Today we’d like to introduce you to Lula Graham
Hi Lula, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Lula Graham I’m originally from Baltimore, Maryland I’ve been in Georgia for the last 13 years. I started making clothing for my dolls when I was 5 years old through my grandmother guidance and eventually started flipping clothes from the thrift store with my other grandmother style and direction, recreating looks for my daily wardrobe. My friends took notice and asked me to do the same for them. Which led to prom dresses and other special occasions clothing. After high school I went out of state to Bradley Academy for the Visual Arts in York, Pa. Leaving just before graduation to be with my dying grandmother. She would always encourage me to go back to school, when she passed 6 months later, my mind couldn’t handle leaving my family again. So I stayed and started working for a major retailer. Using a lot of what I learned while in school. I had fun, traveled and met some amazing people along the way. After 9 years I walked away with a clear understanding of what my life could truly be if I started in the fashion industry on my own.
I moved to Georgia to reinvent myself by living up to my fullest potential and be the best mom ever. At the time I was 5 months pregnant with no real plan just a dream of showing my child that you can live your dreams and be successful.
Since, I’ve always been a creative designer, 2019 the creative bug bit me again and I started creating shoes for my brand HoneeHeels. With leftover fabrics I made a few pieces of clothing. Sold them on Etsy and the N3WHOLLYWOOD brand was born.
At first, I thought it would just be a fun way to make extra money and get my creative ideas out but then I was offered an opportunity to do NYFW fall 2023. So of course I got in the car a drove 15 hours one way to show the fashion world who I was as a designer. As a child that was my biggest dream and it was coming true. The day of my show I walked out to that stage and my heart was so full and proud of myself. Though 23 years later I had finally made it!
I was impressed with the amount of interest people had for what I was doing and the models I had picked. Several of them went on to create memorable careers for themselves. My brand was their launching pad.
When I returned to Georgia, the fire inside of me would not go away and being in my corporate office job no longer felt right. I quit my job after 10 years, to pursue my dreams of being a professional designer and entrepreneur. There was some major changes and hardships in our lives to say the least. I literally lost everything. But during this time I was leaning harder into God and trusting that if he put this dream in me as a little girl and as a grown woman I’ve been able to accomplish it all I had to do was trust him and his plans for my life.
So with no money, just connections I kept going. I learned to and created my own website, www.n3whollywood.com
Something I didn’t know how to do or even planned to do. I got two models to help me create full on campaigns, promotional content and marketing materials. All the things I learned while working for the company for 10 years. I’ve learned that nothing is wasted you just have to figure out how you can use it.
To date I’ve had my clothing featured in movies, podcast, magazines, walked many many runway shows all over the country. Working with charitable organizations and other groups to support self esteem and body positivity. I’ve had pop ups in several cities and created looks for up and coming musicians, artists and creatives. Having a network of models, creatives, photographers, artists and other professionals who see what N3WHOLLYWOOD goal and mission is and are ready to support me in making it happen. I love what I do!
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?
This has not been a smooth road at all. This is one of the most expensive hobbies because not only do you have to pay for materials and equipment but you also have to pay to be in the events and pay for the photographers and other people who are working for you. And you are not always making money at it, at least not initially.
So it’s very costly, so I tell people who are interested “if you only want to do this for money your in it for the wrong reasons. “
Like I said, I lost everything, my income, my house, my mind but I just would pray and ask god to help me while I was on the rough road obviously he had a destination for me. I just had to go through the process to get there.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a designer who sees fabric and instantly gets excited about what it could be. Since I left school early I didn’t learn how to make patterns the traditional way so I’ve learned how to create patterns my own way that make the clothing fit on the body in a very comfortable way. My favorite compliment is this is so comfortable I forget to take it off. My style is an Inner City edgy with Hollywood Glamour. I like to think of it as elevated street wear, ready to wear.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Being true to yourself will attract many people being discerning will help you as you grow your network. And I have yet to find a personal mentor, I still look to the big names in fashion and study their careers, paths to success and strategies. I’m a student of life so I learn from every experience I have and not just the person teaching it.
As I take jobs I ask myself why am I here, who am I supposed to be learning from. Sometimes it’s my direct supervisor, sometimes it’s the owner of the company.
Pricing:
- I line- $1000+
- A line- $200-$999
- M line- $15-$199
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.n3whollywood.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/n3whollywood
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@n3whollywood?si=-l4dteEmmj43q34g
Image Credits
Bennyfame photography
Djn studios
Runway7
Sc habitat for humanity
