We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bena Klier a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Bena, thanks for joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I started creating and sewing at a young age. My mother is a seamstress. Sitting at her feet watching and learning I became passionate about fabric and fashion. Being a self taught creative I think back on the “what if” of taking fashion classes in college verses gaining a degree in Psychology.

Learning then would have catapulted me farther. Yet the hands on experience is also amazing. I have made the conscious decision of going back to school at 56yrs young to study fashion design. Technology is evolving and I desire to evolve with it.

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

I would like to say I create for the voiceless and those who dare to be different yet stylish. As a 3x breast cancer survivor and suicide survivor I have turned my past pains into art & fashion. No structure no degree just taking life by the horns and riding free.

Depression come in many forms. Instead of pills I turned to faith in God, Jesus and within myself gifts that reflect in my abstract art works.
I am also a published author. My writings combine my past struggles with mental health with how I use sewing, being creative and writing to conquer depression.
I encourage all to move within you own gifts and turn your tears into art and your pains into passion.

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

Seeing people wear my art. Their smile when they try on a jacket, dress or shoe. They glow. When I see that… I just nod and say…Mission Accomplished

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

As a creative don’t compare yourself. Just take whats on the inside and release. Do you. No one does you better than you. Remember that. My designs are not for everyone. Yeah there are days I sit and look at the fits I created that still hang in my studio… yet I know someone the right person will be like ahhh yes I need that. I encourage you all and reach out to me via social media platforms IG: houseoflarue1 or FB: Bena Klier Bouler. My books are uplifting and a great no none sense source towards goal drafting and healing. Plus some truly funny stories about sewing and life.

Learn patience as you grow daily.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.avenuexfashions.com
• Instagram: avenuex21 houseoflarue1
• Facebook: avenuex21