Meet verhonda crawford | Fashion Designer

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

Hi verhonda, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started my business when I was serving as City Councilwoman in my hometown because I wanted to see how hard it is to start a business in a rural community in a hard niche. I am firm believer of economic development and I wanted to be the example for future business owners. As a formal attire designer that specialize in prom, pageant, and bridal attire, there are not a lot of designers that look like me. I wanted to show my community that it is possible to be successful in a very hard industry as a minority.

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.
Being a fashion design in the age of fast fashion is extremely hard. I specialize in custom designs and hand curated items for my clients. Fast fashion is the number killer of small designers because it is cheaper and quicker to buy offline than to support someone local. I have learned that not everyone is your client and the ones that understands that custom designs are a form of art, will support you. The best lesson I have learned over the last 8 years is to true your gut and stay true to your brand voice.

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 am a die-heart Spartanburg County native and local this slice of heaven. First thing, we would do is have a short morning hike at the Glendale Shoals preserve & waterfalls followed by brunch at Mon Amie Morning Cafe. Then, we will go on a driving tour and visit Strawberry Hill USA in my hometown of Chesnee,SC and get some fresh strawberries while having lunch at the diner. Later that night, we would have dinner at Heirloom – Milltown Eatery and end the day getting dessert at the rooftop restaurant – Level 10.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to thank my parents and my community. There were a lot of people along the way that believed in my dream and supported me. I am grateful for my very first client Quiana Anderson Reed. She was the first pageant titleholder to ask me to design her full competition attire. She was the individual that introduced me as a designer to the industry that I once competed in. Her success that year launched my design brand.

Website: verhondacrawford.com

Instagram: verhondacrawford.collection

Facebook: verhonda crawford diehl

Image Credits
SmithA Lee, and Verhonda Crawford ( myself)