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

Hi Marquen, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have started by business at the age of fourteen, when I inherited my late sisters sewing machine making pageant dresses for friends and thats how my hobby became my business with i officially registered in 2013.

the design industry had me take a few interesting turns aswel, working with a contemporary dance company as costume and AV designer.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Im a fashion designer, mostly self taught – started figuring things out with a sewing machine inherited from my late sister at age 14.

I have always been a creative and all about trail and error cause thats the best teacher at the end of the day.

I started my small business informally at age 16 doing wedding dresses and prom dresses. Tried to study fashion but getting a piece of paper to things I already knew in 2010 was pointless, I already had a profitable business and studying just did not sit right with me specially in the creative field where your creativity is being judged by another creative with a different style or opinion.

I only finished 1st year and formally registered my business in 2012.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout should definitely go to my family, friends and community that supported the fourteen year old with horrible sewing skills and silly ideas.

Instagram: mckenzi.marquen

Facebook: FHMQZ

Image Credits
jadon dale photography blaine young photography

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