Today we’d like to introduce you to Karron English.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am the founder of the English Design Laboratory, Inc. (EDL). Initially, I created “EDL” to teach Teens and Tweens the art of fashion design. The goal was to educate the student and their parents about the fashion industry and yes, indeed, that their child can successfully be employed in the industry.
Since its inception in 2004, EDL has taught over 100 budding designers. Students have pursued majors in everything from fashion design, merchandising, graphic design to visual merchandising and marketing. EDL students have gained acceptance into Parsons, Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and Pratt in New York, SCAD, Georgia Southern, Kennesaw State University, and the Art Institute in Georgia.
Currently, I am developing other opportunities in design. I have a Merch by Amazon account where I sell graphic tees, a shop on Etsy where I rework clothing and create jewelry and am reworking my Fashion Design classes to be offered online to Teens and Tweens. I also want to work with adults who are interested in knowing more about the fashion design industry and offering classes that can meet their needs.
In my day job, I am a Professor of Fashion in college. When I am not focused on my business and work, I am hiking with my dog and reminding myself to enjoy life’s journey.
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?
Was it a smooth road? Not really. When I started my business, I knew there was a need but it was also scary because no one was teaching fashion design to teens and tweens at that time. Because no one was doing it and I have never taught before, I basically had no idea what I was doing however, I did know fashion designing and the business. I must say that looking back, there was a naivety that happens when you embark on a journey you never experienced before.
So I observed and learned as quickly as I could. It was fun, exciting and tiring to a fault. I needed help. I needed a business advisor or partner. Doing both was overwhelming. I am much more creative not finical.
It’s the same way with my new ventures for EDL, but this time, I have access to help when I need it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Currently by day, I am a Professor of Fashion design in college. I teach everything from draping to CAD Design to Fashion Illustration.
In my company, the English Design Laboratory, I work with private clients focusing on anything from collection development to sourcing, tech packs to advising students (and their parents) about the fashion industry and Universities to attend. I also try to connect designers with services they are in need of.
Whichever role I am in at a given time, I like to listen first to what the customer’s goals are and then break down the best way to approach the project. Since I started my education and career in the New York fashion industry, I bring a wealth of industry knowledge including overseas manufacturing and knowledge.
I am most proud of creating the English Design Lab. I have never created my on business and I truly did not know what I was doing. What I did know was there was a need for educating teens and tweens about this profession and training them from this age to get into competitive art colleges/universities.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I have learned quite a bit. I love technology, but being out and about in the real world is the best way to have creative experiences. Traveling whether domestic or internationally enables you to learn and be inspired.
I know this is going to should like an oxymoron, the internet was a survival tool to get through last year and this year. I am not sure when Covid will be over.
Contact Info:
- Email: kaenglish@yandex.com
