We were lucky to catch up with Tanya Pugh recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tanya, appreciate you joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

It didn’t start with a business plan. It started with a vision—one that God showed me in the quiet, in a moment that felt suspended in time. I saw a stage, elevated in the air, with a single spotlight shining down on a microphone. And there I was… beneath it, in the shadows. That image gripped me. God was saying, “I’m giving you a platform—but this isn’t just for you. It’s for the unseen. The unheard. The underrepresented. You are to be the vessel.”

That moment changed everything. It wasn’t just about launching a business—it was about answering a divine call to create space for others to shine.

Then came the confirmation: my aunt, without hesitation, looked at me and said, “Let’s go.” She believed in the vision before it even had a name. She invested in me—not just financially, but spiritually and emotionally. And that investment lit a fire in me. If someone could believe in me like that, I could turn around and believe in others the same way.

That belief became the foundation of 16th Cross Pearson. Every step after that—securing a space, curating wearable art, launching shows, building partnerships—was rooted in that original vision. I wasn’t building a brand, I was building a platform where creativity, culture, and calling collide. I invest in others through this platform because that’s what I was called to do: elevate voices, spotlight talent, and honor purpose.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As an intentional stylist and founder of 16th Cross Pearson, I’m not just curating looks—I’m cultivating legacy. I’ve built a space where fashion and fine art meet, where designers and artists aren’t just showcased, but truly seen. At 16th Cross Pearson Wearable Art Gallery—the first in Alabama and third in the country—I’ve created a platform where collaboration is currency and creative excellence is the standard.

My work centers on storytelling through style. Whether I’m dressing a client for a high-profile appearance or mentoring a student designer for the runway, I approach every project with purpose. The creative works I provide include personalized styling, brand-aligned fashion curation, and exclusive fashion events that amplify visibility, generate press, and increase profit margins for emerging and established talent alike.

I solve the problem of invisibility in an oversaturated industry. Too many gifted artists and designers remain unseen simply because they don’t have access. I bridge that gap—connecting talent to opportunities, resources, and spaces that honor their craft and elevate their brand.

What sets me apart is that everything I do is intentional. I lead with vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to making room for others. I don’t follow trends—I set standards. I design experiences that inspire, create platforms that elevate, and build partnerships that pour back into the creative community.

I’m most proud of how far we’ve come—watching student designers take their first steps onto the runway, seeing wearable art become a conversation piece in someone’s home, or watching a client walk into a room fully styled and fully seen.

I want potential clients, followers, and collaborators to know that when you work with me, you’re not just booking a stylist—you’re joining a movement. My brand is about bold expression, strategic visibility, and honoring God through creative excellence. Every thread, every brushstroke, every show is curated with love, purpose, and an unapologetic commitment to authenticity.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was speaking too soon and sharing too much. I had to learn how to be quiet.

There’s a scripture that says, “Be still and know that I am God.” For me, that’s today’s version of moving in silence. I had to understand that when God gives you a vision, it’s not always meant for public consumption—it’s sacred. It’s between you and Him. And in that space of intimacy, He’s asking for your full trust, your full surrender.

I used to feel like I needed to talk through every idea, explain every move. But I learned that sometimes, silence is the loudest show of faith. The quieter I became, the more aligned things became. The resources showed up. The right people appeared. The doors opened. And the execution? It was flawless.

Because when you’re walking with God and not just working for goals, He’ll meet you in the silence. And He’ll move louder than words ever could.

Have you ever had to pivot?

One of the most defining pivot moments in my journey happened on the very day of the soft grand opening of 16th Cross Pearson. I had partnered with a designer whose work I believed would help anchor the debut collection in a way that reflected the vision God had given me for the gallery. Everything had been carefully curated, plans were in place, and the momentum was building.

But just hours before the opening, that designer abruptly decided not to move forward. No explanation beyond a sudden change of heart—and with that, the pieces I had counted on were no longer available. I had less than four hours to regroup.

In that moment, I could’ve panicked. But I didn’t, because this isn’t just business for me—it’s assignment. And when you’re walking in divine alignment, God will always make provision. Within hours, new pieces were brought in. Artists I hadn’t planned to feature stepped in. And what could’ve been a setback became a powerful testament to favor, faith, and flexibility.

That experience reminded me: when you’re building something that’s purpose-driven, God is not only your source—He will send the right resources, right on time. I didn’t just pivot—I was propelled. And the opening? It was exactly what it was supposed to be: a sacred start to something greater than I imagined.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.16thcrosspearson.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJzl01leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHiArmJyLxh-Y-Bx24-NpazSWDA8omZcyn8znPE_RTUN4ePD_kbpX-w8uLglq_aem_vbWhKvDsQZeoFXz7qDgdtg
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/16thcrosspearson/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561767811923

Image Credits

Danny Austin
Amarr Croskey