Today we’d like to introduce you to Natosha Zanders.
Natosha, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
As a child, I learned the importance of hard work. Growing up in Savannah Georgia, I watched as my mother worked numerous jobs to take care of her children. She instilled in our family that education coupled with endurance could lead to a fulfilled life. With this mindset, I decided to reach for the stars to pursue a career as a Pediatrician. I earned my bachelor’s degree in biology from The Fort Valley State University and after taking the entrance exam for medical school numerous times, it seemed I always came up just shy of the average to gain admissions. Afterwards, I explored other avenues to pursue scientific research by obtaining a master’s degree from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Molecular Biology. Shortly after graduation, I landed a dream position as a Microbiologist which transitioned me to Atlanta Georgia. In addition to working as a microbiologist, I applied for an adjunct professor position and began teaching online courses at Odessa College in Odessa, Texas.
Now, I know you are saying what does this have to do with being a fashion designer? Just hold that thought for a minute more! It was during this time in my life I reconnected with a longtime friend, who is now my husband, and together our lives were enriched with our now 2-year-old son. It was during this most fulfilling period in my life that I lost interest in pursuing a medical career. However, this change only served to strengthen my passion for a creative outlet. It all began with a crocheting project (a hobby I picked up during my undergraduate college years), followed by a period where I made jewelry, but once I started creating clothing it was a game-changer. My spirit connected with it in a way that honestly took me off guard. I began making clothing for myself using other designers as the standard. However, after creating silhouettes that flattered my figure (post-baby), many women could relate because as soon as I became my authentic self my business began to blossom.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Since I did not attend school with the aspirations of becoming a business owner nor am I a trained seamstress, I find these two hurdles are hardest to overcome. Although I can visualize beautiful designs, making them come to life is another story. Some of my most successful designs happen by ‘accident’. For example, I wanted to create a pair of high-waisted wide-leg pants, turns out I didn’t have enough fabric to accommodate the length of the pants. I took the available length and made wide-leg capris that became very popular with my clients. It takes practice, motivation and drives to deliver a stellar product and I am committed to doing just that! Many people ask how I can manage a full-time career, a part-time teaching job, and be an effective wife and mom along with all my other responsibilities in my local church and family time? I can honestly say that it is only by the grace of the Lord that I am able to do what I do and love it! With God all things are possible, and I plan to get everything He has for me and encourage my clients to do the same.
Courageous Creations – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Courageous Creations started in 2017 as a dream, I never intended on making my hobby of creating clothing a thriving business. The game-changer came when people started to notice my designs and inquired about purchasing them. It wasn’t until this year (2019) that my business really took off and I had the courage to apply for an LLC. Because I am an all-or-nothing type of girl, I dove headfirst into developing my aesthetic as a designer. In a city of beautiful people with so many talents and capabilities, it can be hard to find your own voice and stick to it. We specialize in unique ready to wear clothing for the everyday working career women, fashionable mom on the go, figure-flattering silhouettes and sexy sophisticated date nightwear. I am most known for my free-flowing drapery capes, scrap fabric skirts, and custom-built vest. I am so proud that many of the looks are affordable and my clients feel beautiful and special in their unique “courageous creations”. We live in a society where everything is accessible mostly through the internet and clothing is no exception. What has set Courageous Creations apart from the masses is that the majority of what we make is exclusive because each piece is hand made and the materials are not produced in bulk. Therefore, we only make a few orders from a single batch of fabric. This helps us keep the cost down and provide the client with a unique piece all within a reasonable price range for the client. Each new piece generates novel ideas that can be integrated into future pieces to make new creations. We love to work with local non-profit organizations such as lupus and cancer foundation, missions’ fundraisers, and silent auctions to further their causes while sharing our passion. It is my heart’s desire to spread the joy of the Lord through my creativity and fashion designs.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul (Mark 8:36)? I’ve never measured success based on what everyone else can see. I am not motivated by money or by tangible things, but I am most interested in being my best self so that I can help someone be theirs. My personal success is measured in the faces of those I make smile and the people who I pray for when they are discouraged. Investing in people may or may not receive a return on what you invested. However, the lives that are changed as a result of your time and effort is what I call success!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.courageouscreationsonline.com
- Phone: (404) 907-0499
- Email: natosha.simpson@gmail.com
- Instagram: courageatwork
- Facebook: courageous creations LLC
Image Credit:
Elizabeth Pusch, Delarious Zanders
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