Today we’d like to introduce you to Felisha Ellison.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Felisha. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My love for fashion began at the tender age of three. As my mom recalls, I knew exactly how I wanted my outfits styled to showcase my desired looks. At around the age of ten, I decided to pursue fashion design as my career path and I aimed to get a head start by sketching, researching designers, and watching runway shows. I practiced sewing and reconstructing garments to express my vision. As I grew older, I began to feel that pursuing a career in fashion design wasn’t attainable. This caused me to shift my sights towards a career in fashion branding. It wasn’t until I began my minor in Fashion Merchandising at The University of Georgia (UGA), that I became reacquainted with the love of my childhood. During my time at UGA, I participated in student fashion shows where my designs gained the attention of my professor and peers. Upon my professor’s recommendation, I pursued a degree at Parsons School of Design in New York City after graduation. While living in New York, I sharpened my design skills, expanded my knowledge of the industry, and elevated my taste level. I gained invaluable experience while working for a host of brands such as Tracy Reese, Nine West Group, Cartier, and Chloé. Since my time in New York, I’ve moved back to my home state of Georgia to work on my eponymous product line, which is set to launch in the coming year.
Great, 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?
Pursuing a career in fashion design is certainly not a smooth road, to say the least. From the high price of purchasing materials for class projects in college to funding a business from the ground up, it is definitely a sacrificial commitment. There are mean girls like those in The Devil Wears Prada, and a severe lack of diversity on a global scale. The fashion world can be a dark road to tread and the level of dedication necessary for success can sometimes feel like a form of masochism. Recognition within the industry often comes after a strenuous host of all-nighters, countless hours, meticulous planning, and unspeakable sacrifices. Remembering the incomparable value of setting free the creative fire within instead of succumbing to pressure to pursue security and stability through more conventional means helps me navigate and persevere beyond the noise.
Ellison Collection – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am the womenswear fashion designer and founder of Ellison Collection. Ellison Collection caters to the mature and sophisticated woman who loves to indulge in all things feminine. Our pieces often incorporate the use of satin, organza, and/or tulle to create garments that are elegant, classic, and timeless. I am most proud of the high-quality materials that we use and the unique yet wearable nature of our pieces. Ellison Collection is not a fast fashion business. We value high-quality craftsmanship, innovation, and excellence.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moments of my career happen when I complete the last step of my design process. The reward of seeing completed garments that began with just a spark of inspiration is a priceless experience. Recently, at The Black Design Collective’s 1st Annual Scholarship Gala, a former Chanel model complimented my work by saying that Karl Lagerfeld would have loved my look. That is the highest and most memorable compliment that I have received regarding my designs to date.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.felishaellison.com
- Email: contact@felishaellison.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/felishatamar/
Image Credit:
Rachel Erickson, Natalie Kocsis, Felisha Ellison
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