We were lucky to catch up with Kimberly Terry recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kimberly, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I knew from a very young age that I was meant to pursue a creative path. I can remember being in second grade, proudly dressing up as an artist for career day. As a teenager, I would confidently tell people that I was going to become a fashion designer and move to New York.

Looking back now as an adult and established designer, I realize I didn’t fully understand what that journey would require or what the industry truly entailed. But what I did have was vision, passion, and now, an unshakable faith in my purpose.

Today, I stand as a self-taught fashion designer, walking in what I know was always my divine destiny.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

I’ve always known that I was called to a creative path, even before I fully understood what that meant. I am a self taught fashion designer with over 14 years in business, but my journey didn’t begin in fashion, it began in medicine. I pursued a pre med Biology degree and even attended nursing school because that was the path my parents envisioned for me. Although I committed to it, I quickly realized it wasn’t fulfilling and didn’t align with my passion. In a defining moment, I made the difficult decision to walk away from nursing school just one semester before graduating.

That same year, I created a custom look for my birthday, and everything changed. People began requesting pieces of their own. What began as a personal expression quickly evolved into a business, and from that moment, I never looked back.

One of the major turning points in my career came with prom design. The first time someone asked me to create a prom dress, I actually declined because I didn’t think I was capable. But she looked at me and said, “Yes, you do. I’ve seen your work, and I believe in you.” Since then, I’ve gone on to design and hand create over 1000 garments, including prom dresses, bridal gowns, and custom couture pieces.

Today, my work extends beyond designing. I offer custom garments, alterations, and styling services, and I am deeply passionate about fashion education. I teach sewing and fashion design, provide internships, and founded a Teen Fashion Design Summer Camp where I mentor and develop the next generation of designers.

What sets me apart is not just my skillset, but my story, my resilience, and my commitment to excellence. I didn’t come through traditional fashion pathways. I built this from the ground up through faith, discipline, and continuous growth. I combine technical craftsmanship with creative vision, and I approach every piece as both art and purpose.
I solve a very real problem for my clients by bringing their vision to life in a way that feels personal, elevated, and unforgettable. I create pieces that allow people to feel confident, seen, and powerful. This is MY Ministry!

What I am most proud of is that I did not give up. I chose alignment over expectation, and I continue to invest in growing both my skills and my business knowledge. I truly believe this is my gift from God, and I am committed to operating in that gift at the highest level possible.

For anyone discovering me or my brand, I want you to know that everything I create is intentional. This is more than fashion, it is purpose, it is impact, and it is legacy in the making.

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

I truly believe that non creatives will never fully understand the journey of a creative. Only a creator can understand a creator, because the mindset is different. It is not something you can simply learn or unlearn. It is something you are born with.

That does not take away from anyone else’s gifts. I believe everyone is given talents by God, but not all of them exist within the creative space, and that is perfectly okay.

For me, physics was one of my hardest subjects in school. I would watch other students pass without studying, while I went to tutoring and still struggled to grasp it. That experience taught me something important. We are all wired differently.

Creativity works the same way. It may not make sense to everyone, and it is not meant to. You do not have to understand it, but you do have to respect it

Have you ever had to pivot?

I have recently experienced a pivot in my career. As an entrepreneur, there is a tremendous amount of responsibility and pressure that comes with building and sustaining a business, on top of being the creator. It can be overwhelming at times. Even when business slows down, you still have to show up, stay consistent, and meet your financial obligations.

In 2024, after 10 years of being a full time entrepreneur, I made the decision to return to the workforce. I needed to create more stability in my income, but I was intentional about remaining within my industry. I did not want just any job, I wanted something aligned with my craft.
I began working in alterations at a bridal shop, where I was able to refine and expand my technical skills. That experience added another layer of precision and expertise to my work. From there, I made an even bigger transition and moved across the country to teach fashion design at a post secondary institution.

Now, I exist in a space where I both teach and continue to learn. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience to pour into students while still creating custom garments and growing as a designer myself.

This season has taught me the importance of pivoting. As you evolve, your life will evolve with you. The key is to remain open, adaptable, and aligned with your purpose.

I am embracing this chapter fully, continuing to trust God and the journey, and allowing it to unfold exactly as it is meant to.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thedivinekreator.my.canva.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kouturekreations?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimdterry