ISSUES #22: MAY 2016
Lekecia Garland is a mother, a clothes and jewelry designer, a shoe designer, a Fashion Merchandising student and a ton of positive energy. Most designers struggle to stay ahead of the curve in design technique and ideas. To Lekecia, this comes naturally. Let’s chat with the design whiz kid…
Lekecia Garland, Owner/Operator. Has a nice ring to it, right? Lekecia is a Los Angeles native and a graduate of Locke High School. She is currently studying fashion design and fashion merchandising while running her own fashion and jewelry design company Love Me More Designs. She even custom makes SHOES!! In spite of the shark pool that the fashion industry can be in Los Angeles she remains centered, focused and spiritual. Not a bad combination. We had a nice lil’ conversation and I came away inspired by her. Meet… Lekecia Garland.
So, fashion school huh? What’s that like?
It’s almost like a boot camp to me. If you can make it at Trade Tech College in the fashion program you can make it anywhere. They don’t pull any punches or sugarcoat anything. If you can’t take getting talked to harshly this field and this program aren’t for you. Every class’ approach is real life scenarios. When you are there you are at work. When they tell you to do something or what they want as a client, you have to find a way to make it happen. Two teachers were speaking on the intern program saying “People are going to treat you like crap and talk to you sideways in this industry. If you’re thin-skinned you need to get out now.” Our training is demanding on your personal life, just like real life designing. For instance, during Fashion Week, you will be missing family and friends. We’ve had people sleeping on tables and doing whatever they have to do to meet deadlines and experience real fashion-world pressure. I’m learning to keep my nose to the grindstone as we get the experience of what it is to be a true, hands-on designer. I mean cranking out patterns, sewing, etc. It’s different from having a “clothing line” in your name like Beyonce’ or Kimora Lee Simmons. They are NOT designers. They have their name on the labels but they are not creating.
How did you get started on the fashion path?
I got my start in jewelry design in ‘95. I was pregnant with my older son during that time and, after he was born, I continued on. I got a reputation for making clever, high quality pieces. In fact some of the early ones I made for family and friends back in the day are still in use today. I transitioned into the fashion side in 2007 though I took a break for a couple of years around 2009. I resumed a couple of years ago 2013 and have been going strong.
How would you describe your catalog?
It’s all over the map. A majority of my work, so far, has been custom-made things for clients. They let me know what they want and I design and create from there. I do ready-to-wear things as well. You know, just the average dress, skirt or what have you. It isn’t uncommon that I design something for myself and clients see it and want one for themselves. I’m probably one of my best sources for advertising and new business.
What’s your client base like?
My client base is women from 19 to mid-60s or 70s. It’s VERY broad. I have a lot of different clients from different walks of life and different economic backgrounds that all want something different in their fashion choices. A majority of my stuff is sophisticated. I’m a Godly woman so my designs fall within a certain way that I represent myself. I don’t do designs where body parts are all hanging out or are revealing everything. I have class and that carries over into my design.
Not that I watch a lot of reality shows.. but I know a lot of design and fashion reality shows depict a LOT of backbiting and (un)healthy competition. In a fashion forward place like Los Angeles how do you deal with those aspects of your trade?
You know what? For me, I like to base everything in God. What God has for me is just for me. He made me simply the best. I don’t measure my success or failure by what someone else is doing. God’s got this. I’m gonna grind, stay in my lane and keep it moving. I’m not gonna worry about the competition or beating someone out. Our fashion merchandising instructors tell us that the people in our class are our competition and give us that mind state. I don’t operate by trying to outdo the others. It’s just my personal choice.
The new cool: The 'Love Me More' logo.
How do you promote your work?
I try to do at least 3 fashion shows a year. The last one this year was July 26th for a non-profit called Not In My Home. I capitalize at the events by networking and making new connections. I’ll give out business cards as I’m always a walking billboard and people want to know where I get my stuff. Also word of mouth brings me a lot of work. My church family always gives me referrals when they can. Also, I’m a huge proponent of promoting my latest creations through social media. I’m on Instagram and Facebook with updates on the regular.
Any designs or creations for industry folks?
I did a design for Janine Daniels of Black and Sexy TV. Black And Sexy TV is a network on YouTube. Jeanine started a series under Black And Sexy TV called That Guy. I followed them on YouTube and was able to meet Janine. I created an outfit for Janine for their first Black And Sexy Awards Show. I consider them industry. Their names aren’t big right now but I guarantee you they will be. Some of their shows are already getting shown on BET and or are being considered for HBO. I’m taking this time out to market myself and get access to A-List celebrities. I’m getting a great, great response from designing Janine’s outfit.
Jeanine Daniels of Black and Sexy TV rocks Love Me More Designs
I have designed jewelry for Wyann Vaughn, Wendi Vaughn and Witny Vaughn, daughters of the lead singer of the legendary super group The Emotions. The Vaughn's are some of my biggest supporters. I have also been blessed with the opportunity to create jewelry for singers Sade and Lana Del Ray and send them as gifts. Also, I’ve designed jewelry for the .
as gifts. Also, I’ve designed jewelry for the rapper YoYo. I love them all!!! I would be remiss if I didn't mention them all and the opportunities they've blessed me with.
Where is your shop located?
I do everything out of my home. I’m aspiring to get a loft so clients and friends can come and go. I want to accommodate a full-service shop, including all equipment, and be able to create quality products.
That’s coming soon though.
Did I read your bio correct that you design and make custom-made shoes?
I do but I’ve only made them for myself so far. It’s actually very expensive to custom make shoes. When I’m ready to make them for clients I want to be able to make them affordably. I do it now to ensure I keep my skills tight. The equipment and materials are expensive. I do everything by hand right now.
As a parent, how has the demanding schedule of school and being an entrepreneur affected your family?
I have two sons, one twenty and one sixteen. They are older and independent now but I’ve always had help from my family. It’s easier now but earlier on I had to do what I had to do and my family was always supportive.
What’s next for you and your company? Any projects or promotions on the horizon?
I’m starting a blog and vlog called Fashion Queen. It will be centered around a docu-series documenting my experience as a fashion student and up and coming fashion designer. That’s one thing I’m working on right now.
Once I graduate from Trade tech I will be going to Florence, Italy to study shoe design at Academia Riaci, then back to California to attend Cal State Long Beach. At Trade Tech I learned about shoe design in 2007-2009 but we will take it to the next level in Florence.
Long term, I want to travel the world to provide clothing and shoes for people who don’t have. When I went to Jamaica, I learned that the kids there have to pay for their books and uniforms. They have to pay for fabric to have their uniforms made. I think I can contribute in that regard and that’s one way I want to give back once I’ve realized my business goals.
That’s a lot. Pretty ambitious I must say.
Well, my schooling has made sure that my grind is strong. You have to be superwoman and get like Nike and just do it.
I believe that there is absolutely nothing that will stop Lekecia from reaching ALL that she sets her mind on. Look for and support Lekecia Garland and Love Me More Designs.
V. Ray
#PositiveBlack
#RiseShineRepeat
