We were lucky to catch up with Lindsay Jenkins recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lindsay, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

My journey into the fashion industry feels less like a choice and more like destiny. Creativity and artistry have been woven into the fabric of my life for generations. My great-grandmother, Susie Mae, was a seamstress, as well as both of my grandmothers, Merial & Amie. My mother, Lisa, followed in their footsteps, studied Fashion Design & Merchandising at the same university I’m attending today. It feels inevitable that I am here, pursuing this path and expanding the creative legacy they started.

Growing up, I was surrounded by my mother’s artistic world. I spent hours skimming through her 3-inch binders filled with sketches, flipping through her swatch books, and admiring her paintings. She nurtured my creativity from a young age, sending me to a school in the third grade where I hand-sewed a pillow in art class. By seventh grade, I was attending HFA: School for Creative Studies, where a creative curriculum shaped my perspective and inspired me further. The defining moment came during my senior year of high school. For our final project, we were tasked with creating whatever we wanted. I made two dresses, which became a turning point for me. Seeing my work come to life—and witnessing the reactions of my peers and teachers—solidified what I had always known: I was meant to be an artist.

Here we are, a decade later, building my brand, Lynzi, and showcasing collections at New York and Los Angeles Fashion Weeks. Every stitch and design is a continuation of the creativity, passion, and resilience of the women who came before me. My purpose is not just to honor their legacy but to expand it, ensuring it evolves and thrives through my work.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi! My name is Lindsay Jenkins, and I am the founder and designer behind Lynzi, a contemporary women’s fashion label. Fashion has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I come from a family of seamstresses—my great-grandmother, Susie Mae, and my grandmother, Merial, both honed the craft, and my mother took it a step further by studying fashion at the same university I’m attending today, Eastern Michigan University. Growing up surrounded by creativity, I always knew I was destined for a creative career. Whether it was skimming through my mother’s sketches, admiring her swatch books, or sewing my first pillow in the third grade, I developed an early love for design that has evolved into my lifelong passion.

I launched Lynzi a decade ago, and since then, it has grown into a brand known for crafting bold, feminine, and confidence-inspiring pieces. My collections include dresses, corsets, button-ups, handbags, jackets, hats, and more. Each piece is meticulously designed with the intent to celebrate the female form and empower the wearer to feel unapologetically confident, feminine, and sexy. I’m proud to say my designs have been showcased at prestigious events such as New York Fashion Week and Los Angeles Fashion Week.

What sets Lynzi apart is the intentionality behind each creation. I am committed to inclusivity, not only in the designs themselves but also in the way my brand engages with customers. My goal is to create pieces that resonate with individuals of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. Whether it’s a daring corset or a timeless jacket, I want every client to feel they’ve found something that amplifies their confidence and uniqueness.

Beyond aesthetics, Lynzi is a brand rooted in legacy and purpose. My work is a continuation of the creativity and resilience passed down through generations in my family. I see myself as a bridge between my ancestors’ craft and the future of fashion—expanding their legacy by pushing boundaries and bringing a fresh, modern perspective to the industry. I’m most proud of the impact my work has on others. Hearing customers say, “I feel unstoppable in this” or “I’ve never felt more confident” is the ultimate reward. For me, fashion is about more than clothes—it’s about how they make you feel and the stories they tell.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that Lynzi is more than a brand—it’s a movement. It’s for the bold, the unapologetic, and the trailblazers who want to stand out. My work is a reflection of my dedication to craftsmanship, authenticity, and creating designs that empower and inspire. Thank you for taking the time to learn about me and Lynzi. I invite you to follow along on this journey as we continue to innovate, inspire, and bring bold fashion to life.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve had to unlearn is that being misunderstood means you’re doing something wrong. When I started in the fashion industry, I was eager to contribute and bring my ideas to the table. I believed that by working hard and giving my all, I could create something meaningful and help others succeed along the way. However, there were times when my passion and enthusiasm were misinterpreted. My eagerness to offer ideas and go above and beyond wasn’t always received as I intended. At first, I took this personally, thinking that I needed to hold back or change how I approached my work to be better understood.

Over time, I came to see that being misunderstood didn’t mean I was in the wrong—it just meant I was in spaces that didn’t align with my vision. It was a tough but necessary realization that helped me shift my perspective. Instead of doubting myself, I focused on finding or creating opportunities where my voice and contributions were valued. That shift led me to build my brand, Lynzi, which has allowed me to fully embrace who I am as a designer and entrepreneur. While it’s humbling to reflect on those early challenges, I’m grateful for the lessons they taught me. They shaped me into someone who values authenticity and resilience, and they remind me to trust the process, even when it’s not always easy.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

One thing I think non-creatives might struggle to understand about a creative journey is the sheer amount of passion and energy it takes to manifest a vision, especially when the stakes are high. For example, my first time showcasing at New York Fashion Week in 2023 was a dream come true but also a whirlwind of challenges that required me to wear every hat imaginable—designer, stylist, director, and problem solver.

We drove from Michigan to New Jersey for the show and were met with issues right away. The morning after we arrived, our car was towed, and recovering it wasn’t possible because the person who booked it was still in Michigan. My assistant’s flight was canceled, so she had to drive to New Jersey instead. Then, on the morning of the show, I accidentally sent breakfast to the wrong address, and as I rushed to meet the delivery driver, the steel front door slammed onto my big toe, ripping off my entire toenail. It was excruciating, but I didn’t have time to stop—the show had to go on.

As we packed the car and drove to New York, I realized we had left an entire bag of clothes back in New Jersey. Twelve looks were missing. Models were panicking, and some even dropped out of my set. I sent my partner back to retrieve the clothes, and although we were delayed, everything came together. Every one of the 28 outfits I had painstakingly handmade was worn on stage. The show was beautiful, and I’ll never forget how it felt to see my vision come to life.

If I seemed like a “bridezilla” during this time, it was only because I cared deeply about making the vision in my mind a reality. I had spent months designing and creating those looks, picking the hairstyles, makeup, and even the songs for my set. I had won a free slot to participate, and with full creative control, the pressure to bring it all together was immense.

What non-creatives might not realize is that, for us, the stakes feel deeply personal. Every detail, every decision is part of a bigger story we want to tell, and no one else can see that vision except for us until it’s fully realized. That pressure can make us seem intense, but it’s not about perfection—it’s about passion. For me, that Fashion Week experience wasn’t just a show; it was the culmination of a dream, and I’m proud that I stayed resilient through it all.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shoplynzi.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/shoplynzi
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/shoplynzi
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-jenkins-743b77207/
• Twitter: https://x.com/shoplynzi
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shoplynzi9298
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/shop-lynzi-detroit