Meet Talaya Jessie | Fashion Designer

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

Hi Talaya, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
Knowing whether to keep going or to give up is not a decision you come to lightly. Oftentimes, many of us give up too quickly which is typically the problem. For me, pursuing a career in fashion design is not for the faint of heart. There is no strategy to making it “big” or “taking off”. Through many no’s, I’ve learned that a career in fashion design is more than just making clothing. I had to learn the business of fashion. I had to remember that my identity was not in what I did. That perspective helped me let go of taking things personally. The times I wanted to give up did not last long, because I thought about how much I have sacrificed. I am a firm believer that my labor is not in vain.

I decided to keep going, because I truly believe that designing is what I am suppose to do. However that unfolds is not up to me. I am only to steward the gift and be consistent. As stated, that looks like learning the business of fashion and remembering to ask for help. I reached a point within myself where I decided to slow down. I recognized that my journey is just that, my journey. The times I wanted to give up were moments when I was in hurry to making something happen. Now that I am slowing down, I am more free in my creativity and surrendered to the process of it all unfolding.

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 am a Fashion Designer that loves color-blocking and tailoring. I like to take simple silhouettes and enhance it with details. I create from my own personal experiences and growth journey.

Where I am today is due to my faith in Jesus, perseverance, and my tribe. This was by far no easy journey. There were many moments I struggled with belief, and I wanted to give up. However, I had a tribe that believed for me during those moments, and as stated, my faith in Jesus wouldn’t let me give up.

During the moments of wanting to give up, I learned one of the most valuable lessons of my life. My identity is not attached to what I do. I love creating and designing clothing. I love creating clothing for others and seeing them fulfilled with my creations. I don’t take what I do lightly. When I truly detached my identity from fashion design, the creativity took over and things no longer felt forced.

I want the world to know that my brand is about persevering and being your authentic self.

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 was visiting the area, I would first pick her up from the airport and take her to Atlanta Breakfast Club. She would then want to take a nap, so we would probably go drop her bags off so she can take a nap. The next day we would probably go to Perimeter Mall and shop around for a bit, then find a place to get a massage. I am not too familiar with any spas in the city, but I am sure the experience would be great knowing I am sharing the moment with my best friend. We would probably go to the Garden Room, which is a restaurant, for dinner. Of course we would take plenty of pictures while we’re there. I would try to convince her to go hiking at Victory Trails in Roswell or Stone Mountain which may be a hard no, lol, but it would be worth the ask. Depending on the season she would be in town, I would also try to convince her to go to an Atlanta Dream game. Why not? We have to support the girls! I’m sure we would not have an itinerary, but we will definitely be enjoying the city!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
To those who held my hands up during the many fights, you know who you are! To my parents and my brothers, your patience and affirmations helped me believe when I had no belief. To my aunt and my cousins, thank you for the laughs and the continued support with whatever I chose to do with my creativity. Ya’ll the real MVPs. To my friends, thank you for listening and offering a safe space for me to be me during the good, the bad, and the what the hell. Last but certainly not least, I dedicate this shoutout to my grandma Lucy. You were the first to buy me a sewing machine and teach me how to sew. You were the first to recognize a gift within me I was unsure of. Your words of wisdom live with me forever. Your resilience I continue to carry. Thank you for the late night phone calls and for being one of my prayer partners. You all are another reason I continue to keep going. Thank you and I love you!

Website: https://www.talayajessie.co

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@talayajessiedesigns

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@talayajessiedesigns