Meet Christie Harper | Fashion Designer

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

Hi Christie, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
In the fashion design industry, as a small business owner of a company of one, we wear multiple hats. We are the design department, the sourcing department, the sewing department, the marketing department, the finance department, and the continuing education department. All of which needs attention to the smallest of details. In addition, there is the reality of trying to maintain an appropriate work/life balance, especially with family involved. On top of that, many of us in the industry who are pursuing fashion design full time, still hold down full-time jobs in the event that sales slow down for a variety of reasons.

We are all trying to make it and build a legacy and an empire for all our young children to come. When life happens, and economic challenges arise, such as the increase in the cost of goods and services that go into making the custom designs, not only is the business’ bottom line impacted, but so is the client’s. Unfortunately, this contributes to the steady rise of costs related to the production of our designs.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My name is Christie L. Harper, and I am a fashion designer. I create one-of-a-kind, bespoke clothing for those who want to stand out in any crowd. What sets me apart from other designers is my communication with my clients. They are not just clients for me; they become an extension of my family. I form relationships with my clients naturally. I enjoy seeing them at their events, watching them glow, and being the center of attention. That is what excites me.

I got to where I am today by never giving up on me. I started sewing my visions and never stopped. Over time, more people were introduced to my designs. Or at least, that’s the simple version. It wasn’t easy by any means. There were and still are many times where business is slow, and that just comes with the nature of doing business. However, I have learned that as long as you stay ready, and continue perfecting your craft, you don’t have to get ready. The people will eventually come.

The biggest lesson I have learned along the way is to put yourself in the shoes of the client. Is this the way I would want to be treated? Would I want more communication from my designer throughout my process? Would I want my designer to be transparent with me about any unforeseen issues? I have learned that business is always about how you made your client feel, and the experience they had with you. I always want my clients to share an experience with Purple Orchids Collections.

I want the world to know that the Purple Orchids Collections brand is not only a brand, but also an experience. You don’t just wear Purple Orchids Collections, you feel it.

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.
Now back in my “hay-day” I had a spot for ever day of the week to get into, here in Atlanta, however, so much of that has changed over the course of the years. I’m a homebody these days, and almost every outing involves my family, including the kids. So, if my bestie is coming, she already knows the deal. Typically, we start our week off in church on Sunday, because you know, God is good all the time. Sundays are also the times where we like to have our family outings. We’ll go to a museum, or the Georgia Aquarium or something like that. If a play or a live show is in town, we’ll attend those as well.

During the week, I’m juggling work (cause a sister still has a 9-5), my business, sewing, life, cooking, cleaning, and whatever else needs to be done, so we’re lucky to even catch a good dinner out together. If we are able to make it out, The Applebee’s off Spring St. is usually our move with the kids when we do eat out. The kid’s menu is perfect, and the appetizer sampler is a family fave. We especially enjoy karaoke night on Thursdays.

Now, on Friday nights (if we have a sitter), the spot used to be our favorite Mexican Restaurant, Cozumel Cantina, to frequent, the serving sizes were plentiful, the drinks were on point, and the food was always seasoned nicely. Unfortunately, the restaurant was changed a few months ago. We haven’t been back since, but oh the stories we could tell. Nouveau Bar & Grill is awesome on Friday nights as well, especially if you’re lucky enough to catch some of my favorite DJ/hype man combinations. They always keep the party going! Their food gives you a mix between New Orleans style eating and gourmet soul food. You can’t go wrong with a menu item.

Saturdays are generally reserved for the kids and more sewing. The business never really stops…Nevertheless, this is when I like to do outdoorsy things with the kids, like a park or outdoor festival so that they may stretch their legs. They enjoy that.

This list certainly does not include all of the grand options Atlanta has to enjoy, but as for my reality at this present moment, I really do not have much time for it any way. I’m not missing anything,

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I thank God for this gift. He is the reason I have been able to stay the course in this small business journey.

After God, I must recognize my mom, Mrs. Joe Ann Wimberly, as being the main reason for planting this seed within me to be able to access this gift of creating. At an early age, my mom had us doing all types of arts and crafts. My dad was there motivating and encouraging us as well, but my mom was creating things out of nothing. Her gift for bringing her own visions to life were awe inspiring. She would paint the walls in our house, create pottery from clay, install bathroom tiles, put up wallpaper, and sew our dance costumes, homecoming dresses, and prom dresses. The woman was insanely creative. I was blessed to watch her work in her own way. My mom encouraged our creative juices to flow. If she heard us humming, she would by us instruments. If she saw us doodling, she would by us art supplies, and if she saw us sketching, she would by us fabric to bring our sketch to life. We were blessed to have her then and are still blessed to have her now.

Now, I would like to dedicate this next honor of recognition to each and every last person that supported me in any way, shape, form, or fashion. For all of those who reposted a picture from Purple Orchids, created a story about Purple Orchids, referred Purple Orchids to a friend, and purchased anything from Purple Orchids Collections, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Lastly, to every last person reading this who has said even just one genuine, encouraging word to me, I truly appreciate you. You will never know how much that means for us creatives.

Website: https://purpleorchidscollections.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/purpleorchidscollections

Facebook: https://facebook.com/purpleorchidscollections

Youtube: https://youtube.com/purpleorchidscollections

Other: Email: purpleorchidscollections@gmail.com

Image Credits
Photography By Purple Orchids (Red & Orange Dress)
Shot By Dunkan (Gold Dress)