Fashion Gxd Magazine Present's UP NEXT with Stacey Angela Williams
Written By : Samantha Cee
Fashion Gxd Magazine Present's to you our "Up NEXT" Section . Our Features included Rising Businesses , Brands , and people who are acquiring Fame and international Recognition for pursing their purposes Our Next " Next UP" feature is from a Multi- talented luxury swimwear/resort wear designer, Stacey Angela is becoming a household name. Her exclusive Stay by Stacey Angela collection has been heralded from the high end fashion center of Japan-to boutiques in Los Angeles. In a mere fraction of a time the fashion-community at large has taken widespread notice.
Her crochet pieces-have been featured in the Miami Herald, Grand Life Daily, Lifestyles-of the Authentic & Creative, cougarvintage.com, thestylist.com, Lincoln Road magazine, Nylon, Americas Next Top Model,VH-1, Complex mag, VH-1.com Honey, Smooth, Jewel, Suede, LA Talk-Radio, Wall of Style Radio just to name a few. Her pieces are starting to become the edgy, traveling fashionistas necessity.
IG: @staceyangelapproved
@staybystaceyangela
Facebook: STAY by Stacey Angela
.Fashion Gxd Magazine : How did the idea for your business come about?
STACEY ANGELA: I have been crocheting since I was nine years old. Often surrounded by women that were beautiful & dressed uniquely. I want to create a collection that reflected what they would wear to the beach, the resort or the UK. It was after my friend Charlotte requested a crochet bikini top she came back with orders for me. I was blown away. At that point I gave birth to STAY by Stacey Angela on April 22, 2002
Fashion Gxd Magazine : How do you find people to bring into your organization that truly care about the organization the way you do?
STACEY ANGELA: That's an amazing question because it is always trial and error... Although skill level is important, loyalty and great energy are super important also
Fashion Gxd Magazine : What three pieces of advice would you give to college students who want to become entrepreneurs?
STACEY ANGELA:
1. Write your vision down.
2. Talk less show more
3.Always be open to reinvent yourself
Fashion Gxd Magazine :If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
STACEY ANGELA: If I could have done it all over again I would have taken the time to smell the roses. I didnt realize how overwhelmed I was with orders and I felt weak asking for help. I definitely would have spent more time with my family.
Fashion Gxd Magazine :What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
STACEY ANGELA:
1. Determination
2. Focus
3. Having an Open Heart
Fashion Gxd Magazine :What have been some of your failures, and what have you learned from them?
STACEY ANGELA: Failure has taught me so much. I often overbooked myself in attempt to not disappoint anyone. not asking for help when I needed it. I use to max out at about 323 pieces very 6- 8 weeks. had i put my ego aside I would havee been further along in my career.Failure was necessary because it humbled me.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : How many hours do you work a day on average?
STACEY ANGELA: On an average day I work between 6- 12 hours a day which include design, creation & marketing
Fashion Gxd Magazine :Describe/outline your typical day?
STACEY ANGELA: The first thing I do in the morning is check my email and respond to all messages including social media messages Spring is a very busy season for me so continued planning of events to market the brand are on going. Including proposal write-ups. Next Im off to my job where I work at a high-end Children's Consignment boutique After work its back to the lab to continue to crochet until at least 12 am
Fashion Gxd Magazine : How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
STACEY ANGELA:Wow it has definitely affected my family in negative way in that the hours are quite labor intensive. This process especially in preparation for fashion week lets just say my blinders were on and there was not enough quality time. That is a major mistake of mine. I know they hoped Id become a therapist or course counselor, lol. Their unconditional support means so much.
Fashion Gxd Magazine :What motivates you?
STACEY ANGELA: The Creator motivates me, The Island of Jamaica influences me heavily. the colors of the beach, the flowers, the fruit, Life and its challenges motivates and inspires me always.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : How do you generate newideas?
STACEY ANGELA: I generate new ideas often by people watching, and flower gazing. I love odd color combinations and textures. I love style and unique pieces that shine. I love how all of those elements come together to make all of my pieces one-of-a kind. I havebto be attracted to the color of the yarn. Once the color grabs the ideas flow.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?
STACEY ANGELA: Removing myself from certain environments and just focusing on what I need to do to take my brand to international places around the world. Its frustrating, it definitely affects my love life and my friendships but its all so very worth the sacrifice. Sooner than later I will realize that it will all pay off.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : Where do you see yourself and your business in 10 /20 years?
STACEY ANGELA: In the next 10/20 years I will have property in Miami, Jamaica & the NY/NJ area. STAY by Stacey Angela swimwear will have expanded to travel, home accessories & a Pinot Grigio Line call STAY .At that stagee I would love to be one of the top 5 swimwear brands in the world. Most of all ill be content and in love with what I have created. I really thank God for that. Fashion saved my life...