Meet Shelsy Elizabeth T. | Fashion/Costume Designer & Actress

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shelsy Elizabeth T. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shelsy, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
So when I decided to go to school for Fashion Design, I knew ultimately I wanted to start my own brand. I always struggled to find clothes that fit well – due to my height and shape – so becoming a designer was really for myself at first. Once I became more involved with the industry as a model and intern, I started to find a lot of other women that faced my fashion dilemma. That’s when it struck me that I really had to stick to my guns and start a couture fashion business.

I always loved the extravagance of the red carpet and galas, so that’s where I wanted to focus my market. I come from Haitian ancestry, and in our community no event is too small to dress up! So I gave it some serious thought and decided to dedicate my brand to Haiti, naming it Jéan T.t. – after both of my parents. After all, without them, there would be no me. Without me, there’d be no Jéan T.t.!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve always been that girl who stays busy. Work is my middle name at this point haha! Currently I’m in the bridal industry as a stylist, and also help at a child care center. Being creative definitely takes some time to become lucrative, so I do my best to stay afloat between projects.

I just wrapped my 9th Costume Design project – Head Over Heels – which was such a blast! I’ve been doing Costume Design for 5 years now, and it has been a crazy adventure. I grew up doing a lot of artistic things like music, theatre, and fine arts. Once I finished school, I knew my love for theatre was not going away any time soon. I started doing a few community productions after a 4 years hiatus, and lucked my way into costuming.

I remember I was in the show 42nd Street at the time, and we were in tech with no costumes started or finalized. The director made a comment to grab a few items like dresses and skirts that we wouldn’t mind using for the run of the show. I immediately stepped up and told him I would take over the styling from that point forward. Hindsight, I probably overstepped as an actor haha. However, I’m such a stickler for having things look the part! Since that show, I’ve been working as a freelance costume designer – oftentimes while also acting in the show!

I wouldn’t say it’s easy. You have to deal with A LOT of different personalities between the production crew and cast members. However, I will say having the background and knowledge of couture fashion design has helped. I’ve learned to cater to people on a one-on-one basis over the years. Designing a plot for a show vs creating a gown for the Emmys are two completely different journeys. I still get to be creative for both, but sometimes it can be more restrictive in Costume Design vs Fashion Design.

The biggest thing that I want people to know is that my brand, Jéan T.t. ,  and my work as Shelsy Tity -Costume Designer, are both focused on COMFORT! Just because I may not be making streetwear, doesn’t mean that my clothes aren’t for everyone. Yes, it’s couture, but I do want to make sure you can breathe, or dance, or have that 3rd plate without feeling less confident. Nothing makes me more upset then when a client or actor says “it’s ok” or “I can deal with it”.  ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! I’m here to make sure you look and feel your best regardless of the event.

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.
Ooh this is a tough one! I’m relatively new myself, so I’ll be taking notes from the others haha. I do love going to the square in Marietta! I’m such a foodie, so the fact that there’s so many options within a few feet of each other is HUGE! However, I would actually start at the Underground ATL because of the atmosphere and shops. Take a quick trip to the World of Coca-Cola then circle back up to square for a bite at Mac’s Chop House and catch a show. Can’t pass up the free parking and again, did I mention FOOD haha!

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?
I dedicate this to my parents and siblings. They are always in my corner, even when I’m ready to give up! Thank you for cheering me on over the years.

Website: https://www.jeantt.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelsy_t.t/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanttdesigns

Other: https://www.behance.net/Shelsy_T

Image Credits
Trai Forrestor Photography Cloud 8 Photography Jay Goldz Photography Jessica Briggs Photography Animotion Photography Wideeye Studios Photography Sarze Magazine