Today we’d like to introduce you to Leila Kyriacos.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Leila. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
When I was ten years old and playing the game “M.A.S.H”, with all my girlfriends at school, I’d always put “fashion designer” as my top dream job. I’d close my eyes and hope that the final circled answer would be me working in fashion. Ten years later, (wow crazy to say…) here I am, sitting in my chair on my break between classes, at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Atlanta. It’s been roughly two weeks since I got back from New York Fashion Week, where I interned for designer Kim Shui, and celebrity stylist, Tyler Lambert. A year ago, I was struggling in my sewing class and staying up for countless hours trying to finish my drawing homework.
My “passion for fashion” if you will, started when I developed my obsession with the Disney show, That’s So Raven, and playing all the Barbie.com fashion games, especially the MyScene makeover. I took a few sewing courses at Joann’s fabric at a young age and even attended an art high school in my hometown of Savannah, GA. My first experience designing was for my school’s fashion show, whereas a junior and senior, I created a collection of garments based on a theme, from unconventional materials. Upon graduating high school, I attended Georgia State University for textiles.
I soon fell in love with the city of Atlanta, but not so much with my school. My dream, of course, was to go to school for fashion. I transferred to SCAD sophomore year where I now major in Fashion Design, learning everything from pattern making, sewing, to fashion sketching, and draping techniques. My school is nowhere near easy, it’s challenging and I like that. I’ve learned so much in the past year, and the creative environment urges you to do your best.
In November 2018, I created my own LLC to start my own clothing line, By Leila, to launch in 2019.
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?
Absolutely not, I can’t tell you the number of times I have already cried from receiving feedback from professors or just merely out of exhaustion. (Yes, I’m a cancer.) For the clothing line, I have tried so many different techniques and gone about many different ways to create designs, that at some points I thought it was a sign that I wasn’t supposed to be doing it just quite yet. My first hope was to release a collection in January 2019…and then I said April…and then okay, I’ll do it in the summer. Now, I’ve taken the time I needed to perfect my garments, to release this October.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about By Leila – what should we know?
I’m supposed to say, that firstly I’m a student, and then everything else that follows. While this is true, and I really do try to balance my priorities, I feel that in every creative thing I do, I strive to put the most amount of effort into each thing. So I guess you could say; I am a student, a fashion designer, a YouTuber, and an artist all in one. Currently, I go to class four times a week, I work on the clothing line almost every day (recently), I try to upload a video once a week, and if I get any free time, I love to make art to release any stress that I have.
My clothing line, By Leila, is hand-crafted and upcycled, my goal is to create garments that will empower the person wearing them while promoting sustainability. Inspired by youth culture, nostalgia, and streetwear.
My YouTube, where I upload videos to do with fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and even vlogs and storytimes.
This may sound cliche, but I personally feel that just being my authentic self, and trying my best to not worry what others say or think of me, sets me apart from others.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
DETERMINATION. Manifestation, believing in yourself, not giving up no matter how many times you fail. And also lots of patience, knowing that just because one thing didn’t work out, doesn’t mean you have to quit, it just means you need to try another way. A good support group of friends and family always helps too. ☺︎
Contact Info:
- Website: by-leila.com
- Email: shopbyleila@gmail.com
- Instagram: @leilakaterina
- Twitter: @leila_katerina
Image Credit:
*Photo of girl in colorful dress with sparkle background* sneak peek of collection, photographer @wavykirt
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