Meet Shawna McGee | Fashion Designer/illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shawna McGee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shawna, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My process for starting my business was pretty organic. I lost my job during the pandemic and began painting. I then decided to print my paintings on kimonos and scarves and that’s how the business started. But for several years the business was paused due to the severity of the pandemic. I’m now getting back on track which I’m very excited about.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
One of things that sets me apart from other artists is that I love mixing fashion with art. I love to paint all types of figures, however I especially love to paint black women because we are so underrepresented in art and fashion . I’m so excited about the response I’ve received from so many types of people about my work. I’m looking forward building my line into a brand and expanding it across many categories including clothing and home decor. I’ve had a long career in the fashion industry designing for many large brands such as Ralph Lauren,Liz Claiborne and Adrienne Vittadini. . The journey was not easy by any means but I fell blessed to have had the opportunities that I’ve had. What I’ve learned along the way has prepared me for developing my own brand. The fashion industry is extremely competitive but Ive learned to persevere and keep the faith despite the odds.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I haven’t been to LA since the pandemic but this is what I would do. If I were there recently I’m sure I would add to this list.

Drive along the PCH to San Francisco
Have lunch at Geoffrey,s in Malibu
Go vintage shopping on Melrose
Rest and swim on the pier and beach in Santa Monica
Have brunch at 26 Beach and go shopping in on Abbott Kinney. In Venice Beach.
Visit the Los Angeles county museum of Art
And California African American museum
Chow down at the original Roscoes Chicken and waffles in Hollywood.
Hime along Runyon Canyon.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to credit my seamstress mother and my high school fashion design teacher for getting me started in the design path. Along with my beautiful daughter,family and friends for giving me the strength and inspiration to endure.

Website: https://Smcgeecollection.com

Instagram: Smcgeecollection

Linkedin: Shawna MCGee

Image Credits
IMG_9907.JPG
https://www.smcgeecollection.com/shop/p/kente-queen-of-wrap-kimono-79yll-x7smg
https://www.smcgeecollection.com/look-book?itemId=62n6moymnor1rop9pscrv5rxqjyhd7
https://www.smcgeecollection.com/look-book?itemId=5ke9l6eixfunfr2lq9lqe65g7fagq5
https://www.smcgeecollection.com/shop/p/yellow-blooms
https://www.smcgeecollection.com/shop/p/u55ru26b9tdz7tbqinfc4ldv72drm6-peb48