Today we’d like to introduce you to Antonia Palmer.
Antonia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. I am the oldest of five and I was raised by my mom. Throughout my life, I have had many ups and downs starting at a young age. My mom gave birth to me when she was fifteen years old so we basically grew up together. When she started to have my siblings, I quickly had to grow up and help out where my mom somehow lacked. As much as we struggled growing up, my mom has always kept us together. Whether it was when we stayed in a battered women’s shelter or living in hotels together. My mom always did what she considered as her best. Even though we went through a lot, I always did my work in school and always remained on honor roll throughout my time in school despite the adversities that I felt that I faced. I quickly learned that I filled with many gifts and talents. I started doing hair when I was 12 years old and I quickly became popular in that talent. So I became an entrepreneur early on in life before I even knew what an entrepreneur even was. So I started out doing my own hair first and then that’s how I pulled in a lot of my clientele. I did family, friends and new people that later became family.
Once I reached high school, I had this idea of becoming a fashion designer one day because I loved style, fashion, clothes and shoes. But life quickly threw me a curveball and I became pregnant with my first son in the 11th grade. That still didn’t slow me down though because I still remained in school so that I could graduate. I took up robotics while in high school and my teacher thought that I was really good in it and had me to apply for a scholarship to Tennessee State for the Engineering Program. And to no avail, I got accepted, a full-ride scholarship for all four years. I was so happy and excited but I couldn’t accept the offer because I didn’t have anyone to help out with my son. That experience hurt me to my core because I didn’t have the support that I needed to push myself to my greatest potential. After that, I graduated from Booker T. Washington High School and decided that I would take my chances with being a Fashion Designer.
I applied to Bauder College in 2008 and I just knew that I would finally get a chance to do what my heart craved. Being a fashion Designer was short-lived because I didn’t have support and help with my son. I never let my trials and tribulations get me down. I always held my head high and always stayed resilient. In 2009, I decided to apply for Empire Beauty School to get my Cosmetology License. Beauty school was an awesome time in my life, I met so many cool people and I learned so much. I learned to come out my shell, I found my voice and my creativity. I competed in competitions and was able to express myself through creativity.
I ended up graduating in 2010 from Empire Beauty School and I was able to become one of the speakers at the graduation that year. I experienced a very weak moment that year so I thought because 2010 will be a year that I will never forget. I also lost my sister that same year to a car accident involving a drunk driver. When my sister left a part of me went right along with her. That was the first death that I ever experienced in my life that actually hit home. Our family was broken, my nephew lost his mom. I will always hold my sister near my heart because she’s another reason I continue to move forward on this journey because she was always proud of me and I always wanted to be a great role modal to my siblings. I just felt like they needed to see that you can have better then we have always had if they strived for better.
Fast forward to the present day a mom to 5 handsome sons, a wife, a business owner, hairstylist, (self-taught) fashion designer, creator. Today I stand in my power. I am a Jill of all trades, master of none. I was blessed with so many talents and anything that I put my mind to then it can be done. ” I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” Phillipians 4:13. I am the owner of Sew Xclusive LLC. Located in Fairburn, Georgia. We have been in business for four years now. We are a small business and we are growing more and more. We specialize in custom clothing, embroidery, anything that requires creativity. My hands are not limited to anything and I love a challenge. I am a part-time hairstylist at His & Herz Barbering Salon located in Atlanta, Georgia and I specialize in all braid styles.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it hasn’t but to get through this life we all have to experience trials and tribulations. Growing up, I struggled with depression and low self-esteem. I always felt that I had to grow up before my time. I always have been the go to person in my life and I always felt that I didn’t have anyone that genuinely cared for me. I grew up wanting love that I never received in my childhood which caused me to have relationships that were never good for me. I always felt that I was destined to be someone but no one ever seen me past our environment. imagine growing up and feeling like you are the mom to your own mom, siblings and anybody else that was mature in the mind. It was tough for me and no one ever took the time to see how I felt.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a hairstylist and self-taught Fashion Designer. When it comes to being a hairstylist, I specialize in all braid styles. As far as Fashion Design goes I do really have a specialty because I love to do it all from kids to adult custom designs. I am mostly known for doing hair but soon, I will be known for my fashion. I am most proud to follow my dreams and experiment with new creative hobbies that interest me. What sets me apart is that I can do so many avenues that I can be creative in. My hands are blessed and creates beautiful masterpieces.
How do you define success?
I define success by finding your life purpose and doing your absolute best in it.
Contact Info:
- Email: sewxclusive1@gmail.com
- Website: www.sewxclusive.com
- Instagram: SewXclusive1
- Facebook: Sew Xclusive LLC.
