Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Dean.
Sydney, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My love for the art of clothing design was birthed when I nosily stumbled across my grandmother’s sewing kit. It was in a soft pink Betty Boop Canister. I remember yelling out to my grandmother asking her what all of it was- she stopped what she was doing, stooped down, and taught me how to thread a needle then and there. I was nine years old and hand-sewed a pair of cargo pants for my Barbie doll that night- it had a pocket that didn’t open.- and boy was I so proud of it. I jumped back and forth between wanting to be a veterinarian, a saxophone player, and some other career I thought would impress my parents, but fashion design always found its way back to me. At thirteen I was invited to sell my pieces in an art show in the city I lived in- I made enough to buy myself the bicycle I wanted. Afterward, I would go on to design a complete collection for a fashion show at my church, and later present my work at a college scholarship fundraiser. I received my first sewing machine from my pastor in front of the congregation, and my second sewing machine from my manager at a thrift store I worked at. Sewing has always found me in times when I felt like I didn’t have a purpose. It’s lifted me up from the lowest of lows and has been the fire inside me ever since I was taught to thread a needle. I truly love it and I know its what I’m meant to do in this lifetime, and sharing my passion with others, watching their faces light up when they wear my pieces, their confident sashays down the runway- for me, that’s what life is all about.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Following my passion has not at all been easy. It’s hard feeling unseen and knowing you’re meant for more- it’s also hard finally being seen and remembering the times when the same people discouraged me. Through it all following my passion has taught me to cheer myself on first- to believe in me first- because no one else will do it for you. I often tell myself, ‘ I’m worth something now, I was also worth something then.’
Financially, sewing isn’t the cheapest hobby/ passion. It does come in handy that my passion is also sustainability- but even so, it’s not cheap. I’ve had to tell myself it’s okay to ask for help- I’m not superwoman all the time. Strong people ask for help, business people seek out grants- I can ask for assistance too.
Allowing myself to not be afraid of good things- I’d gotten so used to having to claw tooth and nail for opportunities that when they present themselves to me freely- I have to reassure myself that it’s okay for me to experience ease. I tell myself all the time: ‘My name is Sydney Dean, and I deserve good things.’
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a sustainable clothing artist. I repurpose discarded and donated materials into borderline couture. I’m self-taught and learning as I go- and boy do I love what I do!
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Put yourself out there. Invest in relationships that pour into you, people you get along with, and people who genuinely see you for who you are becoming even if it’s not quite actualized yet. Avoid people who make snide remarks, avoid the unambitious, and surround yourself with people who also want more- love a good seafood boil but avoid the lobsters in the lobster pot babe.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/6ydneyy/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydney-dean-34a8b1233
Image Credits
Photographer of Purple dress image: Rowin Hernandez (@rowinhernandez)
Photographer of black and white belt dress image and black and silver flower image: Carlos Diaz (@shotbycarlosdiaz)
Makeup Artist of both purple, black and white, and black and silver image: Sabrina Mae (@makeupbysabrinamae)
Model of black and white belt dress image and black and silver flower image: Ayva (@ayvaaah)
Model of Purple dress image: Cianna (@ciannasaunders)
Model of red, black and white belt dress: Alex (@pi_brownie) / Venue/ Fashion show: ATLSFW (Sustainable Fashion Week Atlanta/ Atlanta Sustainable Fashion Week) (@atlsfw)
Model of Green pearl dress: Claire (@cofoqueen) / Venue/ Fashion show: ATLSFW (Sustainable Fashion Week Atlanta/ Atlanta Sustainable Fashion Week) (@atlsfw)
