Check Out Terrisa Flowers’ Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Terrisa Flowers.

Hi Terrisa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am originally from Gary, IN. I’ve always taken an interest in fashion and costumes. I began drawing at the age of 12 and later took on sewing at the age of 14. I went on to study fashion design at the Illinois Institute of Art- Chicago and earned my BFA in Fashion Design. From there I took on small independent projects between Indianapolis, IN and Atlanta. I moved to Atlanta in 2009 where it was difficult at first to find my footing in my career so I focus on tailoring, a skill I held for many years. I worked as a in-house tailor for the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel- Downtown and Intercontinental Hotel- Buckhead over a course of 5yrs between 2010 and 2015. I then worked as a showroom director for Trio Custom Clothier for a year where I solely focused on men’s tailoring. From there I went on to work for SCAD Atlanta as a Sewing Technician Instructor/ Technical Designer from 2017 to the beginning of January of 2020. There I was able to help educate several young designers on the fashion pattern and construction process. It was in December 0f 2019 where I received and opportunity to work for the production of Lovecraft County as a cutter and stitcher. From there I met several influential people who encouraged me to go into film and t.v. full-time. I took a leap of faith and joined IATSE 479 Union and it was the greatest decision I’ve ever done. Since then I have been in the industry for almost 7yrs now and I have worked on many productions such as Oscar winning Black Panther 2, Fight Night, Color Purple The Musical, Ms. Marvel as well as many others. Most recently I am the head-tailor for the soap opera Beyond The Gates. On many of the projects I’ve worked on, I have had the honor to build many costumes as well as tailor incredible actors/characters for their roles.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This journey was NOT easy! Many heartbreaks and set backs, and opportunities that fell through the cracks. Working jobs that paid extremely low wages, working well into the night/ next morning, having to work 2 to 3 jobs at a time to survive, one independent project, I mid 2010s didn’t pay anything at all. Having to commute by Marta through all times of the day and night. My journey isn’t for the faint at heart. But through it all I pushed and persevered and continue to grow in my career.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a cutter/fitter, pattern-maker, and head-tailor for film and t.v. I’m known as a ‘workaholic’, but I truly love what I do. Outside of film and t.v. I’m a textile designer, knit/ crochet artist, and consultant to some. From time to time I have personal tailoring clients as well as personal clothing builds. I’m most proud of being able to make a life for myself and being able to maintain my creativity through it all. My first love became my career. To be honest I’m not sure what would set me apart from others, because I’ve been solely focused on what I can do creatively. There will never be a day where I’m settled in my skill sets, I constantly strive to learn more in the ways of old school tailoring and design. Constantly expanding my mind and to be of service to others looking for information in the fashion/costumes industry

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
So much lol! But I will end on this note. Your mind is extremely powerful. Always strive to do your best, constantly educate yourself in the things you love, and be of service to others who also seek knowledge. Never stop growing

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tjfconcepts2
• LinkedIn: Check out Terrisa Flowers’ profile on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrisa-flowers-b7295069