Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Tucker.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sydney. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have always been a creator; it is what I am and who I am at my core. From a young age, I have always had the desire to create with my hands, mind, and body. I am blessed to have loving and supportive parents who have always encouraged my inclination for the arts and outlets for creative expression from competitive dance to design. I first gained notoriety for my creative abilities when I launched my clothing line, Damsel In Distress in 2016, during my senior year of college at The University of Michigan. Being a primarily self-taught artist, I have had to navigate the design world on my own, working to perfect my craft and run a successful business at the same time. I am grateful for any and everyone that has ever supported my work; it truly means so much. However, my interests do not stop at fashion design; I have a deep yearning to provide a complete visual experience, which is where my inspiration to model and creative direct comes from. I have always directed, styled, and modeled content for my own brand, however, the first time I truly directed for a large brand happened to be for Footlocker Detroit after winning their Nike AF1 Force of Fashion Stylist Battle last October. After this I went on to partner with several other brands such as The Lip Bar and Detroit Vs. Everybody, to name a few. Previously, I competed as a finalist in Big Sean’s Fashion Mogul challenge in 2018. Today I continue to share my gifts and small glimpses of my mind through modeling and design by working as a freelance model and creative director.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Entrepreneurship is never a smooth road unless you happen to be extremely lucky. Most of my struggles have been internal, dealing with imposter syndrome, feeling like I wasn’t capable or able skill-wise, and of course, not always having a steady source of income to fund my endeavors. I have worked several jobs and internships that left me feeling unfulfilled, unappreciated and undervalued. I am also extremely self-critical and deal with an insanely high level of perfectionism that not even I can live up to. However, challenges are largely based on mindset. After working through my imposter syndrome and overcoming self-doubt, I manifested abundance and never-ending creativity for myself and that is exactly what came.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I founded my clothing brand, Damsel in Distress, in 2016. I specialize in reworked denim creations for men and women, as well as custom cut & sewn pieces. All one/one creations for the one/one individual. I founded my brand on the idea of never allowing anyone to ever place you in a box. You don’t need a knight in shining armour to save you; you are your own knight in shining armour. Save yourself. I have since expanded my line of work to shift my area of focus to other disciplines however, what sets me apart most has always been my authenticity and true originality. I always strive to push the boundaries of what is acceptable or “the norm” when creating. My personal brand or persona I am most known by is $avage Syd, and no, I did not get that name for no reason. It’s all about being carefree and confident and relentlessly chasing your dreams (and the bag!) at any cost.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always interested in learning and creating. When asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer was always Artist. Some of my earliest memories include art lessons every other Saturday and going to the DIA and Arts and Scraps. I was much more reserved as a child so creative outlets allowed me to express myself in a major way. My first love was dance and the earliest I can recall understanding the importance of art and how powerful it is a communication tool. It is where I truly found my voice. Around age 9 or 10 is when I actually first started “designing” as well. I would make diy t-shirt transformations for all of the moms and students at my studio for our dance recitals. I have always loved being on stage and connecting with all audiences and I feel like this directly translates to my love for fashion and modeling, from one stage to another. Some time along the way in high school, my interests shifted more to sports as I am also a gifted track athlete, yet I was always bound to find my way back. Creating allows me to always remain connected to my inner child and that is what I love the most.
Contact Info:
- Website: damsel-indistress.com
- Email: sydney@damsel-indistress.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/savsyd_
Image Credit:
Dante Rionda
Jimmy Goldfingers
Darrien Pope
Lee Williams
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