Today we’d like to introduce you to D. Chantelle.
Hi D., thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My creative journey began back in 2017. When my mother returned to sewing, I began to learn how to sew with her. I started picking out patterns during our trips to JoAnns, finding fabric that I thought she could use, and I realized that I really loved doing that, especially once the piece came together. I started sketching my own designs (even though I could not draw), and in 2021 I launched 5OUL Collextion, a 70’s inspired brand for women and men. I did well designing athleisure wear and accessories my first year of business. However, I realized that creatively, I wanted to go a different route with fashion, and merge my love of community, travel, and music all into one vision. And in 2023, 5OUL Fashion Music Fest was brought into ideation. I didn’t know what I was doing at all, but we produced our first event in May 2024 and are currently producing our second event, August 16, 2025!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It DEFINITELY hasn’t been smooth at all. Like I’ve said, I didn’t know what I was doing, and that’s with both my brand and event production. I had to wing it, trial and error! I didn’t have a lot of money, not a lot of support, and many people in the creative space didn’t know me well enough to trust me to pull it off. However, I realized that the small network of people I was able to bring together was enough to start, I just had to change my mindset to actually START. The first year, I had multiple vendors, designers, and performers back out the week of the event AND the morning of. The venue we had book began having issues. But in spite of all of that, we managed to still have a successful event, and even sold about 100 tickets, which is more than I could have ever imagined at the time. It was just confirmation that this is only the beginning, and we have a long way to go. It showed me that I needed to be even more dedicated to the expansion of the vision.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I never really know how to label myself, but I am a fashion designer turned creative event producer, specializing in producing outdoor fashion music festivals. We were able to produce our first event in East Point, GA, and will continue to produce many more in the years to come. As a creative producer in event production, what sets me apart is my “why”. I don’t produce for the money, for the recognition, or any personal gain. My goal for 5OUL Fashion Music Fest is to provide yet another avenue of exposure and support to the businesses, designers, models, musicians, artists, stylists, and other creatives within our community, and provide an alternative platform for them to share their gifts with us. I want 5OUL FMF to be an additional event in Atlanta that many can come and enjoy, while witnessing the growth and expansion of our creatives right here around the city.
How do you define success?
Personally, I define success as completion of purpose. There is no financial price tag or fame attached to my definition of success. My divine purpose is to use my knowledge and resources to support the growth and development of other beings. I genuinely believe that. Therefore, if I have made any type of impact and reached that goal, I can say that I am successful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.5oulfmf.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/5oulfmf
Image Credits
Jordan Baker
