Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions, Elisha!
- When / why did you decide to go to fashion design school?
I received my first sewing machine for Christmas at age seven. At age eight one of my aunts gave me a fashion illustration kit for my birthday, and I have sketched out my own ideas for clothes ever since. In my teenage years I learned various needlework skills as well. I also enjoy designing my own fabrics. This is basically how my interest in fashion grew with time!
I decided to go to college for fashion design because I love fashion! I love wearing new things, mix-matching styles and colors, and I collect fabrics. Everything about fashion fascinates me, but it wasn't until I first started college and began buying my own clothes that I noticed it wasn't always easy to find modest clothes. So from that point on I began the preparation I would need to start my own business, which included obtaining fashion and business degrees.
- What's it like being an Apostolic young lady in the fashion industry?
Of course the first thing everyone notices is that I am different from everyone else, but it hasn't been a bad experience at all because people remember you better when you are different. The fashion industry is very accepting of what they refer to as "individuality." The fact that I design my clothing based on my religious beliefs has definitely set me apart and caused people to ask questions about my religious beliefs and my consumer market.
I have actually had people tell me that they respect me more for the fact that I have not waivered from my beliefs or allowed the fashion world to dictate how I should design my clothes. It's just one of the best feelings in the world to be acknowledged in fashion for being different and actually receiving a stamp of approval for it!
- Are you constantly asked questions about the way you choose to dress?
Only on rare occasions have anyone just walked up to me and began a conversation about the way I am dressed, unless I am wearing one of my own designs...people just seem to know when I have designed the clothes that I am wearing.
Most often when I'm asked questions about the way that I dress, it is because someone has heard one of my presentations or seen some of my designs. Everyone who has ever approached me has always been encouraging and sometimes even makes requests for my consideration for new designs.
- Do you have plans for a clothing line specifically with Apostolic young ladies in mind?
The only clothing line that I have in mind is for Apostolic ladies! Right now, there is no fashion designer that is actually designing specifically for Apostolic ladies in the fashion industry, but there are people who have started internet businesses or custom make modest clothing.
Although I am not yet selling my clothes mass market, I have already named my apparel line: Elisha Dynaye Collections. It really takes so much more effort than people are aware of to start a clothing line, not to mention the finances. But all things are possible with God, so I just keep praying and working hard!
Most of the designs that I work on right now are for career or churchwear. I have other designs that would also be great for conferences and banquets. Lately, I have begun to design some casualwear per request of Apostolic ladies who like outdoor activities. I am also working on research for a maternity line as well. This winter I will be interviewing and surveying Apostolic ladies to test their interest in my designs and find out if I am designing clothes that they would like to wear.
- What is your favorite clothing item or accessory?
I have a definite shoe addiction...especially high heels and boots!!! I also love fru-fru designs: ribbons, bows, ruffles, silky fabrics...for that very reason my favorite designers are Valentino and Marchesa!
This past year I have really grown to love two things in particular: scarves and about anything made of sherpa suede fabric, but I also would not hesitate to wear camouflage either!
- What wisdom/advice would you give to the young ladies reading this interview?
Do not be afraid to always put God first in your life...let everything you do glorify Him!!! When God is first and you seek to honor Him, He opens doors that you did not even dream existed!!! When God lays a calling on your heart, He equips you to fulfill that calling...you are not alone!
I have seen God make a way for me to go to church even when I worked in retail because my managers knew that I was serious about not missing church. God has also given me favor at all three universities where I've earned my degrees...the college deans and professors have been very supportive of my work and vision. In fact, in regards to explaining how my religious beliefs influence my future goals one of my deans approached me and said, " Never be ashamed to tell anyone what you believe just because you are scared what they may think!"
God has proven to me everyday that He walks before me and makes a way...all I have to do is trust Him and keep Him first in my life!!!
I can't wait til your dream becomes a reality!
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