encourage me to not give up.
Please tell us about Grace by Design.
All my life I have been an entrepreneur and working in some form or fashion. At age six I was my mother’s mini assistant at her childcare business, I sold Girl Scouts cookies, and collegiate t-shirts for my grandfathers’ company. But I smile every time I talk about my company, Grace by Design which showcases my portfolio and work experience. My services include motivational speaking, styling, songstress and graphic design. Along with going to school for fashion, I launched my brand to offer my gifts to the world and to share my experience as an up-and-coming fashion designer. I like to share my journey and inspire artist. I am known for my $5 jewelry company—Chic Grace, motivational speaking and styling. I am proud that my company provides a great service to people and I love that my company gives back. I have a mentorship program for young girls (ages 13-18) that allows them to hear from college girls. The mentors share experiences, give advice and help the younger girls aspire to become a college student.
My company is unique because it is my journey as a fashion student, entrepreneur, and a Christian. I am passionate about fulfilling my gifts and showing others that anything is possible.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I remember the entrepreneur attitude began with being apart of my family’s business. In fact, that is where my nickname Lizzie Bizzie came from. I learned budgeting, how to work with others and how to adapt to change. I appreciate how being apart of this atmosphere fueled the passion inside me to be a fashion designer and business owner.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gracebydesign.org
- Email: designerekeyes@gmail.com
- Instagram: @__gracebydesign
- Facebook: @shopchicgrace
- Twitter: @__gracebydesign
Image Credit:
Cover photo Photographer: Acquille Dunkley, Model Image Photographer: Michelle Carmona
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