Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanda Phillips.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have always wanted to be a part of the fashion community. I didn’t really know how or what I would be doing , I just knew that I wanted to be a part of it. I started my fashion design journey in 2012. I taught praise dance at church and I would often make things for them to wear because I wanted them to look different. During this time, I had the desire to return to school and pursue a degree. I wanted to work in a profession I knew I would love. A friend of mine suggested I start selling the outfits I made. I guess he saw something I didn’t at the time. So, I made my list of things that I enjoyed doing and wanted to gain more knowledge of. I later enrolled in the Fashion Design program at Houston Community College. While there, I had the opportunity of being exposed to some great educators as well as attending some amazing events. I was a winner of the Museum of Fine Arts Fashion Fusion 2018 and 2019. Both years allowed my gowns to go on tour to some of Houston’s most prominent designers stores. Today I have an Associates of Applied Science in Fashion Design. I am also the proud owner of Sada Baltimore Designs. Sada for me represents the way I have evolved as an individual and designer. S- strong; A- appreciative; D- determined; A- alpha.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I must say it hasn’t been easy. I was a single parent so going into school was very difficult. It even took me a little longer to finish than the average because there were so many other obstacles however, I was determined to finish. I wanted my sons to see that if you work hard and never give up you can reach your goals. I also had to realize that I can’t do everything myself. I now know the importance of having a team of individuals you can depend on. I think being a single parent put me in the mindset that I had to do everything alone. I wish I had known this sooner and I hope as time goes by I am able to continually build relationships with others in this industry. My last challenge is time. I am still in the beginning stages of my journey as a designer so I have to constantly balance time between my fulltime job and my passion.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a fashion designer. It has taken me a while to feel confident enough within myself to even say to those who ask what I do. I am a Fashion Designer! It is difficult and challenging at times but I am working my dream. My inspirations come from my life experiences. I believe life itself is art. The beauty is in the perceptions that we have. Being able to express my interpretation of any aspect of it is a gift and a blessing. I am who I am and my clients are who they are. I want to always have a personal hand in creating garments for my clients. I want to build my community through relationships not just profit.
What were you like growing up?
I wasn’t thin or considered pretty. I actually wanted to model..lol. Though my mom was what I would call over protective of her daughter, she did involve my siblings and I in lots of creative events. I wasn’t part of the popular crowd because she wouldn’t allow me to wear what the latest fashions were. I was the girl in the long skirts and shirts buttoned up all the way to the top. I believe that dressing is an outward expression of our personalities and I wasn’t allowed to express myself. Even though my mother was very conservative with what she let me wear, as a senior I was allowed to design my own prom gown. It was a nice design but the lady who made it, lets just say I will never allow any girl to go through such disappointment. My self esteem was the lowest when I was younger because of those things. It took me some time to grow into myself and become confident enough to express who I am.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@sadabaltimoredesigns.com
- Website: www.sadabaltimoredesigns.com
Image Credits
Shanda Phillips Donta Titus Mary Campbell Photo@sqfoto
