Meet East Cobb Fashion Designer: Coleen Panton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Coleen Panton.

Coleen, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am from the beautiful Caribbean Island of Jamaican where I grew up in a family of seamstresses and from an early age knew I wanted to express my creativity through fashion. I went to fashion college after high school in Montego Bay, Jamaica but started seriously pursuing my dream in 2013. I moved to Atlanta in 2014 where I continue to draw from my Caribbean experience to create clothing inspired by the beach, the tropical colors replete in the landscape and the warmth of the Caribbean people.

I’m a wife and mother of 3 who understands and has experienced the real life rhythms of the evolving woman and so design clothing that celebrates womanhood and beauty. My designs are easy, elegant, sophisticated and inspire a feeling of confidence, freedom, and sensuality for the woman who wears them!

Has it been a smooth road?
My first priority has always been my family and, during the early years of marriage, I focused on being present for our young children and helping my husband grow our family business. My opportunity to pursue a fashion career came within the last 3 years and has been extremely exciting. I now face new challenges of balancing the rigors of raising 3 active teenagers, having a job, and adjusting to a new country and culture while actively pursuing my dream. These struggles are not uncommon for women and should serve to remind us of the strength and resilience of a woman, which is why I am inspired to design clothing that builds confidence and empowers these women while expressing their sensuality.

What role has luck had in your life and career?
What some see as luck I see as blessings. The good luck I’ve had has been the result hard work, prayer, and faith in God. The challenges or setbacks I’ve used to learn and grow.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Listening and following my passion has been what has propelled me forward. God has blessed with this gift that allows me to express my true self and it ignites my passion when others find pleasure in my work.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Atlanta is a large, diverse and exciting city that allows tremendous growth potential to people in my field. It also has quiet suburbs close by which are ideal for raising a family.

Like everyone else, I could live without the traffic.

One can easily feel like a small fish in a large ocean and so it’s imperative to believe in yourself and persevere.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 404.661.4696
• Email: coleenpanton@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/coleenpanton
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/Coleen-Panton-Fashion-Designs-313815448716219/
• Other: www.linkedin.com/in/coleen-panton-459964b9

Image Credit:
Nia Mosely, Sherry South, Erin Facey