We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Be Norman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Be below.

Be, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Have you ever had an amazing boss, mentor or leader leading you? Can you us a story or anecdote that helps illustrate why this person was such a great leader and the impact they had on you or their team?

Ruth Calvert had been a blessing. Owner of Altered for the Altar (AFTA) , I’ve been a seamstress with the company 2 years June 2022. I would consider my boss more of a mentor, can sometimes give a motherly role. Since being apart of AFTA I’ve learned more about business and construction in the 2 years here vs. art school and working anywhere else over the past 10 years. Mrs. Ruth I’m not only an admirable boss, but has been there for me in ways and at times when a boss does not have too. From the positive life advice , always making sure overall Im on my P’s and Q’s, I can just sense overall from the gate she has a genuine heart and also the nest interest in mines as well.

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

My parents invested in my career at a young age. Starting 3rd grade, I was enrolled at the Artist Hideaway, owned an taught by Nancy Martin. Being a faithful student until my senior year of grade school, winning numerous awards and ribbons. Always being fascinated with clothing, in my head, I wanted to make clothes but didn’t expect it to be accepted. I will never forget the day I mentioned the design to my parents. My dad said,” men can be designers, look at P.Diddy.” Since that day I knew that this was my calling. I knew I wanted to attend one the top are schools in the country. Sophomore year although my parents didn’t want me going so far, they even tried bribing me into going to a college closer. I applied to the Academy of Arts University. I was Accepted. Attending the academy in 2011 Within my second semester, I got a job at Gap Inc. Flagship was I became a denim specialist and started to learn visuals in commercial settings.

2013 I was asked by San Francisco community college to debut a small spring collection. No real experience in sewing still. I agreed and completed 22 garments in 3 weeks. I moved to Oakland and lived there for about a year. Not too long after I had a family emergency is I moved to Irving, Tx closer to home. There I started to really focus on my sewing. I begin to teach myself everything from that point.

2015 I did a collaboration with a local designer for Dallas Raw. At the beginning of that spring, I received my first clients for prom in my hometown. That same year is making my sister homecoming gown. It surprisingly opened the door. As the year’s progresses, so does my audiences, and I’m very honored and grateful.

Today I’m still growing and perfecting my craft. I’m currently working at one of Dallas’s top bridal salons as a couture alterations specialist and meanwhile working on my first bridal collection. I’ve had the pleasure to create garments this past year for Latin Grammys, Mrs. USA pageant, several magazine covers and publications. I have plenty more things in-stored for 2022.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Something about finishing a garment, or painting; seeing my clients in love with something I created bring some much joy, helps keep the fire under me.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Absolutely, although I attended art school I unfortunately ended before I was able to learn much about construction and the whole assembly part of it all. I’m super grateful for my job now, I’m able to learn new terminology and ways to better my craft.

Contact Info:

• Website: Duhbuhlyoo.com
• Instagram: Duhbuhlyoo
• Facebook: Duhbuhlyoo

Image Credits
Instagram: yrevaenigma