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

Hi Alissa, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
My end goal, is to be a professional fashion designer know for mixing prints and pattern, creating looks that take your breath away, by pushing the border and boundaries. I want each and every collection and garment that I design to take you to a far off place and journey like no other. By the end of my career, I just simply want to be known as that designer who started off recycling thrifted clothing and creating one of a kind looks for her daughters, creating a fashion empire!

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.
As a fashion designer, I don’t just see the surface of prints and design. I dig deeper and look for unconventional pattern play with prints and color palette. I truly believe what sets me apart from other designers is that, I design and up cycle clothing with prints not truly or traditionally associated with children’s wear. I use everything from romantic, exotic, cultural, boho and in between to create mini fashion collections. This truly makes me proud, in the fact that I stick to me true aesthetic and style but make it kid friendly with a hint of luxury. Today, I’m here because my girls allow me to design and create for them. Perfecting my craft and allowing me to push further in what I strive for. To be a fashion designer and create a brand and fashion house. This is a journey and I’m no where near the end and still navigating at the beginning. It’s not an easy road, but everyday I’m learning more and more with practice and patience. There will be challenges and bumps along the way, but that’s the road we all must go down, if we truly want to be successful and accomplish our dreams. As I’m starting out, still new to the fashion world, I want people to hear my name and automatically know who I am trough my aesthetic and ability to design with textile design and pattern play.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
To be honest, I’m a stay at home mom and designer who focuses on family and designing over everything. I’m not necessarily new to the Atlanta area, moving here in 2015 but still have much to learn about the area and what it has to offer. With one income, from my husband, outings are limited. My best friends live with me! My three girls. We do everything together. At my adult age though, it’s hard to find true friends or genuine people, that you’d want around you or your family. I always say though, making friends as an adult is nothing like it was when we were children at park and you walk up to the next child and are instantly friends. It takes more than that now and it’s hard.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I truly wouldn’t be where I am today, if it weren’t for my husband who constantly told me to “shoot for my dreams and go for it”. Allowing me to stay home and perfect what I do best. My muses are a huge role in what I do as well. My three girls were the starting point in creating and designing one of a kind outfits to accompany our eclectic lifestyle! Lastly, to all the people who have followed me along this creative journey.

Instagram: @jabellafleur

Image Credits
I take all my own pictures!