Meet Shahedah Williams | Fashion Designer & President and Founder of Prom Scholar

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

Hi Shahedah, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I’m currently in a place where I’m willing to work so much harder than every. I’m currently working two jobs to help fund the rebranding of my business. I’m learning about the importance of clocking in as a business owner and taking the time to be more structured. I try my best to leave time for self care and to balance it all but these last few months I’ve double down on myself to work smarter.

You will never find time for anything. If you want time, you must make it.
– Charles Buxton

I think work life balance as a creative entrepreneur as a working progress.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am the head of design full time for a black owned company. I get the opportunity to create prints, and work with different textiles. What I like about this opportunity is that I am able to work full time as a creative and learn from my Job how a small but widely successful business operates.

I spent the past 9 years developing as a creative in 2014 I graduated with my BA in fine arts with a minor in Business from Moore College of Art & Design. I spent 2 years of my college career interning and I continued to intern and work until I landed my first job in 2015 in NY. I spent 5 years working in NY for two different companies. I eventually made the transition to work for a black owned company as the Head of design in 2019.

My brand Butterfly Ave is a resort and swimwear brand. I also incorporate carnival and masquerade elements with in my brand, which ties in to my Caribbean roots. I also incorporate print design and story telling elements. Every collection I create has a deep meaning and I enjoy sharing my inspiration to people who support me. One stand out collection I created was dedicated to sickle cell awareness. I still would like to expand with this particular collection because it was dedicated to all of my friends who live with sickle cell.

My non-profit Prom Scholar is the space where I am able to give back. Each year a group of designer, and I make custom looks and fund prom for students in our community. We have sent over 21 students to prom in custom looks. We serve as mentors to the students and host events to help fundraise. We also give a small scholarship to students to fund their first year of college needs. We have been doing this work since 2014.

I’m honestly still working to be better and master being the President of a non profit organization and as a business owner. I’m currently rebranding Butterfly ave and I plan on dropping 3 small capsule collections that will set the tone for my brand this year.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
So a week long trip I can take with a friend would be a trip to Trinidad during Carnival week.

The week before carnival is event filled so there are so many different fetes.

Taking them to all the best spots to get Caribbean Cuisine.

DJ Private Ryan’s Soca Brain wash.

I up a all night long fete where you’ll see different Soca Artist perform.

Carnival Monday and Tuesday.

After carnival Tobago which is the sister island.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people I want to thank for being so supportive. I would say in particular I want to thank my parents for being so supportive. I also would thank my creative friendship circle, who act as active board members on the Prom Scholar board.

Website: https://promscholar.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shahedah.a.williams/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahedah-annastacia-williams-92194164/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sha_he_dah

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shahedahtextiles

Other: https://www.facebook.com/promscholar

Image Credits
Model Amaya Lynne Photographer: Taylored Genius, Model: Leeanne Burrell Photographer: Taylored, Philly Fashion Week 2021 presentation, Model:Ayana Palmer Dee Renee Aleeyah West , Shahedah Photographer: Sik at Art, Ankara Miami Swim week :Model: Mishe Photographer: leightondphoto, Model Monique W Photographer: Taylored Genius, Philly Fashion Week 2017, Mrs. New Jersey Pageant Costume