Today we’d like to introduce you to Rocky Boston.
Rocky, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have been wanting to be a fashion illustrator! Long story short, I found out Texas Tech had an apparel design program, I learned basic sewing but the classroom learning style didn’t quite work out for me, lol (failed most of my core classes). I switched majors, so I wouldn’t have to graduate in 6 years. I vowed to make sure I became an amazing latter maker (since this was my struggle area). When I graduated with a retail and art degree, I moved back, transferred to the bank in Jkiston… quit after three months and asked my mom if she would support me for 6 months while I started my swimsuit collection and opened an online store… FLOP. I made one sale to a friend and found a job as a housekeeper for the next year and a half, lol. I overheard one of the nurses saying her daughter decided to go to prom (in two weeks) and needed a dress! At that point, I had never made a dress, BUT I feel like it was GOD nudging me to just ask her anyway. She was my first and only prom girl/client that year (May 2015)! I quit housekeeping in April of 2016 and went full time as a designer! I had my sights set on NYFW! I started tagging all of my best pics and I got an email at 6 am asking if I wanted to show 2.9.18. The rest is history, lol! I showed for the second time this year, 9.6.18.
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?
Not at all, lol, the road I decided to travel has been anything BUT smooth, lol, but it’s part of my GOD given purpose here on earth! It’s an investment. You will NOT be able to live a “regular” life with regular hours. It takes a great deal of sacrifice and mental stability to achieve any level of success. I would honestly recommend becoming a sponge for information. Learn and be open to as much as possible, while simultaneously making note of what you naturally gravitate to as a designer (aesthetic). Don’t solely rely on books and formal class training to gain experience. Intern and get some real life experience from someone who is able to teach you. Be open to different methods, you don’t have to do things in the traditional method. There are a million ways to get to point B. Some are easier than others, but the idea is to work smarter not harder! Never give up. Be patient. Most of all are consistently determined!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Rocky Boston story. Tell us more about the business.
I’m a fashion designer! I specialize in couture evening and RTW ( ready to wear) as well as weddings. I’m known for a lingerie couture-walk vibe with a street edge to it! I’m most proud of never giving up! What sets me apart is simple. I stay in my own lane, my focus has and will always be to continue to learn every day and better my skills. I’m me and there’s only one me!
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
I think the biggest barriers are history. Fashion has been around since the beginning of time and has evolved and will continue to evolve! However, people are stuck on “tradition” and “industry standards” which, to me, keeps their minds from innovation. In order to elevate, you must innovate! As a woman in this industry, we have to mentally convince and accept that we are just as talented, smart and committed to changing the world as our male counterparts!
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.rockyboston.com
- Email: 1rockyboston@gmail.com
- Instagram: Rocky.boston
- Facebook: Rocky Boston
- Twitter: Rockyboston1
Image Credit:
Greg- @mrcaughtya, Greg: @gregshawgallery, John- @TheHouseofSavvy, Models: Faith-@faithgabrielle, Yasmine- @misslalabad, Maite- @maitegruillon, Ashley- @ashleymarie, Hair: @tedgibsonartisticteam, Muas: @mustave_usa
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