We were lucky to catch up with Desiree Scarborough recently and have shared our conversation below.

Desiree, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

I hope to build a legacy of rest. I’ve made a point to make various types of rest an integral part of my day, from post-day job naps to mid-day walks. I plan on being around for quite some time and I see breaks as a necessary part of building longevity.

I hope that those who knew me would remember me fondly and I hope that those who were inspired by me will continue to innovate and realign themselves with what’s important to them.

Recently when asked to describe my brand in three words, one of the words I chose was “Personal”. Every collection has a story and a purpose, the work is connected to a sentiment that reflects a moment of time in my life. The hope is that the story that the work comes out of inspires others to put themselves in their creations. We are living at a time where I see so many people becoming more conscious of what’s in their space, what’s going into their bodies and where their money is going. As designers intent is everything and meaningful work holds more influence than you think.

Desiree, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ll give you the highlights like on a dating profile lol:

Desiree/Leo/26/Brooklyn,NY

Hobbies: Reading, Walking, Eating

Music: Sound Bowl Meditation, Snoh Aalegra, Doechii

Likes: Nature, Making Stuff, Eating Out

Dislikes: Unnecessary Noise, Paper Straws, Expensive & Bad Food

Alcoholic Drink Of Choice: Wine In All Colors & Price Ranges

If I Didn’t Have The Job I Have Now I’d Be A: Veterinarian

Biggest Regret: Any Time I Didn’t Ask For Help Sooner

Now for the story of my brand:

Growing up I took dance and music classes on weekends, spent time after school painting sets for school plays and reading and drawing during class. I was always involved in something creative and had an interest in many areas of the arts. My interest in fashion started in middle school when my art teacher suggested I look into Alexander McQueen. Once I saw his work and what fashion could be I started to find the prospects of designing intriguing. I still however found myself wary of the fashion industry. The more I learned about the inner workings of companies, the wasteful production and the lack of work life balance, the more I was sure the industry was no place for me. I was just exiting middle school at the time and hadn’t yet realized that I could be a part of a larger industry and be different, that being a designer didn’t mean I had to accept what’s accepted by others.

I was about a year and a half away from graduating college when I decided to really double down on my practice of wearable art. I made a point to make everything I could by hand, let it take as long as it took and only put out what I was really proud of. It’s been almost six years and I can genuinely say that working this way is the reason why I still enjoy creating.

The focus of this brand is creating wearable art crafted from a personal narrative and view point. This is a brand created by an artist whose primary goal is to create work that is significant. Because we’re being led by story our path is different, it is both carefully planned and open for spontaneity. Instead of four shows a year we do one big Fall show every other year, instead of making a new seasonal collection four times a year we do two mini seasonal collections and instead of say showing a Spring collection in the Fall we show a collection that reflects the current season.

Lastly, I believe that fostering a strong community and creating with intent are the priorities that will bring us longevity.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Love this question! I’ve put together my top five books:

“Black Women Writers at Work” by Claudia Tate- I go back to this book a lot, gave me the push to get back into writing and reminds me to just start.

“The City We Became” (Series) by N.K. Jemisin- As a native New Yorker this series spoke to me, and I think about them often, especially when I’m walking around the city.

“Pretty Little Liars” (Series)- Was legit obsessed with these books and the show as a teen. I reread the entire series again last year and it gave me so much nostalgia I’m keeping them for my future kids. I always like to revisit what I was into as a kid every so often, each time I view or read it I get a new outlook on it.

“Bitter Root” (Graphic Novel Series) by Sanford Greene, Chuck Brown, David F. Walker- If you’re into extremely well drawn and cool comics with a historical context that doesn’t feel like reading a textbook this is for you! I don’t want to give much away but here are some key phrases: Harlem Renaissance, Time Travel, and Magic.

“Wildflower: A Memoir” by Aurora James- An integral read for any entrepreneur but especially women in business, a reminder that the journey comes with curve balls and the universe will send you what you need when you need it, be it a lesson or a miracle.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

I’ve found the best source to be going to the events I don’t necessarily want to go to when the day comes. For example, Friday August 9th I had a networking event that I’d RSVP’d to about a month in advance. As I got closer to the day I kept thinking “Would it be worth it to go?” and “Should I just stay home and knock some things off of my to-do list?”. I’d already had such a long day and the weather was looking horrendous and even as I was fully dressed and walking to the train station, I was considering turning around.

Fast forward I get there without getting drenched and I meet some amazing people in and around my industry. They weren’t necessarily potential clients but they were people with experience in management, tech, and strategy, people who could help me and I could help them. I left feeling inspired and grateful that I left the house. The work will still be there when you get back but who knows when you’ll be able to connect with that person if not at that event!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.desireescarborough.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desireescarborough/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/desireenscarborough/

Image Credits

Jonathan J George
Bacheler Jean Pierre