"Florida Fashion: Blog Interview with Lakesha J"

The Floridian Fashionista :Blog Interview with Lakesha Johnson"

      Although I represent and acknowledge the talent in my hometown, I have other homes all over this place, and this blog is touching down in Florida, where my sister/friend/future clothing designer currently resides. After developing a sister-girl friendship with this young woman and being introduced to her talents, I wanted to share her gifts with you all and tell the fashion industry to make room for an upcoming fashion designer. Ms. Lakesha Johnson (credits to her late Aunt Carolyn) originally from Bell Glade, Florida, has been a resident in Tampa, Florida for approximately 13 years. Johnson, a student at Sanford Brown (known as IADT until it's name was changed recently) is expected to graduate next year from the School of Design, and plans to relocate to another state with her children after she completes her internship.

     When asked what influenced her to follow her path in fashion designing, Johnson replied "In high school, for quite some time I was known as 'the girl that carried the car purse'. Lol! I drove my mom crazy when I used to cut my clothes up. I remember I safety pinned a denim jacket and pants set. Lol! I'm sure it was absolutely ridiculous looking, but I thought I looked great. But for years I never knew why I did what I did to my clothes nor why it was so different. At work, they called me a diva. But what really set my tail on fire was my pastor. She was talking about wasted talent one day in church. And I thought, "Wait! What am I doing with my life?" The next day I called IADT."

     Since then, Johnson has been taking steps to achieve her goals. For all of you fashion lovers out there with inquiries about what Johnson specializes in, and for who, she shares, "I've only worked with fashion fabric once. I'm obsessed with home decor fabrics. I love patterns and odd shapes. Home decor fabric is so beautiful. It's not ruff on the skin either. My teachers can immediately know that I designed something just by looking at the fabric. My school only teaches us to design for size 8, but there's a class that I'm going to be taking soon that teaches us how to 'grade' patterns. Meaning, making them bigger or smaller. Right now I only do women's clothing, but once I learn the grading techniques, I'm gonna design for everyone."  Johnson furthers shares that she also makes earrings (one of her personal favorite fashion accessories), bracelets, and fabric clutches which may possibly be seen in one of Florida's local accessory stores soon! 

     Johnson, well aware of a numerous amount of fashion designers in various locations, is a fan of Fenty Parker (whom she's been following on Instagram..she loves him that much haha)! Johnson, also expanding her creativity into wig-making enjoys taking pictures. She states, "I see everything in fabric. People will see a tree, I see a cool looking pencil skirt. I'm kind of weird like that." When working on her designs alone, Johnson turns on some music and grooves to help her avoid checking out the time, but when her classmates are in the room(in which Johnson said she's more focused), they entertain one another to keep focused on completing their individual tasks and not on the time. 

    When asked to share some advice that would assist other aspiring fashion designers, Johnson replied "...It's not at all what you think! You really have to have a real passion for fashion design. You have to be willing to sacrifice sleep, a lot of your time, ALL of your weekends. This industry is not for the weak and lazy. But all the sacrifice pays off in the end. You look back and you're like, 'Wow! I did that?. Just be prepared to fight for your passion. It's not easy, but it's worth it. And there are SO many fields in the fashion industry you can work towards. You may enter school wanting to be a fashion designer but change your career path 15 times before you graduate." Johnson also stated that time-management is her most-challenging attribute in fashion designing... "Work, school, and parenting full-time can be extremely overwhelming!" Johnson, a super-mom, an employee, a provider, a student, and a fashionista is just another example of someone chasing their dreams while balancing reality and responsibilities.

     Interested in learning about her inspiration for her dream, I asked Johnson what her inspiration was."Sounds kinda selfish..." she began, "but I'm my own inspiration. I say that because I've always been easily discouraged. I've allowed myself to believe others when they said I couldn't do it. I say to God sometimes, 'Lord really? You picked the hardest industry on the world to break into for me to pursue?' He knows best. I want a career to make a better life for my kids of course, but I feel this is God's way of proving me wrong. And he's pushing this wonderful talent he provided out of me that I've allowed to remain dormant for years. I'm getting all mushy. Lol!"

Approaching the end of my interview with Johnson, she shares that she is working on a webpage, and is waiting to have at least 15 pieces to showcase on her page for her customers. SO, BE ON THE LOOKOUT!!! I will even keep you updated.

I was grateful for the opportunity to have developed a friendship with Lakesha as well as learning that she, too, like all of us, was given a purpose and  is pursuing it despite those that told her she was incapable of doing so. It's definitely a challenge when climbing to the top, but day by day...day by day...

KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN FOR LAKESHA'S WORK!

With Realness.

Bee Elae 4/30.14