Today we’d like to introduce you to Chantel McDowell.
Hi Chantel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My design creativity began 22 years ago. I started with sewing in my tenth-grade high school home economics class, that cultivated my love for arts. In 2005, I attended Bauder College in Atlanta, GA, and my passion for Fashion Design led me into making custom clothing. I’m a mother of five children, CCMA, Current Nursing student, and the CEO & Founder of Imagine Me Sew. I have hand-sewn countless tote bags, custom tops, hats, scarves, jackets, and many other custom clothing & accessories. Bringing my sense of custom creativity, unique, individual designs to my work I create is a one-of-a-kind experience for all my customers. After all these years of sewing and creating designs are by far the best work I love to do.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has most definitely been a struggle!!! Lol!!! Owning your own business comes with a lot of ups and down. But through it all, you learn so much about yourself and others. I will never give up on my vision and dream.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a fashion designer. I love sewing stylish tote bags, headbands, and more. I specialize in creating one-of-a-kind denim tote bags; the collection is named after my late mom, Jazzy Rene. My Jazzy Denim Collection is so unique, every bag is different in its own unique creative style. I am known for my bold and unique handmade bags. I am so proud of my collection and how much I have grown my inventory. When I look at all my bags it really makes me proud when I see what I have done with my own hands and natural talent. Some people even think that my bags are wholesale resell, but no, sweetie lol this is just skills and talent. My creative thinking sets me apart from others. My eye for design is out of this world.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I honestly believe marketing yourself every day and every chance you get!!! Word of mouth goes a long way in this business. You never know who knows who. Always believe in your work and stay confident about your talent. Never dummy down your skills for nobody. Always stand tall and proud about your work. Websites and social media is a great way to market yourself. I also love participating in pop-up shops around Atlanta. No matter what, networking is the key to any business jumping off the ground and getting to work! Just keep going.
Pricing:
- $10
- $20
- $40
- $50
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ImagineMeSew.com
- Instagram: @Imagine_Me_Sew
- Facebook: Ladii Sew
- Other: https://voyageatl.com/interview/life-work-chantel-ford-decatur/
