We recently connected with Brianna Neal and have shared our conversation below.

Brianna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

After graduating college in 2017 from the Fashion Program at The Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago, I created my brand B.LaShae Designs. I would do several fashion shows, create custom pieces for clients here and there as well as on-site tailoring gigs. I would work in the retail industry as my main job. Once the pandemic came – the boutique I was working for closed and like many people I was unemployed during a very eerie time. I know what you’re thinking “Oh, this is when she went after her dreams and started her business full-time” … No! (lol) I wish that was the story. Although I did legally establish my business in 2020 – For 2 years I would still sew here and there, I even started doing Shipt (think Instacart or Doordash) to help pay my bills. In 2022, I was hired as a payroll specialist. (I know – the total opposite of the fashion industry but the opportunity literally fell into my lap – a job totally sent by God). I worked there for the greater part of the year when the company shared that they would be merging with another company. Once this news was shared I knew I didn’t want to stay. I conversed with God for a minute about this decision. It was a risk to leave a job where I was making the most money I’ve ever had, paid vacation time, and health insurance (REAL ADULT LIKE!) However, I felt an urge to go after the business I’ve been treating like a side hustle for so long and I did (with God’s yes). Now it’s been close to year since I’ve been a full time entrepreneur, trust me it is work AND I wouldn’t change a thing! I would love to say I’ve been making a crazy amount of money but that isn’t the case YET! I have been able to fully pay for my personal and business expenses with profits from by business. This is an amazing accomplishment because I had a hard time thinking this was something I could do. I am still learning and growing as I go but I would say the risk is definitely worth taking.

Brianna, 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?

My name is Brianna Neal, I am a Indiana native who now resides in Chicago, IL. As a young girl I remember always creating something – from drawings, dance routines with my cousins, or creating different outfits and lifestyles via my barbie dolls. During my ordinary 7th grade home economics class is where my interest in sewing sparked. I remember how excited I was to use a sewing machine and make a cute little door organizer. In fact, I was so thrilled that my grandparents bought me a Singer home sewing machine from the “good store” as my grandmother affectionately calls the Goodwill Store. I am so grateful that my family nurtured my creativity at such a tender age because it molded me to be who I am today and their support is still truly unmatched.

I graduated from The Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree of Fine Arts in Fashion Design. During my college career is where I would begin showcasing my work in various fashion shows and creating custom looks for clients. My brand B.LASHAE DESIGNS, LLC was finally established in 2020. B.LaShae Designs is a made-to-order brand, this decreases consumption, production waste and allows more time tailoring a connection with our customer. Our mission is to bring ease to creating our client’s own individuality through their daily armor (their outfit of the day). BLD embodies the connection between you and clothing, it is an avenue that embraces culture, demands confidence, and advocates for originality in a chic and stylish manner. As a designer my philosophy is to create garments that are bold, strong, and soulful – encouraging my customers to live freely in their everyday lives. Our ultimate dream is to be a household name along with apparel, we will create an accessories line, embark into the home decor industry, as well as building a community out reach program.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is witnessing how art allows us to express our individual feelings/passions and simultaneously connecting us together. It is still unbeknownst to me the inner workings but I see it happening all the time and the feeling is beautiful.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I would say to intentionally engage with said artist and or creative. Ask them about their brand, business/products, or organization and if it’s something they would be interested in give said artist and or creative a try or send them to someone who would. I believe we as creatives and artists thrive off of relationships – genuine ones with real support and feedback.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.blashaedesigns.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b.lashaedesigns/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DesignsbyB.LaShae

Image Credits
Tye Moores (Personal Headshot)