Today we’d like to introduce you to Fernanda Medina.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in Honduras. As a child, I had an interest in painting and arts in general. My first involvement in drawing was when I found myself copying some architectural plans on grid paper. My parents took me to painting lessons were I improved every year and experimented with all kinds of media. I participated in several contests throughout my childhood, winning a few first places (including a paid trip to Mexico!). As I grew up, I stopped painting, thinking that I had to focus on a “real” career. I thought I was going to become a dentist or an engineer, but during my last year of high school, I decided to get back to painting. This was the year I decided I wanted to become an artist, yet I didn’t know what kind of artist. I applied to Savannah College of Art and Design but didn’t pay much attention to the application process.
One day, I got an email from them asking me to have a personal interview, as they were traveling to Latin American interviewing students who were interested in applying. I did my interview and was accepted the next day! I decided to attend the Atlanta campus, but I still didn’t know what my major was during my freshman year of college. During this year, I thought I wanted to study animation, but someone influenced me on becoming a fashion design major. This was my sister, who had all materials (and beyond) needed for sewing, including an industrial sewing machine. To be honest, it was a little challenging, as I didn’t have any previous experience in sewing and most of my classmates had some sort of previous sewing experience. During my sophomore year, after a challenging fashion design class, I felt fashion was not my thing, mostly because I wasn’t experienced enough making it very challenging to me.
During the summer of this year, my sister passed away. It was a moment of frustration for me along with my mourning, but I knew I had to distract myself with something. Over the summer, I decided to take an intensive sewing course that thought what I know today. My sister was the one who influenced me to become a fashion designer and I wanted to prove her how much of an impact she had one. Since that day, my motivation has been and now I put my heart and should on my projects, and I can proudly say my skill level has improved so much since.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road, to be honest. I was still mourning her passing, but I had to focus on school at the same time. I consider myself the type of person who copes with these events by focusing on activities that remind me of that specific person. For me, it was focusing on my classes at SCAD. At this moment, they were teaching us the basics of pattern making and draping. For every project I did, I had my sister in mind. It was not easy at all, but it helped me cope with her passing. There would be moments where I would be crying as I was sewing, but I knew I couldn’t give up. Just seeing those finals projects made me feel so much better because I knew she would have been proud of my results.
When you lose someone so abruptly, it is ok to cry it out, to show your feelings. Being with my family and friends it helped me so much, but I strongly believe those sewing lessons were my form of coping. I believe people should do activities that remind them of that person they have lost. For me, it was therapeutical and after almost two years, it still is. There have been moments I wanted to give up, but I think about her and our relationship with fashion design and how that gives me a special strength to continue.
Please tell us more about your business, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
For my senior collection, I did four outfits that were inspired by lab coats that my sister wore, as she was a physician. I used the silhouette of three of her coats and modified them into party outfits. I also used fabrics and colors that resembled her personal favorites such as the use of brocade and the houndstooth pattern onto a few of my designs. I used brooches to embellish some of the garments, as they were one of her favorite fashion accessories.
What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
Practice, practice, practice! I had fewer years of experience than the rest of my classmates, but I pushed my self to get to their level. Learn from your mistakes. Experiment with fabrics and materials you have never worked, and you’ll get amazing results.
I had very frustrating moments, where I had nothing but failed attempts. I learned from every attempt until I reached the level I wanted. I believe every attempt can be used as a learning experience rather than seeing it as a failed one.
I am young and scared as well, I am starting a new phase in life, but I am not the only one who’s in the same situation. Build relationships with all kinds of people, as they provide a source of motivation and guidance. Build relationships with older people who can teach you and who have gone through what you have lived. Learn and hear what they have to say.
Contact Info:
- Website: fernandamarisol.com (still under construction)
- Phone: 4048600789
- Email: fermedinamancia@gmail.com
- Instagram: ferscreativespace
Image Credit:
Photography by Erik Zimmerman
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