Today we’d like to introduce you to Charmaine White.
Charmaine, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m a Norfolk, Va Native. I’m a Fashion Designer, Illustrator and Wardrobe stylist. I started out very young hand sewing, cutting old stockings to put on my dolls. Never had any dreams of being a Fashion Designer until.
I moved to Atlanta in 2015. I started a small business in Virginia selling reused clothing that I would wear one time. The name of my business was called “Charms Closet” it did really well. I never knew that I would become so enthused into fashion the way that I am now. I always had dreams of being a Registered Nurse and a model. My modeling career dreams got shot down after going to a casting call through an agency named” Barbizon” they mentioned to my mom I was too fat to be a model. Lol, talk about an upsetting Saturday afternoon as a teenager.
As I’ve gotten older, I decided after high school to take baby steps into the nursing field by taking small courses. I enjoyed it but I wasn’t as passionate about it as much as I wanted to shop for new clothes to post and resale. As time went by, I left the nest and made a huge change and found my way traveling to Georgia in a White Chevy Malibu with three totes of clothes in my back seat. A 9.5 hr drive from Virginia to Atlanta. I knew from there, I was going to embark on a new journey. I stared my journey in Atlanta by getting a job working for a temp agency and as a sever. I worked as a server for three years. I used that job to invest in a bigger dream of mines. I’ve made huge changes over the years which I can honestly say I’m proud of.
Great, 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?
If it was easy everyone would be doing it. This road has not been a smooth one for me. The adversities and challenges I’ve overcome has made me stronger, wiser and a better woman for my future and higher self. I’ve been on a long journey of constant battles internal & external. However, only the strong survive. My advice to my readers embarking on a new journey.
Please don’t give up. Keep your nose to the sky, prayers louder than your fears. With an unmatched hustle. If the road turns left. Understand it’s either to teach you a lesson or it’s a blessing.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I’m a Fashionprenuer, (Fashion Entrepreneur). I specialize in designing women’s clothing. I’m known for having a great sense of style, creativity and amazing designs. I’m most proud as a brand is actually starting a brand and being able to transfer a sketch from paper to fabric. What sets me apart from others is my knowledge of different brands other than my own. My ability to sew, create patterns, and build fashion croquis.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
I feel networking is a huge part of becoming successful in whatever endeavor you want to accomplish. Finding a mentor is such a huge help. Networking has been working well with me. I enjoy meeting new people and welcoming them on my journey as a designer.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.Ivxixstudios.com
- Email: iv.xix.provision@gmail.com
- Instagram: @_Charmss_ @Ivxixstudio
Image Credit:
Charmaine White
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