Jessica L.Taylor Interview: Since I don't use patterns what I can and will do is endless. If I can dream it I can make it.
Swanky Magazine Interviews the wonderfully talented Fashion Designer - Jessica L.Taylor from Billings, Montana
DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT | VOL. V ISSUE.2
Q1. Swanky Mag: Hello Jessica, can you introduce yourself to Swanky Magazine's readers? Can you tell us a little about you?
My Name Is Jessica L. Taylor Designer and Owner Of Just Like That Fashion Brand. I officially launched my brand in 2014. I used my initials "JLT" to create my company name and logo. I am originally From The Los Angeles Area but currently reside in Billings, Montana.
Q2. Why did you choose fashion designing as a career?
It kind of just was an Aha moment when I realized I knew what I really, really wanted to do. I wanted to be a Fashion Designer. I have always loved to sew and design. My grandma taught me how to sew when I was a little girl and I have always been a lover of everything fashion from hair to shoes, accessories. I mean everything. Obsessed isn't even skimming the surface.
I have always struggled with weight myself and growing up in the 80s-90s Plus sizes and fashion was not really there so I had to create and make my own styles and clothes from a very young age.
Q3. Which area of fashion do you specialize in? Did you always want to work in that area?
I specialize in everyday wear and resort wear. However, I love to do everything and I have made couture Ball Gowns and Wedding Dresses, Costumes. Really wherever it takes me. I love it all.
Yes, growing up on the beach in California really gave me the feel for that beach, summer light colorful resort wear.
Q4. Please briefly describe your style for our readers.
I would definitely describe my style as a Hippie Boho Chic for sure!! I love Light Bright and Soft Flowing Outfits.
Q5. Where do you get inspiration from when creating any design?
I find my inspiration in nature and all around me. Animals, Creatures, Flowers, Water Rippling, a rainbow perhaps have all been inspirations for many of my most coveted designs. From My Queen Bee Custom Pants Suit To My Jellyfish Dress and My Peacock Dress just a few ideas of my custom designs. Nature comes to Life thru design.
Q6. What do you love about being a fashion designer?
I love that it lets me do whatever I want to do and create and design. Since I don't use patterns what I can and will do is endless. If I can dream it I can make it.
Q7. Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
Probably a little of both. I love to do custom orders and make items for people. But I love to just create. I am so excited for 2022 it is going to be a fantastic year. That means mermaids fairies, genies. I am so excited to create new and beautiful art.
Q8. What has been the most memorable moment of your career and why?
New York Fashion week or Denver Fashion Week was probably the most memorable. When you spent a season making a collection and I mean actually making the collection. These designers now have teams and sewers, beaders. I literally do everything in the full 284 piece collection all myself. To finally see all your hard work hit the Runway. It is the most amazing and fulfilling moment you can ever even imagine.
Q9. What’s the hardest part of your job?
The hardest part of my job is making sure that deliver what my customer wants and orders. As an artist, I love to just be free to make what I love. And I have customers that turn me loose and say make me amazing. Done and Done. But when a customer comes with very specific ideas making sure you listen and are on the same page to deliver the best of product and customer satisfaction is for sure the most difficult. But seeing their face when you nail it. Priceless
Q10. What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new upcoming fashion designer looking to start their own business and pursue a career as a designer?
Stay true to yourself do what you like and want don't let this industry twist and pull and distort you from where you began r you will end up lost. Always do what you love and what inspires you. That would be my biggest suggestion to anyone.
The Process of My Working really doesn't change it just keeps getting more and more refined.
Q11. According to you, what are the skills that are necessary for becoming a successful fashion designer?
Figuring out Who you are as a designer and an artist. I would say. As I grow as an Artist and get better and better myself. I can truly say that I know who I am as an artist. I know that sounds weird and corny, cliché even. I used to think so too. But when you have figured out who you truly are, and what you love. You become free. You have found that inside of you to say, "Yes, this is who I am. What I like! What I do! and No, this is not."
Q12. How do you stay updated with the trends in the fashion industry?
Honestly, I just do what I love and I find that is reciprocated. I love to mix different genres and eras. Fashion styles always give a new fresh twist on any old designs. I really just find inspiration everywhere. Like I said before since I can make and pattern pretty much anything that I look at. The world is my muse so to speak.
Q13. What do you think of our new magazine?
Love, Love Your New Magazine. I was so excited to be asked for a feature spot it feels absolutely amazing. I would love to thank everyone at your beautiful magazine for this opportunity. And to all of you putting in the time to create such a beautiful publication. XOXO
Follow Jennifer’s Journey via the links below:
facebook.com/JustLikeThatFashion