Today we’d like to introduce you to SHILAKEN.
Hi SHILAKEN, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started my journey when I was a senior in high school but I would say I really didn’t start flexing my talent until I went to school at Spelman College. My freshman year I started venturing from my original sewing and started making two-piece outfits, and consistently joining our market Fridays to promote my brand. Reflecting back on my journey; it has been an interesting one, but I am very motivated by it. It’s funny I even think about it because I recently just had a conversation with my mom about what really got me back into my sewing and what really propelled the momentum to where I am now. I am and have always been super creative; being able to create anything from everything, but at times of course we get discouraged and doubt ourselves.
When the pandemic hit, I was in school and then we were told we have to go home for quarantine. As someone who really made a lot of connections in school, it was hard and disheartening to have to leave everyone, but the isolation allowed me to focus on my craft. That’s when I really started grinding out and experimenting with my sewing. After the pandemic, and we finally returned back to school, I was occasionally sewing but not really diving deep into my real potential. At the time as well, I used to get my hair braided by my friend Bryson. I specifically remember this one time right before homecoming, he was doing my hair and I was telling him about my fashion and everything and he was telling me how I should get into the Clark Atlanta Fashion show. He really spoke life into me which was definitely needed. From that moment, I went and applied myself to show; Got in, and that was my first show; The CAU show in 2021. Since then I have completed 20 fashion shows with one of my notable ones being held at Cornell University. When I think on my journey I realize how community is such a big part. We can’t do everything on our own and by lifting each other up we can do more. I would say right now a big part of my brand I am honing in on is that “growth lives in the unknown”, without getting in the field, trying different things and learning from the darkness, we will never become better, you really just have to take that leap of faith and believe.
Alright, 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?
Of course it has not been a smooth road, and honestly, I love that. Nothing will ever be perfect, and we have to embrace the road bumps that are bound to occur. I would say the biggest challenge for me would be self-doubt. When you are doing something that is not “normal” or what the masses agree with, it gets hard not to internalize the hate and just quit. Sometimes, it feels like every other day you are thinking to yourself like “what’s next?” or “what should I be doing?” or “is the right?”, but the real answer is, there is no right answer! You just have to go with the flow and live in the present. When you focus on what went wrong or your failures all the time, all that will do is drag you into a negative energy of uncertainty. The real power lies in changing your paradigm and standing on what you believe in. I’ve realized that changing my mindset has allowed me to overcome my challenges and obstacles faster than ever, and looking at them as a learning tool of what I can learn from and how I can move forward. I often listen to a lot of Alan Watts, Neville Goddard, Jim Crohn, etc, to help get me in a good headspace. I have realized we are all just spiritual beings having a human experience, and ups and downs are just a natural part of life.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an artist but I would say the bulk of my medium lies in sewing. I love to focus on sustainability, so I create a lot of one-of-one pieces made out of thrifted blankets or second-hand material. I love to create outerwear, but I don’t necessarily specialize in one product; I can literally create anything I set my mind to! When I think about SHILAKEN, I am most proud of how many people I have touched and encouraged. Yes, the clothes are definitely a big part of it, but spreading love and positivity whilst doing so is what makes me most happy. I love seeing the joy I am able to bring to others and encourage them to chase their dreams too! I would say what sets me apart from most is that I really am a “do it for the love of the game” type of person. I am not doing this because I want to become the richest person in the world or because I want to complete more fashion shows than anyone. I feel like I am so unapologetically me, I love myself so much, and I live my life with this unwavering confidence; I just constantly feel unstoppable..
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I honestly believe in the next 5-10 years, many people will have their own brand and shopping small will be more of the move than staying loyal to a brand. Back then, having a certain brand was the move, but I feel like we are moving towards people being more authentic in who they are and doing what they want. I personally love it, and I think we should embrace each other’s creativity more so we can all grow together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Shilaken.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shilakenatelier/
Image Credits
@kane.photographyy
@hiiikeem
@stein.rory
@shilaken
