Meet Courtney Wedderburn | Creative Director/ Wardrobe Stylist & Designer

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

Hi Courtney, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I realized after working in retail for over 5+ years that there was a lot more I could be offering the world of fashion. I knew that what I had to bring to the table was something that will ultimately be needed. Working with clothes always gave me a sense of purpose; watching the reactions my customers and clients would have gave me the reassurance I needed to go after my dreams. I wanted to create a lane that I felt was needed; so I decided to go into styling and have been making my way into a room that I think definitely needs more black representation.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started styling while still working in retail; which wasn’t easy at all in the beginning. I spent most of my time while I would be at work finding any way I could to make my job feel creative; Whether it was mannequins, styling customers or merchandising outfits; I needed to feel useful in that way. Starting out as a stylist with no co-sign, no major support system or mentor wasn’t very trying. I unfortunately wasn’t able to go to school for fashion because of other obligations I chose to take on when I was younger; but I never let that stop me. I couldn’t always afford clothing, the designer items, the luxury materials; regardless I would always remember Tyra Banks talking about “making it work” & I would cut, glue, paste until I had something that worked. Over my time as a stylist, I’ve really learned the importance of trusting your vision. I’ve worked with some amazing people along the way & I’m just getting started, but I’m always appreciative for all the opportunities thus far and receptive to growth. You may not always be able to do things the traditional way; but don’t give up on your dreams. If there’s no door, FIND A WINDOW!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Honestly I’m a bit of a home buddy.

But I would say that the Noda area in Charlotte has a hidden gem for almost anybody.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to give a shout-out to my mother; the first woman who inspired me when it came to fashion. I would also like to give a special shout out to one of my close friends Casi who was my first collaborative partner & the person who did my first shoot along side me. I would like to give a shout-out to my little sister and first muse Petera. Shoutout to my manager and mentor Nardeen who always made sure to remind me of the power I possessed. Thank you to the amazing creatives who helped me stay inspired during the craziness of the world; Sancho, Gary, Dominic. There are so many people, so many stories that all helped lead me to my purpose. I can’t possibly thank everyone who has impacted me in a way that has changed my life.

Instagram: Courtxcarson

Twitter: Courtxcarson

Youtube: Courtxcarson

Image Credits
-Sancho Smalls -Petera Wedderburn -Angel Holness -Gary Clark -Kaity Ross -Darian Carlos -Tiah Kell -Dominic Devaughn -Taryn Hendrix -Dawn Richard -Agot Akumdit -Reggie Chaleur