Rising Stars: Meet Menia Paige

Today we’d like to introduce you to Menia Paige.

Hi Menia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Paige Reeves also known as Menia. I am 25 years old and I have been sewing and designing for about nine years and owning and operating in my business for three years. I fell in love with fashion and design at a very early age. I used to alter my doll’s clothing and watch Tyra Banks ANTM. My freshman year of high school, I started taking sewing lessons. For my junior and senior prom, I designed my dresses, my friends, and my sister.

Before graduating, I knew I wanted to leave home, Jackson, MS, to further pursue chasing my dreams. I attended Alabama A&M University, majoring in Apparel Design. While in college, I co-owned an on-campus alterations business, designed custom garments for my colleagues, and mentored those who came after me. I also took advantage of several opportunities in the city working with local designers as well as in nearby areas such as Atlanta; interning with celebrity tailors. This made room for my first celebrity experience that would change my perspective forever; I was honored to do alterations for Ashanti at the Espy Awards. After graduating in 2019, I officially made Menia Paige into a fashion company. I am a lover of all things fashion; assisting others in styling, wardrobe consulting, custom designs, tailoring, and creative directing.

Being the creative that I am, I do not give up. I am constantly learning and seeking more ways to develop my creativity. Now living in Charlotte, NC I am continuing to develop my brand, build clientele, and inspire others to give meaning to their passion.

Alright, 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?
It has definitely not been a smooth road, but I think that’s the fun part. The road of the unknown as always been my favorite thing to discover. I’ve read many books, watched many movies, and studied countless successful people, so I always knew the road would not be easy but rewarding.

Challenges show up in many different ways whether it’s financial problems, growing out of relationships, lifestyle changes, or even self-development. Through these challenges, I have seen many versions of myself and each time, I am met with something worth experiencing. I’ve become aware and comfortable in understanding that each level requires a new version of me and I brace myself for whatever may show up next, but with the expectation of overcoming. I used to let challenges burden me until I started to learn how to work with restriction and use it as a force of growth.

One thing that has played a major part in my journey is self-discovery. Once I became one with self, I was able to explore the many parts that were ready to be exposed. I challenged myself in creativity and exploring the many sides of my talent. When I challenged myself, I also began to challenge my surroundings. How much was I willing to lose to gain? Who was I willing to let go of to elevate higher? What was I willing to do to become a better version of myself? What person is truly behind Menia Paige? These were a few things I questioned in order to keep my passion alive. I am always willing to do whatever is necessary during challenging seasons.

This lifestyle is for the passionate and those who are willing to journey through it.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the designer/founder of Menia Paige LLC. Menia Paige is a fashion company that I curated to cater to every part of my love for not only fashion but the concept of design. I specialize in tailoring and dressmaking and I am known for my eclectic aesthetic and approach. When designing or creating, I am always thinking about the ambiance of the person that Is wearing MP. I love to create with positive energy to enforce that feeling through my garments. I love working with clients that enjoy the couture experience and having things custom-made.

I am most proud of my most recent work as it expresses who I am as a creative designer. With my last creations, I have given my audience and clients a true idea of the direction I want to take my brand. I introduced my abilities with set design and even made room for genuine collaborations. I want my current and future clients to come to me with an open mind and be ready to exude the confidence that a MP garment gives.

What sets me apart, I believe, is my creativity and my tailored skill with construction. I have gotten more into draping which now allows me to use my hands to guide me in design. Clients love when I am able to create from a free mind rather than an exact image. They can sense the passion! This then creates a natural bond when working with one another. Another thing that sets me apart is I consider myself as an artist and I don’t put a cap on what I can manipulate or use to express an idea.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Mentorship has been a very important part of my journey. As I stated before, I keep references from books on success stories and they ALL mention how mentors are a vital part of a successful life.

With any advice I give, I always recommend having a mentor. A mentor is someone on the same or similar path as you. A mentor is someone you can confide in and be vulnerable while you grow in your success. A mentor serves as that whisper alongside your own pushing you through.

I have been in the company of mentorship since I was younger growing up in church, stretching through college, and even now as I matriculate into my adulthood still in the same journey of becoming. Each person, whether it be for a short time or those who are still present, have made an impact on me. I take pride in holding valuable connections and genuine bonds to constantly remind myself that I am not alone and I am supported in my passion. A strong foundation, community, and close mentorship is vital in being successful.

Being the free spirit that I am, I am not afraid to seek for wisdom. I am always open to listening and passing down to others what knowledge is given to me. What has always worked for me is being humble and remaining teachable. I thrive off collaboration whether it’s hands-on or through exchanging thoughts and ideas.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.meniapaige.com
• Instagram: @___menia, @meniapaigedesigns
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/599859401860856

Image Credits:
Marcel Anthony Lion Prince Ron McClenny