Today we’d like to introduce you to Tonya Nichols.
Tonya, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I first found my love for fashion as a little girl. My mother was a plus-size model and made most of her own pieces. She was very unique and creative when it came to her sense of fashion. I would just sit in amazement and watch her put together the most fabulous creations, and I knew I wanted to be just like her. I would go to my room and find clothes that I didn’t like and then try to make similar outfits for my dolls.
In 1993 I lost my mother and my love for fashion as well. In 2012 I had a near-death experience myself. After having a headache for over a week that would not go away, I decided to go to the hospital. The doctors found that I had a brain aneurysm and had to have immediate surgery. After the surgery was complete I was notified by my doctors that if I would have not come in, it was a good chance that I may not be here as an aneurysm was close to rupturing. In 2015 I began to assist my good friend Alfrida Woodson with a Stop the Violence Fashion Show for youth that she was planning.
During the weeks leading up to the fashion show, a few designers inform Alfrida that they would not be able to participate in the show. Alfrida expressed to me that it was either find a couple more designers or she would have to cancel the youth fashion show. The last thing I wanted to do was to disappoint my friend but most importantly disappoint those children. So with no experience of ever making clothes for children and with no knowledge on how to use a sewing machine, I put all fears aside and committed to becoming a designer for the youth fashion show.
While I was at home creating these looks, my children would come in and tell me how impressed they were and that I should really think about taking being a fashion designer seriously. I began to think about the days I would sit and watch my mother sew and how happy it made her and how much I wanted to be like her…. it was then that I decided that I would turn what was once my mothers dream into our dream and make it a reality.
In September of 2015, I created Imperfectly Perfected Designs. I wanted every piece in my line to be a representation of who my mother was as a woman. She was strong, beautiful, unique and full of confidence.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, it hasn’t been smooth. Finances are always a trouble. I have a regular full time job and most importantly I am a full-time mother. I am working strongly on building my brand and I know that it will take some time. No matter how tough the road maybe I refuse to give up as this isn’t just my brand but also my families as well as my mothers legacy. My hard work will pay off and success doesn’t happen overnight. Patience is key.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Imperfectly Perfected Designs – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Imperfectly Perfected Designs is a brand for women, men and children. With Imperfectly Perfected Designs you can find anything from tops, bottoms, outerwear, custom gowns, jumpsuits, etc….
I am mostly proud because I feel like my brand is very unique. It’s a combination of high-end fashion mixed with an urban flair. Every piece is a representation of who my mother was as a woman. I feel like anyone that wears Imperfectly Perfected not only feels unique, strong, elegant and beautiful but also looks that way as well.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
As of now, I am working strongly on building my brand. Showcasing my line and gaining more clients. I am now looking into more shows out of state.
Contact Info:
- Address: 50 Willowood Street
- Phone: 6175909177
- Email: imperfectlyperfecteddesigns@yahoo.com
- Instagram: Imperfectly_Perfected_Designs
- Facebook: Imperfectly Perfected Designs
Image Credit:
Susan Yen Jaida Deco Misty Lockhart Kevin Davila Ciara Tavares Atori, BTS studios, Denis Gagnon David West Jay Lamour
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