Today we’d like to introduce you to Shermae Jenkins.
Shermae, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Hi, I recently married this year, I have been known as Shermae Johnson, and I am 28 years of age from New Orleans, Louisiana. Ever since I was 11 years old living in New Orleans, I dreamt of becoming a fashion designer. I would use my little sister as my model and make the straps of our clothing from Mardi Grad beads, my mom would tell me how nice it was but that we would NOT be wearing it outside of the house. Haha! The original name for my clothing line was Ma’ne (just Ma’ne) “ma” was taken from my nickname Mae Mae and the “ne” was taken from my sister, my model, my muse nickname ne-ne, and I added an apostrophe and pronounced it differently. To this day, I am asked if it is French. While visiting my stepmom, I was outside perusing through Victoria’s Secret catalog and started sketching things out of boredom. I realized my sketch looked almost exact to the top the model was wearing and immediately my eyes were opened again to a future I could begin with fashion. Before that, myself and my oldest sisters had started a singing group that we called “secret” and this group helped to shape what the 2nd part of the line name is today. “Terces” is Secret spelled backward, my sister revealed this to me and it just stuck: “Ma’ne Terces.” I still have a love and passion for both but fashion is what I have chosen as my passion for the past ten years of my life. In 10th grade, putting singing on the side, I had bought my own sewing machine and had taught myself what I knew to be the basics of sewing and made a REVERSIBLE purse. I took a home economics class where they taught a few small courses on sewing in the class.
Fast forward to senior graduation, I had my mind made up to attend SCAD, FIDM, FIT or Bauder college. College was more expensive than I expected, so I went for the best option Bauder College in Atlanta to attain my Associate’s Degree which is also where my aunt who is a fashion designer attended as well. In 2009, I started Bauder and loved everything about college and fashion program curriculum. I KNEW I had made the best decision! I was top of my class once graduation came around when I would receive my associate’s degree and the only student with honors in the fashion program in my graduating class.
Before graduation, I was selected with four other students to compete for a very amazing opportunity with BET. I later found out who those candidates were after I snagged the position of working with BET’s The Mo’Nique Show Season 2 as an assistant costume designer, being brought on for all sewing need and creative costume purposes, with a salary. I was super stoked and excited to be selected among my peers(I was later told by my boss I was the only grad candidate to bring a portfolio showcasing their work.) While there I was able to meet a lot of cool people, celebs and for the season 2, I was able to style for Debra Killings (bass guitarist) and Lil John Roberts (drummer) two of the players for Mo’Nique’s nightly live band “Big Jim and the Penthouse Playas.”
After my time with BET, the 3rd season was canceled and I went back to Bauder to pursue my Bachelor’s in Business: Product Development, which I am still completing (I plan to start a business program with a new school). I have also done freelance work all throughout my career. Fashion shows for special causes like breast cancer, the fashions show helped my brand to get recognized. February 2017, I showcased in my 1st NYFW fashion show and it was awesome! I was told by a gentleman that “PARIS NEEDS YOUR DESIGNS,” as I walked down after the models for the finale. Most recently, I have been working on a special collaboration that is confidential at the moment, but I hope to share soon with the world :). My focus is 2020, I see my company growing into the future of fashion and into every woman’s closet.
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?
The road has not been smooth but I won’t complain. My biggest thing has been wanting to have an investor & mentor because no one in my family has done what I am doing on the level I am doing it in my field. So, I find my self seeking guidance in a lot of online sources like webinars, colleagues, and inspirational podcasts because at the time I don’t have the funds to support the capacity of my dreams. Along with my freelance work, I am a manager at MOD Pizza saving up to one day soon work for myself and build my brand without distractions.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I do everything for my company, I definitely would love to get someone for social media soon. As the founder and only designer of Ma’ne Terces, it starts from sketch, sourcing, patternmaking, sewing to the final garment, shipping, marketing, customer service, accountant. I am most known for my lingerie and swimwear, I would say though, in my shows, you may see the taste of everything. Everyone knows I create custom special occasion wear. As a company, I am most proud of the loyalty of my clients and the ability to stay true to my brand ethics no matter what may be a trend in the industry.
Ma’ne Terces is an exclusive, fashion-forward clothing brand for women, men, and children. Every design is specially crafted and is aesthetically one-of-a-kind for those who value expressing themselves through exquisitely designed, high-quality clothing. The brand is for conscious, trendsetters, and creatives who are comfortable being expressive in all ways of life. Ma’ne Terces creates fashion statements with timeless pieces by focusing on originality, exclusivity, and individuality for every customer. There is always “something new” and fresh about Ma’ne Terces that keeps the clientele ahead of the trend and forever loyal to the brand. In the near future, more fashion shows will be showcasing the Ma’ne Terces and a Ma’ne Terces Boutique. Right now, my collections can be found online but it is under construction.
Specialties:
*Ready To Wear
*Demi-Couture
*Swimwear
*Lingerie/Loungewear
*Eveningwear
*Customwear
The great attention to detail put into my clothing, the intimate connections I make with my clientele, and the value of my clothing sets me apart from other brands. I am not into fast fashion and I love giving back to special causes like breast cancer which I hold dear to my heart. I once auctioned off a few pieces for a breast cancer show.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment so far would be showcasing at NYFW, working with Andre Hill Entertainment for breast cancer shows where I was able to create a custom gown for Bambi of Love and Hip Hop Atlanta and a kimono for D.Smith of Love and Hip Hop Atlanta. Also, occasionally I ship custom items to places that I haven’t even visited yet, and it makes my heart smile to know people all over the world value my craft. My opportunity with BET was a very proud moment for me as well, I was able to make lifelong connections while there.
Pricing:
- Custom Evening Gowns start at $450.00
- Custom Men’s Suits start at $500.00
- Women Sizes 2-18
Contact Info:
- Phone: 4048195893
- Email: manetercesdesigns@gmail.com
- Instagram: Mane_terces
Image Credit:
Jay91studiosphotography, hiiroproductions, jodygonebewell, h.o.t. shots photography, flashmobphotography
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
