Somebody pinch me!

Back in December ( I think ), I got a message from a lady with a link to apply as a designer for Miami Swim Week.  I'd never heard of this so,  me being me,  I went into full investigation mode. 

I searched all social media accounts,  Google,  Fashion week sites, EVERYTHING! Once I realized the link was legit, I felt excitement, and I felt SEEN!

Honestly,  I still have not the slightest clue how they even knew to reach out to me... this lil ole' TENNESSEE girl!

A couple of weeks after submission, I get an email of approval, along with other duties to fulfill prior to being listed as a designer.  I prayed on it and decided to take a leap of faith. 

I spent January to April, creating new pieces. It was rough because,  I wasn't feeling my usual creative self.  Nonetheless,  I pushed out some designs and submitted my final looks. 

MIAMI SWIM COMES

And I was in full panic mode. It is always intense when I am put into unfamiliar spaces and situations. I had some "Imposter Syndrome" going on. I was the only person there from TN and although I have experience in my creations, I caught myself feeling like I didn't belong in this experience or this space. Like I didn't deserve to be seen.

To my surprise, people were really impressed with my work. I connected with so many designers, photographers, and industry people. It was such an eye-opening experience. It made me feel like my dreams were attainable and in a sense, not BIG ENOUGH.

I am extremely proud of myself. I am proud that I didn't allow fear to keep me in my head. I am proud that even when moments of doubt came, I pushed through. I am grateful to my wife and friend, who were there to help and remind me of the possibilities.

I will never forget this experience.

We ripped that runway!