Life & Work with Roanne Nonesa Daguisan of Duluth, GA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Roanne Nonesa Daguisan.

Roanne Nonesa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Using what I have has been my whole life. I want to use my design and sewing skills to help others save the environment by redesigning something unique. I grew up in a Filipino household of four in Savannah, GA for 20 plus years. My parents met each other in Dubai after moving from the Philippines for work. I was brought to America when I was only 5 months old along with my eldest brother who was already a year old. My Mama and Papa struggled to live a better life in the United States of America. They tried to make ends meet by working overtime in several fields of work such as various grocery stores and medical facilities. They do what they must to help my brother and I have a good, healthy life in America. I appreciate everything they gave me and taught me as I grew to be a beautiful young woman who wants to make a difference. My family made a habit of saving as much money as possible and always chanted the phrase “use what you have” in our house. It was the mantra that stuck with me at that time in the 90s-2000s. I remember watching TV that only had five channels, me and my brother imitating the original “Power Rangers” fighting moves, my Papa cooking and cleaning during the day, and my Mama making a light pink poodle skirt for my Kindergarten dance showcase. Also recycling and reusing items were our lifestyle!

Long story short, as I grew up, I was interested in fashion. I handmade my first purple purse with a teddy bear fabric piece on the front with just two pieces of fabric and a handle. My mama bought me my first sewing machine; a basic small Singer. After several years, my mama bought me another sewing machine to replace my old one; A Scholastic Heavy Duty Singer. I still have this machine to this day! Thank you Mama for everything. I got my talent from my Mama; when she was young she loved scrapbooking, calligraphy, and crocheting. She taught me hand sewing, crocheting, and being mindful to always save money and use what you have first. While I became a fashion designer, my brother became a video game artist and illustrator. We possess artistic talents that we inherited from our mother that would carry us to adulthood.

Today, I am a sustainable fashion designer who uses the philosophy of zero waste and sustainability. For years, I save fabric scraps, paper, and other reusable items because I dislike wasting something valuable that can be reused or repaired to something beautiful. In 2012 during college, I began upcycling clothing by hand using deadstock, secondhand, and ethical textiles. In order to raise the fashion industry’s awareness of environmental issues, I wanted to develop zero waste clothing using leftover materials. In addition, I want to create a community of makers and doers who want to share their stories through art.

I currently run my own sustainable fashion brand under the name Roanne Nonesa Designs or R.N.D. My goal with R.N.D. is to tell stories through clothing with soft movements and semi-voluminous silhouettes in each design. Complementing circular fashion, I built a zero waste technique that reflects the un-resourceful economy. With the mission to be an environmental advocate, I design clothing for clients who are leaders in their field and eco-conscious trailblazers on the mission to save the planet.

Over the course of a decade, I worked as the head of design and co-founder for an eco-fashion brand, interned for a few design companies, also altered and mended thousands of dresses and wedding gowns. Paprika Southern and Brides.com featured a number of my collections.

Being a force for good in the fashion industry, I am now an environmental activist and slow fashion designer who makes bespoke, ethical storywear. I enjoy the colors and textures of my surroundings as well as helping people and the planet.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Along the way I learned, “What comes easy won’t last long, and what lasts long won’t come easy.” It was definitely a bumpy journey. I have faced criticism and rejection from multiple sources from family, college, peers to jobs on my work but I kept my head high and kept going until I reached my goals. During my journey to becoming a fashion designer, I had blood, sweat, and tears from working sleepless nights on creating collections and designs for clients while working between some retail jobs and restaurants. Back then an eco-conscious fashion lifestyle was scarce and I found it difficult to be myself both physically and mentally. There were times I felt invisible in this industry — being a petite Asian American woman in a space that can be ruthless. But even through the criticism and doubt, I kept showing up. I never gave up.

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?
Roanne Nonesa Designs or RND is a luxury slow fashion brand that handcrafts sustainable textiles and fabric remnants into one-of-a-kind storywear and accessories. For each custom piece, I use fabric as a medium to communicate a story. The first question I ask my clients is “What’s your story?” People’s stories inspire me to make their stories come to life. Each part of their design are pieces from their upbringing, personality, and culture.

I am known as an eco-conscious, sustainable fashion designer using a slow, zero waste method. My zero waste designs consist of pattern making, seamless patchwork, and using less materials to create fit and flare dresses, jumpsuits, tops and skirts while staying true to storywear. Additionally, I make accessories that complement one’s attire if there are leftover textiles.

What makes me most proud is that I’ve stayed authentic through every challenge and used creativity to turn my vision into something real.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I’m a believer in bravery and taking risks, while staying positive and present through challenging times. Throughout my journey as both a designer and an individual, I’ve learned to find peace in the chaos and stay grounded in my purpose. As the first in my family to pursue fashion design and attend Savannah College of Art and Design, I didn’t have many resources or examples to guide me. I learned by observing the world around me — people, places, and nature — which continue to inspire my creativity today. Growing up, I saw my hardworking parents show up every day, no matter how they felt, to build their version of the American Dream. They risked everything so I could have the chance to follow mine, and now I hope to honor that by creating meaningful work and paving the way for the next generation of designers.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.roannendesigns.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roannendesigns
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roannenonesa
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/roanne.nonesa

Image Credits
Shaunii Rawls-The Confident Studios
Hellen Oliveira Photography
Michelle Ray Photography
Faraway Land Weddings
Upson Reflections
Cody Reppert