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

Hi Phalandra, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am from the small town of Princeton W.Va. A place where the fall was breathtaking and winters were filled with sleigh riding and snowball fights. That all changed at the age of thirteen when our house burned to the ground. Everything was gone except the clothes we had on. My mom quickly jumped into action to make sure that me and my three siblings had a place to lay our heads and food to eat. We then moved to North Carolina to start fresh in a new place. It wasn’t easy and we faced many obstacles. But the one thing I watched my mom do, was bounce back after every ordeal. She never gave up. She was RESILIENT! Watching her taught me how to keep pushing forward and not to give up.

What should our readers know about your business?
My brand name is Stylz by Phalandra. I make custom clothing primarily for women but expanding to men and soon children. I learned how to sew when I was in the ninth grade. I even won a award at the State Competition for a outfit I made. Sadly my sewing passion was short lived because when I graduated high school I went to nursing school and became a RN. I always dreamed of being in a career that I was able to help people feel better and maybe put a smile on their face. In 2016, my passion for fashion sprung back up in me. I began to make custom items for friends and family. I quickly turned the spare bedroom into my “sewing room.” I outgrew it and now have a clothing store named, Fashion Couture Studio in the town of Whiteville, NC. 

On this journey I’ve learned not to mix friendship with business. I’ve been burnt many times. I’ve also learned to be myself, be original. Don’t focus on what someone else is doing. I’’m excited about the creativity that God has given me and for what is to come! I see outfits and be cutting fabric in my sleep, Lol.

 It’s the smile on a persons face that’s wearing a custom piece by Stylz by Phalandra, for me. That says a lot, without saying any words!

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.
I would take them to Myrtle Beach, SC. We would hang out on the Boardwalk and Broadway at the Beach. Do some shopping at Tanger Outlet and Coastal Grand Mall. We would get some seafood from one of the many seafood restaurants. Grab ice cream at The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar. Maybe check out a movie or take a walk on the beach and listen to the relaxing sound of the waves.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to shoutout my family for being my biggest motivators and to my husband Edward Squires. He has stayed up late with me when I was finishing up orders. He has also helped cut out fabric to make my process flow smoother. When I get frustrated or overwhelmed he tries to find ways that would make what I do better and easier. He goes with me to events and is always telling someone about my clothing or showing them pictures of what I create. So,Thank You and I Love You!

Website: Stylzbyphalandra.com

Instagram: Stylzbyphalandra

Facebook: Stylzbyphalandra

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