Meet Chinnyere McPherson | Fashion Designer & Content Creator

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

Hi Chinnyere, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The thought of starting a business didn’t come first. After I graduated from Fisher College, I just went full force making collections and designing whatever came to my mind. The business somewhat developed over time. The more eyes I got on my garments, the more custom order requests started coming in. There is definitely a fine line between being a creative and being a business owner. When you’re first starting out, you think just because you’re passionate about something it won’t be hard. It’s actually the complete opposite. There are many hard days but like they say, “no risk no reward”.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Art is exactly where it all began. I never played with barbies as toddler. I just ripped of the clothing and played with them. My mom would stack reams of paper next to me and I would just draw for hours. When I got a little bit older, the only thing that changed was what I was drawing. Tons of sketches of clothing with no body parts filled notebooks, in fact I think I still have them. I remember I didn’t draw the bodies because I didn’t know how to. The ideas came so fast I only had time to draw the design and textile.

I’ve come a long way from that. I still draw but most of my time is spent making patterns, sewing, filming and editing content. One of my goals is to get back into fashion illustration. It keeps me focused and grounded while sparking a different passion inside me. That was really my first love.

The road to where I am today has definitely not been an easy one. Let’s just say there were a whole lot of detours, pot holes, and long red lights. There’s still much I want and need to do! Some of my greatest challenges were overcome by support honestly. My support system, from family to strangers, has been unmatched. It almost seems as if every time I feel like giving up, I get a sign. From random direct messages to running into people anticipating a new fashion show.

From being featured in Hartford Magazine, Hartford Fashion Week, NYFW, to the channel 3 News, I know I have been given a gift that’s supposed to be shared with the word. In fact, the name of my brand FASCHINN, comes from my name Chinnyere which means God’s Gift. I hope to inspire people to live within their purpose unapologetically through fashion.

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.
If my best friend was visiting me in my hometown Hartford, CT our first stop would be the Russell. The Russell is a bomb Jamaican restaurant that has the vibes to go along with their delicious jerk chicken. The Place 2 Be would be where I take her for lunch. Their mimosas and pancakes are so good and the ambiance is Instagram ready.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mother is the most instrumental person in my life hands down. She is responsible for making me feel powerful in all my decisions. I grew up watching my mother create floral arrangements, window treatments, drawing portraits etc. Her faithfulness to creativity gave me the freedom to do the same.

My fashion design teacher in high school Ms.Neumann was the first person to put me in front of a sewing machine. Ms. Martha Palaza, my college professor was really special. She taught me all the basics and continued to support me after I graduated. I was lucky enough to be around so many people that continuously poured into me. That is exactly why I do the same whenever I get the opportunity. I have hosted several free sewing classes in my community.

Website: www.faschinn.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/faschinndaily

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chinnyeremcpherson

Facebook: www.facebook.com/chinnyere