Today we’d like to introduce you to Khatera DeGrate.

Hi Khatera, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I first got into sewing when I was a junior in high school. Once school was out and summer came, I bought myself a sewing machine and two other clothing machines. I felt like making clothes was the coolest thing ever, so I took the knowledge I learned from school and perfected my craft over the years, while also learning from YouTube. Participating in fashion shows as a designer has gotten me to where I am today. It has allowed me to gain exposure, sparked my networking skills, and provided me with leadership skills.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but it does get easier after the trial-and-error lesson is learned. Some of the struggles along the way would be being a perfectionist, becoming a bit comfortable at times when it’s time to go harder, and creative blocks. The best outcomes have come when I sat aside tasks for however long needed to avoid burnout, and then start creating when the creative flow comes back.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a designer who specializes in alterations and is known for custom clothing, and t-shirt printing. I am most proud of how far my talent has gotten me because, I never wanted to start selling clothes, I just bought some machines to see all the cool things I could possibly do. Now people pay for my services. What sets me apart from others would be my creativity and authenticity.

What matters most to you? Why?
What matters to me most is making sure I am happy and satisfied with what I have and who I am, internally and externally. If I know what makes me happy, I don’t have to depend on anything or anyone to make me happy, because it’s already within. To not be selfish, I also like to share and pour that happiness and positivity into others close to me.