Today we’d like to introduce you to Shavonda Andrews.
Shavonda, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My fashion journey began back when I was just a little girl in middle school. It was picture day, and I had to be picture perfect. That was the moment when I knew that clothing meant something to me. Throughout my years in school, I would stay up to date on all of the latest fashion trends. Music and music videos played a major role in all of my fashion decisions. Aaliyah was a major Fashion Icon to me. What she brought to the table creatively weather musically or fashionably, she was always innovative and someone to be influenced by. She is the reason I desired to build a career in Fashion. At the age of 17 after high school, I began my career in retail and continued so off and on until 2017. The road to get to where I am today, has been a journey. I encountered so many twist and turns, as well as ups & downs along the way. I almost never arrived. I started a family at an early age and decided it would be best for me to settle in as a teacher in my hometown (Monroeville, Al). So, I started school for Elementary Education. I quickly learned that this wasn’t for me. My next career move was to go to school for Cosmetology and Nail Technology which I did. My plans were to incorporate that into my goals of becoming a Fashion Designer/Image Consultant. I wanted to be well rounded in all areas of Fashion. The opportunity finally arrived for me to move to Atlanta. That is where I began school at AIU Buckhead for Fashion Design/Marketing. I finished out my Fashion Degree at Bauder College in Atlanta. When I began Designing the name that I chose for the brand was Seventiesgirl. I was a flower child born into bell bottoms, big hair and plenty of stylish Icons such as Cher, Diana Ross and Chaka Khan. But over the years, my style and vision for my girl has changed. Seventiesgirl became a Rebel. I have had the pleasure of making moves in this industry now for over 13 years. I have had the pleasure of showcasing in many Fashion Shows. RAW ATLANTA was my most recent platform. I have also executed my own Fashion Events as well. In the start of my career I had the pleasure of working with Ashley Sharpton and the National Action Network in Fashion Shows in N.Y.C. and Washington D.C. I also worked with up and coming artist here in Atlanta from Natasha Mosley, Sincerely XO, Obsessed, and Love and Hip Hop Cast members. Just to name a few. While working with them on various projects, I have done everything from Personal Styling, Image Consulting, Wardrobe Stylist for Video Shoots, Photo Shoots and Custom Pulls. I was featured in JMariie Magazine the Summer 2013 Issue. In this Issue I showcase pieces from my Swimwear line (The Hummanequins) in that Issue. I also have a Sewing Summer Camp dedicated to the youth back home. Plans are to expand in the near future. Forever Young Rebels Youth Summer Camp focuses on young girls learning a new skill. I also highlight real life issues. We speak on self esteem, morals, values and standards. We provide community service, and I provide guest speakers and platforms that give insight to so many outlets. I have so many goals and plans for my future in Fashion. Although I’ve been here for a minute, I feel like I’m just beginning!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it has not been a smooth road. In between being all that I try to be in the Fashion world, I was raising a family, working and still trying to achieve my dreams. For me, there is only me on the team. I do it all from small to large orders and from being overbooked and busy. At this moment in my career I have plans to transition to a bigger platform, and the pressure is on. I have to be able to be strategic in my planning so that I can reach the goals I have laid out in front of me. Unfortunately, here in Atlanta for me, it seems that the circles are small and tight and no one wants to let you in. But I have always been the type to see obstacles and overcome them! So, if they won’t let me in, I will have to build a new circle!
Rebel by ShezaREBEL – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My business is Rebel by ShezaREBEL. My company specializes in Custom Clothing/Designs. I design anything from Prom Gowns to Special Occasion. When I work on my Collections they are mostly women’s Ready to wear. I also design Custom pieces from menswear, kids and women. I work with my clients one on one to build a look from scratch. From sourcing out fabric to custom measurements. Everything is done in house. As a company, I am most proud of how far I have come. From not being able to sew at all to making looks by hand that I even wonder how that happened. Coming from a small town and beating the odds is also very special to me. So many people don’t believe in me or my talent. But all it takes is for me to believe!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is a feeling. It is something that comes from within. It’s not something you can hold in your hand, you hold it in your heart! It’s not something that is materialistic or even monetary. It all comes down to those accomplishments. Making my clients feel good! They see themselves totally different when they have on that piece of clothing. The feeling I get knowing that someone is happy because of something I did for them fills my heart with joy. I am successful because I beat the odds! I came from a single-parent home. I became a teenage mom, but never gave up on my dreams. I never had the push and drive that I needed to have or hear. But I beat the odds! That is a success for me. Knowing that I still pushed forward even when there were times that I didn’t know exactly what I was pushing for! And to this day, I am still pushing. Knowing that with consistency something good will be at the other end.
Pricing:
- Prom Gowns range from 300-900
- Custom Looks pricing depends on the design.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 4705644917
- Email: hausofrebel@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @shezarebel
- Facebook: ShezaREBEL
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