We were lucky to catch up with Syreeta C recently and have shared our conversation below.
Syreeta, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
I have always been captivated by clothing’s ability to communicate on behalf of the wearer. Growing up, I used fashion as a tool for expression. Not only did I grow up fairly timid and introverted, but I have also experienced sudden sensorineural hearing loss twice. When words eluded me, clothing grew to be a resource for me development of self-efficacy & self-esteem. These values are what Syreeta C | Fashion is founded upon. Take the metaphor: fashion as the medium and the wearer as the messenger, for we all have a story to be told. Fashion shares an individual’s unique narrative. It has the ability to break barriers – language and otherwise – and communicate more accurately than the most colorful of words.
The mission of the brand continues to be one rooted in promoting authenticity, expression, and self-confidence.
Syreeta, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
When asked how I got into fashion, I often tell the story that I didn’t get into fashion as much as fashion got into me. My youth boasted a strong academic focus with initial plans of being a doctor. However I always found joy in not only getting dressed, but also taking it a step further by crafting and repurposing items in my closet. I participated in my first formal sewing course when taking a pre-college program while in high school. Immediately I knew I connected with a passion.
Fast forward to completing a BFA in Fashion Design and unintentionally beginning my journey specializing in custom design work. My first client was interested in a group of designs and had a hard time finding a seamstress that could sew them without a pattern. I recognized that my combination of design and sewing expertise could combine to help clients who wanted unique looks not found in stores or in commercial sewing patterns. Additionally, mass production does not address sizing and tailoring preferences. I now enjoy being a resource for clients who can’t find something manufactured that literally or expressively fits who they are.
My studio currently services custom design commissions and alterations. I also have background in arts education and mentorship. I’m proud of all of my work. Making something new and custom each time requires constant creative troubleshooting so each garment adds to my growth. I’ve recently stepped into more community engaged projects and am part of a team building a hammock grove for an upcoming DC park renovation. There is also a collaboration with the Washington Mystics that I am proud of. I’m looking forward to larger scale projects as I grow my brand.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
In 2016, I experienced sudden sensorineural hearing loss for the second time. This bout rendered me deaf and it was an uncertain time personally and professionally. It happened in the midst of the holiday season and several commissions. There had to be a decision about how to navigate the announcement and future client relations in addition to balancing my business and health. I chose the route of being upfront and honest with a couple of my return clients first. Their reception was filled with genuine understanding and support. This allowed me the momentum to announce on a fuller scale and still execute all of my orders to end with a profitable season. Along with the business support, it also reaffirmed the integrity and dedication I’ve built my business on.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Many people had to pivot during the Covid19 pandemic, myself included. As a nonessential business, I had to temporarily shut down for several months. I was able to use my skillset to create masks and PPE, both under my own brand and with a local business under a contract with government entities and healthcare systems. Being able to use my skills in this way allowed me to sustain and, just as importantly, support and serve essential workers. Garments and sewing touch so many different corners of life outside of simply style & image. They serve many functions and the ability to pivot them solve problems is one of my favorite things about my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: syreetacfashion.com
- Instagram: @syreetacfashion
- Facebook: facebook.com/syreetacfashion
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/syreetaherbert
- Twitter: @syreetacfashion