Our August Feature Juanita Holmes
Let's take a look at our August feature, Juanita Holmes.
Style-Ography: Tell us a little about your history and purpose in life. What do you do?
I was born in St. Petersburg Florida as the middle of three daughters and raised south of Metro Atlanta. Since before I can remember creativity has been a vital part of my life, and it’s that love of creativity that helped me discover my passion for fabrics, garments, and design. I have always been more of an introvert in comparison to the rest of my family, so art and design were natural means of expression when I wasn’t quite comfortable or confident to speak up for myself. Even at a very young age, I know that whatever I was going to do when I grew up would have to involve creativity.
After high school, I went to school for business, and after I had graduated I went to art school at Savannah College of Art and Design to study fashion design. It wasn’t until I arrived at SCAD that I feel like I started to find my voice as a creative. I was finally surrounded by so many talented and like-minded people, and it felt like I was in my element. I worked harder than I ever imagined was possible for a person to work, a lot of naps in my car parked in the parking deck, tons of all-nighters, and gallons of coffee. Still, I never complained about the work because I was doing what I love; creating.
I think my life’s purpose is the use my gifts and talents to change the way people view themselves and culture. Clothes have an amazing effect on the way we view each other and ourselves. The right combination of pieces can make a person feel invincible, and that feeling can translate to culture. Just think about how quickly a new style gets adopted into the culture because of social media and the internet. Now, of course, it has its pros and cons, but I feel like it’s my job to empower people to view themselves through the best lens possible. I want to create pieces that feel timeless and create a feeling in anyone that wear them of elegance, style, and authenticity. And I want to create this feeling while pushing the envelope of what is possible.
Style-Ography: Briefly describe your journey to getting connected to your life’s purpose.
I knew that I wanted to be a fashion designer when I was about 15 years old, but this was foreign and unrealistic concept for my parents. So, when it as time to go off to college instead of going to design school I went to Valdosta State University to study marketing. Even then my goals were clear. I decided that in addition to being in school for business I would also search out and learn everything I could about successful fashion and accessory designers as well as the industry itself. Short before graduation I was accepted to attend Savannah College of Art and Design to finally study fashion design. This was a dream come true and a whole new set of challenges at the same time. My goal for so many years was to study fashion and become a designer, and now that I was finally there, I had to figure out how to pay for it all. Art school is expensive and so are the supplies, but this was literally the cost of achieving my dreams.
So, I worked part time in retail and attended school part time. This was about four years of long nights doing homework and finishing projects and early mornings heading off to work. It was a long hard road, and some of the best experiences of my life. In those challenging situations, I learned what my limits were and how to push past them.
Shortly before graduating from SCAD I was interviewed and landed my first job as an Assistant Fashion Designer. Just like that I had reached the goals that I set for myself at the age of 15. It was about 8 years of not knowing my next move or how any of it was going to get paid for, but I did it. Today I am able to see women on the street wearing a dress that I made up in my head. Sometimes in life you must work for your dreams even when no one else can see or understand them.
Style-Ography: What advice would you give to a group of young teen girls who’s pursuing a dream or their purpose?
There are three things that I keep with me every day and that I honestly wish someone had told me years ago.
1. Trust your voice!
In life, there are always things and people pressuring you to second guess yourself. You are the only one who truly knows what is right for you.
2. Never be afraid to pave your own path.
Study the greats of your industry, learn as much as you can and use it to make your own thing. You will never be great following someone else footsteps
3. Just be a good person, period.
People will always remember how you made them feel long after you leave. And you never know who is watching you. The world is a small connected place.
Style-Ography: Is there anything important that you would like to share with us and for us to share with our audience
I am currently working to update my portfolio site. I will follow up with you about when it will be live, so stay tuned great things are to come!
Make sure to follow Juanita on IG @seeholmesfly
