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

Hi Terica, 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?
Giving Up is Not A Option!! I’m an example that if you Push through you can make it through anything. My Faith has kept me through some dark times. While suffering in silence with Endometriosis, this disease is a condition that can cause tremendous pain, especially during menstruation, as well as excessive bleeding—and even infertility. After more than a decade of painful symptoms, suffering from severe pelvic pain and heavy bleeding which have led me to many emergency rooms. I have had a 5-hour surgery to remove cysts and fibroids. I still suffer from this disease but, I will never give up! Giving up is not even in my vocabulary. Women, including celebrities with major followings, are speaking up about their experiences to change the conversation Whoopi Goldberg, Amy Schumer, Susan Sarandon, Gabrielle Union, Chrissy Teigen, and Tia Mowry. Just to name a few that are suffering too but are not giving up. Never give up because someone is counting on you! You have a Purpose here on earth!

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 LOVE GIRLY THINGS!!!

I attended the Design school at American InterContinental University in Atlanta. I learned a plethora of things there as a student. Ever since I was little, I love creating designs and customizing things while adding bling to them! I believe I get it from my late mother Trecia Carlisle. My mom designed everything we wore when my sister and I were little. She made kids’ uniforms for school, she designed all her clothes. She was an amazing designer…. I miss my mom and I believe her creativity lives in me. I started my online business in 2018 as an online bling shoe store but, I plan to have an actual store within the next year. I have faced challenges along the way but, I remained focused. My long-term goal is to start my shoe brand, Like fashion shoe designers Steve Madden, Betsy Johnson, Alexander McQueen, Aminah Abdul Jillil, and Keya Martin the founder of Keeyahri, There are not a lot of black-owned shoe designers and I would love to be one of the names on that small list. I have always loved to design and Gemifly kicks. Another word for bling is “Iced Out”. I have Iced Out a lot of kicks. I created Ice out kicks for Charles Jenkins II an American recording gospel musician, Pastor T D Jake’s Daughter Pastor Cora Jakes, gospel singer, radio personality of praise 102.5 Darlene Mccoy- Jackson R& B Singer Bobby Brown’s daughter La’Princia Brown, and many more people all around the world. The shoes I create are a brand and we create shoes for people with disabilities. Having a disability does not disqualify you from looking fly and cute. I have created shoes for women that have breast cancer that runs races and look fly while running races. My shoes give hope to women and men to keep going while overcoming challenges. I want them to know they are not alone.
My shoe brand makes people feel special and appreciated. When you put on my custom shoes you feel and know ” You Got It Going On!! You Sparkle, shine, and light up the room when you walk in. Some of the lessons I learned along the way are to keep working don’t stop, take classes learn new things, and never think you know it all. I have always wanted to learn more.
I have always wanted more and never taken less. “Delay is not denial” Delay does not equal denial. I have a promise and hope that any day now I will reach my goals and dream of becoming a store-name brand that will sell all around the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love Food lol. The friend trip would be a food trip for the whole week. Some of my favorite places to eat at are C& S seafood & oyster bar. I love their oysters. I also love 5 church midtown there food is amazing. Benihana for some good hibachi. Something I love to do in Atlanta is going to Atlanta city Market it has so many stores and restaurants to hang out at. If I’m not at a restaurant I’m in T J Maxx or Homegoods… I loveeee Homegoods and TJMax!!! I’m addicted lol. I shop there so much I need to get some stock.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My late mother Trecia Carlisle is the reason why I have this business and why I’m into fashion. She gave me my creative edge. I’m thankful for the encouragement from my family that always support me, they are my team. You need a team to help you in business. I also want to Thank Pastor Orrin K. Pullings and Dr. Medina Pullings of Richmond Va. for the encouragement and mentorship they have given me spiritually.

Website: www.itsgirlydesigns.com

Instagram: itsgirlydesigns

Linkedin: Terica Carlisle

Twitter: Lady Terica

Facebook: Itsgirlydesigns

Other: Etsy Shop- ItsGirlyDesigns

Image Credits
My photos of me are by photographer: Mel B. Elder Jr. Man in all black is a Christian R&B recording artist. Pastor Charles Jenkins. The women in all blue- TD Jake’s daughter Pastor Cora Jakes White shoes on the Instagram post were pictures taken by Laprinciaxo R&B Singer Bobby Brown’s Daughter. It was for her wedding. White shoes with custom design Lives In Me- Was for the radio personality of Praise 102.5 and a Christian R&B recording artist. Darlene Mccoy -Jackson

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