Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharlyn Claxton.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Picture it, it’s 1998 , I’m 8 years old and I’m watching MTV. Probably not appropriate for my age but what I saw was color, fabrics, great fit and confidence. I got my sketch pad (I had always been an artist) and I began to draw what I saw. When my sketch was complete, I gazed at it; it was electric, it was summoning, it was exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
Coming from West Indian decent, I grew up in a heavily cultural household where the music, food, and carnival celebration was staple in what moved me and my creativity. At 12, I received my first sewing machine for Christmas. My grandmother had spoken life over me that day as she reminisced on watch me sew by hand for my dolls.
I now was armed with a machine, and I was dead set on using it, I felt like Mario with a mushroom. Along my journey. I’ve made my prom dress, and many diy ideas for friends and family. I had become known as “the one that sews”. I graduated in 2009, made my way to LSU, where I learned the standards of sewing, pattern making, and merchandising, circumstances forced me to resign in my junior year, yet divine timing allowed what it learned to motivate me to keep going and begin my Fashion journey anyway.
In 2016, 1990 was born! I have had the great pleasure of working with some amazing people from all walks of life. Men, women, and children come to ME, for some of the most important moments of their lives. Was began as an expressive art with the goal of creating for performers; became an intimate space for everyone to connect with and share their story. In return, I’ve been given the gift to arm them with confidence and grace for their special occasions. A responsibility I wear proudly. I can honestly say I am grateful for my gift and the ability and opportunity to express it fully, and use it in a way that is impactful to all who come in contact. I am Sharlyn Claxton, a New Orleans based fashion designer, and I created over 1000 gowns from prom to bridal and anything you can think of in between. Backed my faith and belief of my grandmother, I have been able to land on canopies branches and soar beyond the clouds.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Looking back on where I started, my greatest struggle was getting people to believe in me. Not just anyone, EVERYONE. So long as it was a hobby, I had support. However, When I needed courage and financial backing, or more education in the craft, I had to rely on myself, which I believed was a deterrent. Nowadays, the struggle is relevancy, popular competition, and recognition at a higher level. I don’t wish to create content I just want to sew. Finding the medium is now my greatest feat.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a fashion designer creating one of one garments and wearable art for all that dares to dream and be! I specialize in couture, a dress category that placed me on music video sets and backstage at concerts, I’m most proud of the the 3 page magazine spread in Sheen magazine, where my work was also featured on the cover.
What sets me apart is my love for the people, I consider them my celebrities. They have unwavering faith in me and my abilities, and sometimes I actually need it. Creative work can be a bed of uncertainty. When I’m not creating for others, I’ve made myself a available the youth in my community, teaching them to sew and sharpen their skills free of charge, because I know how important mentorship is and how difficult it can be to find a believer to support you; so I pay it forward every chance I get.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I can remember Ms. Doris, my grandmother’s friend, teaching me machine basics, we had some trouble threading the bobbin and getting the machine going. After about an hour of set up, I was able to run a test stitch. She got
One of her decorative towels out of the bathroom, one with the doily falling off just slightly; I was instructed to repair it running a single stitch along the edge. I did it of course, once again, feeling electric inside. I knew then I would be unstoppable.
Contact Info:
- Website: 1990bysc
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/1990by_sclaxton
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BG9BzGs8x/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharlyn-claxton-0004a6126
- Twitter: https://x.com/1990by_sclaxton
- TikTok: https://TikTok.com/1990bysc
