Check Out Phalandra Squires’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Phalandra Squires.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started designing clothing back in 2016 from a spare room in my home. I did basic items that really didn’t challenge me. I didn’t want to step out of my comfort zone because it was easy. They were nice items but I wanted to take my designs to another level.. I wanted to design a higher quality and more challenging brand of clothing. Gradually I started creating things that I usually wouldn’t even attempt to. I kept practicing and making mistakes until I was getting better at putting those items together that I couldn’t before. Over the years people have told me how my brand has changed and grown in the area of design, structure and difficulty levels. I was afforded the opportunity to be a part of New York Fashion Week with Runway 7 in Sept 2024. I received a call from one of the representatives a few days after that show asking if I would like to return in February of 2025 because my designs exceeded their expectations of what I had showcased. I did return to New York with International Heritage Fashion Week in February 2025. Then participated in Connecticut Fashion Week on May of 2025. Each door has opened another door of opportunity for my brand.

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 has not been easy, especially over the last year for me. I had a health scare in which I almost died. I had to have emergency surgery for a perforated colon or hole in the large intestines. I became Septic in the matter of hours. Meaning I had an infection in my blood stream. I was really sick and had Covid on top of all that. I had 6 inches of my Colon removed and had to wear a Colostomy bag for six months. I was devastated to say the least. I cried almost everyday. But, I was still alive and Thankful to God for that!!!
It was hard because I wasn’t able to do anything but rest. Home Health Nurses and a Physical Therapist would come into my home several times a week. When I was finally able to come out of the house, I was so self conscious about hiding the bag and making sure no one saw it. I had to make many adjustments to accommodate for that condition. I was not able to sew for months.
I had a reversal surgery to remove the bag this past February. There were some complications that arose during the surgery. It was supposed to be 2.5-3 hrs and ended up being 9 hours. I had to stay in ICU for 3 days and a regular rom for 7 days. But again, God kept Me!
I am currently easing my way back in my shop making small things as my body is healing. I’ve learned that struggles make you Stronger and trials turn into Testimonies! The scars that I have are the healed wounds of what tried to cancel me.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I design clothing for men, woman and children. Mostly pieces for woman and children. The men’s clothing seems hard to me but I’ve expanded the mens clothing after creating a prom suit for my nephew. And that was out of my comfort zone but it turned out very nice. He was happy and thats all I wanted!
I am proud of myself for pushing past the limits of my training. I learned to sew in high school. So it is confusing at times reading patterns or trying to create something you see in your head and don’t know how. I’m thankful that I have others who have been in the business who don’t mind sharing their wisdom and know how to me. They give me constructive criticism while helping me better my craft.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I did have the privilege to participate in the 12th World Edition Miss Europe Continental Pageant in Naples Italy this past November. Three of the misses wore two of my designs in this world wide televised show. It was such a great experience. I met some amazing designer’s from places I’ve never heard of. I am grateful to have been invited to be apart of such an awesome event.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stylzbyphalandra?igsh=MWJjMjMyZGRuOXE5MA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ERcPiUwfh/?mibextid=wwXIfr