Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Greggs.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Growing up my mother, grandmother, and Aunt sewed. My mother used to make my clothes and I loved to watch and help her. I used to love who I became when I could dress up in her clothes, costumes, or custom clothing made by her. My love for fashion grew as I modeled for Macy’s, but where my parents thought I would be tall God had something else in mind. I started designing my own dresses and gowns in high school. Once I graduated I attended Prairie View A&M and started my first business called Perfique 10 with a friend. We designed cutting edge clothes a lot of which you can see today on the runway.
I was the President of the fashion club on campus and participated in school fashion shows. I graduated with my degree in Human Science with a specialization in Fashion Merchandising and Design and Business. After graduation, I became a flight attendant for Continental Airlines and started mapping out my business plan. I opened up my own showroom in the rice village area and started participating in groups such as FGI (Fashion Group International), I was featured in The Houston Chronicle, I won the Rising Star Award from the Ensemble Theater, My clothes have been seen on runways and red carpet events. I have had the chance to design for celebrities, socialites, and other great business women around the US.
A few years after my business started growing I had to push pause to help take care of my mother who had open heart surgery. That surgery left her with complications with her kidneys so that pause was extended for a while. During that time I worked as a guest fashion editor for ” Hope for Women Magazine”, and started as the costume designer for The Ensemble Theater. Now I have regrouped and am designing full-time again, and still working as the costume designer for The Ensemble Theater. I am currently enrolled at LIM College obtaining my Masters.
Has it been a smooth road?
I wish the road was smooth. It is hard when you are in your prime and have to shut everything down to be a caregiver. When you are out of the picture for a while people forget about your brand and how talented you are. So then you have to remind people who you are and that you are more than talented. The crazy thing is I wouldn’t allow anyone else to take care of my mother for me. Now it’s time to reinvent and go to the next level.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Jenise Gregg Couture stands for God Watches. It is combination of my middle and last name without the S. I am a custom clothing designer that specializes in everything from business wear to wedding gowns. I am mostly known for my gowns and adorning women on their special day. What I am most proud of my company’s willingness to thrive. I am proud that we also get to do community outreach and speak to young girls. My design esthetic sets me apart from others. I love classic designs with a touch of edge. I love creating timeless designs.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
It’s funny I am constantly being told that I need to move to Atlanta, New York, or LA. To be honest with you Houston is a city that is not saturated with fashion. So I think if you can conquer your city you can conquer any place. I do think the city can have a better fashion market such as cities like Dallas, LA, and NY. We could use a fashion district, markets to see new up-and-coming artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.JeniseGreggCouture.com
- Phone: 346-323-2263 or 281-768-1645
- Email: mjg@jenisegreggcouture.com
- Facebook: Jenise Gregg Couture
Image Credit:
Rh Photo Arts, Breauxmoments, Different World Images, Sterling Pics
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston 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.
