Jchell : Do have any upcoming projects ? Chrissy : Yes . July is pretty exciting !! Classy You will be launching it ’ s first ( Denim and Ankara ) Summer Collection . I ’ ve decided to call it “ Chiedza ”. ( Note : Chiedza is Shona , my native Zimbabwean language for “ sunshine ” or “ light ”... since all the fabrics are bright , colorful and for the summer , I thought “ Chiedza ” would be befitting for this collection !) Also , we will be launching our official website !!! ( Make sure you subscribe to our mailing list for exclusive Classy You events , announcements and VIP behind the scenes snapshots at www . classyyoubychrissy . com ).
Jchell : Knowing what you know , what advice would you give to other designers trying to establish themselves ? Chrissy : Are you sure you want to do this ? Lol ! ( Just kidding )... Well , anything that you build from the ground up is never easy , so my advice to other emerging designers is as follows :
• Be dedicated to working hard , even when no one is clapping for you ! What you sow , is going to be reaped in ways you can ’ t imagine .
• Be authentic ! Your audience want to know who YOU are so they can relate to your brand .
• Be honest with yourself and others .
• Be willing to be taught and willing to always learn new things . Stay humble !
• Be human ! I always enjoy sharing a laugh with my clients and it makes the experience so much more fun and personable yet professional . When you love what you do , it ’ s not considered work . Have fun ! Life is too short to be starchy 24 / 7 .
• Stay true to your cause . I don ’ t believe in trends because they come and go . Being in the fashion industry , you have to find yourself and be that and not what everyone is doing . Being unique makes you stand out ! 😉
• Network ! Network ! Network ! I have learned so much and even been referred to because of the people in my network . It ’ s not always who you know , but who knows you ! 😉
Jchell : Is there anything else you would like to add ? Chrissy : THANK YOU so much for this opportunity to sit with you ! I am so honored , humbled and grateful .