Designer Portrait

About Me

"Fashion is more than cloth sewn together; it's the first chapter of your story, written in fabric and worn with purpose. I create so everyone can see themselves when they look in the mirror."

My journey in fashion began in moments of vulnerability—finding myself in a closet, tears streaming down my face, struggling to find something to wear that would help me feel good about myself. Those early experiences taught me that clothing is far more than fabric; it's armor, identity, and self-expression rolled into one. As I navigated my own personal evolution—spiritually, sexually, emotionally—my relationship with fashion evolved alongside me, becoming a tool for both self-discovery and self-acceptance.

This profound personal connection to fashion led me naturally into creating meaningful designs that help others find their authentic selves. My approach to design is deeply personal and intuitive, recognizing that each garment should reflect the wearer's unique journey and support their ongoing evolution. Whether I'm working with upcycled materials or designing something completely new, my goal remains the same: to help people see themselves truly when they look in the mirror.

As the founder of Both Rows, I've merged my commitment to personal authenticity with sustainable design. The name itself reflects the duality I embrace—both traditional craftsmanship and innovative techniques, both masculine and feminine energies, both creator and curator. Each one-of-one piece tells its own story, crafted from upcycled materials that give new life to existing fabrics. What sets my brand apart is the integration of mental health awareness—every piece features a QR code linking to resources for personal growth and emotional wellbeing, making fashion a tool for both external expression and internal reflection.

My technical expertise has been shaped by diverse experiences, from learning traditional sewing techniques from a master seamstress to creating tech packs and digital designs through Pensole Academy. This blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology has enhanced my work with major brands, including collaborative projects with New Balance and Foot Locker. These experiences have reinforced my belief that fashion should be both sustainable and accessible, leading me to embrace thrifting and upcycling not just as practices, but as principles of sustainable design.

Professional Experience

Both Rows

Founder & Designer

Created and operate a sustainable fashion brand focused on upcycled, one-of-one pieces with integrated mental health resources

Apprenticeship

Seamstress Training

Four-year intensive training under an experienced seamstress, mastering garment construction and pattern making

Pensole Academy

Technical Design Training

Specialized training in creating tech packs and digital fashion design

New Balance & Foot Locker

Design Competition Participant

Selected to participate in collaborative design project with major fashion brands

Specialties

Sustainable Design
Garment Construction
Upcycling Fabrics
Custom One-of-One Pieces
Pattern Making
Tech Pack Development
Brand Development
Mental Health-Integrated Design