Meet Summer Clemons | Business

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

Hi Summer, why did you pursue a creative career?
Appropriately, I just started loving fashion way too early on. I was this child who doodled constantly outfit ideas on the edges of school notebooks. It really took off when I learned from my grandmother in grade school how to sew. She had this old-fashioned sewing machine and bunches of patience—and I just totally loved the process. At first, it was simple things like pillowcases and small bags, but before long, I was creating things I could wear myself. That’s when I realized fashion wasn’t just a hobby for me. It was my creative outlet, my means of expressing myself through fashion. That early relationship, especially with someone I care about and look up to, made fashion so personal—and it’s a major reason why I chose to make a career of it.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My own brand, SoleilBySC, is more than just fashion—it’s more about embracing culture, community, and creativity. I started it on the idea of creating items that capture individuality but also honor the rich culture of the AUC and the HBCU culture as a whole. We differentiate in that all that we do is rooted in authenticity and working together with students. Almost everything about the brand is student-led—design, marketing, photography, or modeling. There is just so much talent within the AUC, and I love being able to tap into that through my work.

But reaching this point today was far from easy. I began this brand when I was still an undergrad on the pre-med track, which involved long nights trying to balance school and sewing each piece by hand. It got overwhelmingly time-consuming and quite frankly exhausting at times. Even today, as I pursue my Master’s, time is more scarce than ever—but growing the brand has helped me learn to work smarter. I’ve found ways to grow beyond sewing everything myself, and that shift has been such a blessing.

One of the biggest things I’ve picked up along the way is: don’t be afraid to leverage your resources. Build a team, ask for help, and trust others to bring their talents to the table. Trying to do it all yourself will drain you. Working together has not only saved time, but has enabled my brand to reach new heights of creativity.

What I want the world to know is that SoleilBySC was founded on HBCU pride. In each piece I create, I’m telling a story about the beauty, excellence, and community of HBCU life. It’s powerful, it’s intimate, and I’m honored to be a part of that legacy.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to Atlanta, I’d ensure we experienced the perfect mix of fun, style, and wellness. We’d start with brunch at Toast on Lenox; absolutely required then a whole day thrifting in Little Five Points, digging for vintage, one-of-a-kind treasures. We’d walk along the Atlanta BeltLine for some fresh air and folks-watching, then grab lunch at Pretty Little Tacos. I’d take them to Buckhead Village for a little shopping and vibes, and of course, we’re hitting LifeTime for a workout. Maybe go bowling and defintely going to cascade. At some point during the week, we’re definitely booking a spa day to relax and reset. And on Sunday, we’re going to 2819 Church to pour into our spirit before wrapping up the trip. It’d be the perfect ATL week—all about entertainment, relaxation, and full of upbeat energy.

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?
There is no way that I would be where I am today without my village, so I’m happy to be able to shout them out! First and foremost, enormous thanks to my mom and dad for continually being so supportive of my creativity; especially for driving me to Hobby Lobby so I could learn how to sew when I was younger. That small thing made a huge difference in where I am today. And of course, I have to thank my grandma for being the person who first taught me how to sew. Those early lessons were where everything began.

Shoutout big time to my siblings as well, they’ve been supporting me this whole time, whether it was cheering me on or being test models for my designs (gratuitously, I add!). And I can’t speak about support without giving a shoutout to the AUC community, particularly my Spelman girls. They’ve been keeping it real with me since day one; buying, reposting, plugging me in for events, modeling, you name it. Without them, I wouldn’t have half the momentum that I currently have.

I also want to thank all the photographers I’ve worked with—thank you for being so patient and creative, particularly for brand shoots, which I know can get crazy. What really warms my heart is that almost all of what I do in my brand is managed by students—from my marketing manager to my designers and photographers. The AUC is full of amazing talent, and I’m so proud to be building something that celebrates that.

And last but certainly not least, shoutout to all my customers. Your patience, love, and support mean everything to me. Y’all keep me going.

Website: https://soleilbysc.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soleilbysc/

Image Credits
-Sean @thedietydion
-Joyrdan simmons @Jiggs.pics