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

Hi Chanira, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

Watching the show “That’s So Raven” as a kid, I was always fascinated by her style and confidence. In the TV series, she was a fashion designer, made her own clothing, and wore the things she made at school. At that moment, I knew that I wanted to be a fashion designer. I loved the idea of making my own clothing and defining my own style. What further confirmed my dream of becoming a fashion designer, was “Jade”, a character from the Bratz Dolls. Jade is my middle name and she was also fashion oriented and fashion forward. She was a fashion and lifestyle editor in their Bratz Magazine. At that moment, I knew that being a fashion designer is definitely my destiny. I have been pursuing a fashion career ever since.

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

I studied fashion design at the University of North Texas. My Junior/Senior year I inserted myself into the fashion industry by making another Instagram account specifically for my designs and current school projects. At t he beginning, I posted a lot of behind the scenes and process photos of my class projects and my own projects. Once I graduated, I started showcasing my work in local fashion shows to get me and my brand some exposure.

My brand consists of clothing items. I haven’t yet found my niche, so I just create and design whatever comes to my mind. My designs range from dresses, blazers, pants, blouses, corsets, and t-shirts. I have also created cosplay items and costumes.

I am most proud of my resilience. There are times where being an entrepreneur and designer, among the many others, is hard with the competition being high, but I continue to press on and keep going. I am proud that I have the strength to not give up.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My mission and goal that drives my creative journey is that I want to make people feel confident about themselves while wearing my pieces. Most people like to get dolled up to make themselves feel better after having a bad day or just need a confidence boost. I want my clothing to help people achieve that feeling of empowerment and happiness about themselves.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is that I am able to create and make things to make people feel good. I’m using my platform and talents for good and that in return makes me feel good.

Contact Info:

• Website: italiabychanira.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italia.bychanira/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItaliaByChanira/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/chaniramckinney

Image Credits
For the first 3 photos: Photographer – Alex Belice