We had the good fortune of connecting with Brittany Combs and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Brittany, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
My parents will say that I didn’t always want to be a fashion designer. For the most part of my childhood I wanted to be a veterinarian. I loved animals and always had a compassionate heart to help any living creature in need. That was up until I formed a needle phobia and then vet school was out of the question haha
However, I seemed to thrive in art class and started carrying a sketchbook around with me wherever I went. My pursuit of a fashion career started when I designed my 8th grade graduation dress. By that time I had filled a couple sketch books with clothes designs and my mom knew someone who created garments and suggested we collaborate to bring one of my designs to life. Even though I did not sew the dress myself, it was at that time I knew I wanted to be a Fashion Designer. I wanted to be able to take a sketch or idea and make it come to life. Therefore I enrolled at O’More College of Design where I soaked up all the knowledge, fine tuned my sewing skills, and graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Fashion Design. I launched BMC Designs LLC in 2016 and you can find me around Georgia and Tennessee selling at local farmers markets, boutiques and craft fairs on the weekends!
We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work. How did you get to where you are professionally and was it easy?
Was it easy? Ha! I do not know anyone who said launching their own business and career was ever easy. So definitely not. But was it worth it? 100%! I have to say one of my proudest moments would be senior year of college. I had the opportunity to showcase a 6 piece children’s couture collection and a 10 piece women’s ready wear collection at my School’s Year End Fashion Show. I had worked my butt off to create both collections and seeing them on the runway was the highlight of my year! It was a very proud moment and was made even more special with my family in attendance!
BMC Designs LLC as a brand has grown over the years. From starting off as a concept in Fashion School with a portfolio website, to securing my LLC in 2016 with a launch party out of my condos club house, to now attending every market and craft show we can find while managing an online store and selling in a local boutique! I want BMC Designs LLC to be recognized as the go to brand for the cutest pet accessories and childrenswear!
Do you have a favorite quote or affirmation? What does it mean to you? What do you like about it?
My all-time favorite bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future”
This verse has always been my favorite because it sums up everything one wishes and strives for. It gives you hope knowing that no matter what, God has your best interest at heart, even when it doesn’t feel like it at times.
We all have our struggles in life; mine is trying to make my fashion business successful while working a full time corporate job and looking for a boyfriend haha
There are days I ask God “why isn’t this easier?” “Why does it feel like I am the only person working my butt off but still struggling to get by when all my best friends are “living their best lives”.”
When those thoughts creep in all I need to do is remind myself of Jeremiah 29:11 and place my trust in God, knowing that He has my future in His hands.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to say my biggest fan and supporter is my dad. From day one he has always encouraged me to go after my dreams and not stop until I reach them. He may not be the best at expressing his admiration in words, but I know how proud he is of me because anything I post on social media for the business he is there to re-share it on his own page.
The second person I want to give a huge shout out to is my mom. If it was not for her support I would not be able to handle the business on my own! She is the one who will drive down from Tennessee to help me at Vendor Shows. I despise cutting out fabric and I know I can count on her to cut out all my fabric! My mom is the work force behind my business; when I am overwhelmed or have too much going on, or just sick of sewing (which does not happen often, because sewing is my calming mechanism) she is always there for encouraging words and to jump in wherever is needed.
My parents mean everything to me and without them I would not have any of the opportunities I am blessed with today!
Website: https://www.bmcdesigns.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmcfashiondesigns/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BMCFashionDesigns