25 years old • Windsor
Fashion designer, project lead at Illusions Complete Home Solutions
What’s your occupation? Explain your career, accomplishments and professional highlights.
I am an experienced and ambitious designer in the fashion industry. I have made my love for fashion and design my career and have pushed myself to become an extremely hard worker while implementing new techniques for design teams. I look to push boundaries and bring new, creative ideas to the table. I have worked for brands such as AMIRI and YEEZY alongside some of the most incredible design minds in the industry.
Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now.
I have always found myself expressing myself through my style and creativity. I’ve had an obsession with clothing, sneakers and styling for as long as I can remember. When I started college, I made a conscious decision to dedicate myself to fashion design. I worked harder than everyone around me and taught myself menswear design while learning only womenswear design in school. I believed I could work anywhere in the industry if I set my mind to it. I was then blessed with opportunities beyond my wildest dreams with a bit of persistence and confidence.
Tell us something unique about you.
I have been able to work in all categories and have developed several kids’ collections. My design philosophy is centered around creating unique and specialized pieces that can be worn for years to come. I believe that fashion should be functional and adaptable to different styles and occasions.
What do you consider the biggest accomplishment or challenge you’ve overcome, either professionally or personally?
My biggest accomplishment, both personally and professionally, was receiving jobs at both AMIRI and YEEZY. As a boy from Colorado, I would never have imagined getting the opportunities I had while working in Los Angeles. I was able to meet and work with people I had looked up to nearly my entire life. I aspire to have a design mind like some of the individuals I have worked alongside.
Where do you see yourself in five years? In 10 years?
I am working to create my own brand. I have unique skills and experiences that I believe will make me successful down the line. I am dedicated to bringing new and creative styles to the marketplace, and I want to grow professionally while continuing to learn from like-minded individuals. I hope to have a successful, trusted brand within the next five to 10 years and create a legacy.
What piece(s) of advice would you give to your younger self?
Never hold yourself back. I grew up always overthinking, and at times, I believed that things were impossible and impractical. I was able to show myself that anything is possible with persistence, dedication and openness to learn and grow.
What was it like to work for AMIRI and YEEZY?
It was a dream come true to work directly with Kanye West and Mike Amiri. I approached every day like it could be my last, taking opportunities to learn and grow as a designer and an individual. I feel extremely fortunate to have the experience I do; starting as an intern at most fashion houses, you never really get to do the design work. I was able to dive right into the men’s RTW designs at AMIRI as an intern and went on to develop their first-ever kids’ collections. On my second day at YEEZY, I worked directly with Kanye until 3 a.m. I was lucky to develop a relationship with him and many other influential designers in the space.
How do you give back to the community through fashion?
I am working with The ARC of Weld County to put on the first “Styles Beyond Stereotypes,” a fashion show that will put a spotlight on the often overlooked abilities and unique personalities of individuals living with disabilities. I will create pieces for some of the individuals and style items from arc Thrift Store to create a cohesive collection and story for the evening. I have worked with disabled individuals in many different capacities and recognize that high fashion as an industry often overlooks models and individuals who do not fit a certain stereotype. I believe in stepping outside of that box and giving opportunities to those who may have never had the chance or confidence to do something like walk a runway.
