Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Serrita Coleman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Serrita thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
I have been able to earn a full-time from my creative work. There was a defining moment the year after I graduated with my BFA from Columbia College, where I was offered the position of Assistant Designer on an indie film. The problem was that I was working as a secretary and I wasn’t sure what I would do if I quit that job. See, once a film is over you are not guaranteed work. After speaking with my manager, who was a former costume designer, I decided to step out on faith and go after my dreams.
From there, word of mouth was enough to keep me employed enough to make ends meet. My relationships with classmates are what really helped me get my foot in the door of the entertainment industry. These relationships were absolutely essential to my start.
In addition to costume design, I do fashion design and personal styling. The latter two, have not been as prominent until now. I’ve had to rebuild my brand outside of entertainment and in hindsight, I believe that if I had kept an assistant while working in film for advertising the other parts of my brand, I could have saved a lot of the leg work that I am doing now.
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.
Based in Los Angeles, I am a member of the Costume Designers Guild, Local 892, and have worked in the entertainment industry since 2007. I got my start in the industry by taking a course in LA called Semester in LA. The connections I made with my peers led me to land my first job in the entertainment industry. In 2010, I created Serrita Styles to continue my costume design and wardrobe stylist work. Along the way, I have gained experience in many different roles in the costume department while also establishing myself as a wardrobe stylist for print, commercial media, and individual clientele.
My work includes being the assistant costume designer for the tv series Empire, Fargo, American Horror Stories, and Power Book IV: Force. I was the costume designer for Pear Shaped on Amazon and Chicagolicious for the Style Network. Working in many environments with different personalities and body types makes versatility key. Classic to eclectic, men or women, nothing is unmanageable. With an eye for pattern and color mixing, whether subtle or bold, I am up for the challenge.
Founder & CEO | Costume Designer CDG 892 | Image Designer, Wardrobe Stylist | Fashion Designer
Here’s a bit about what I do:
Image design and development. Helping one become empowered, improve communication, increase earning potential, and save time by creating an impactful presence through curated image design.
The following can adversely affect your image:
1. Non-verbal communication is not yielding the results you desire.
2. Lack of time and direction when creating professional looks hinders you from showing up as your best.
3. No system in place for getting dressed.
4. Can’t define who you are.
🌟Research published in the American Economic Review found those with an improved image enjoyed a 20% increase in income.
🌟 Self-image is important because how we think about ourselves affects how we feel about ourselves and how we interact with others and the world around us.
A positive self-image can boost our physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being. -Cleveland Clinic
How you present visually is not vanity.
1. My expertise as an image, costume, and fashion designer provides an extremely valued experience. Client testimonials express the value of my professionalism, and the way I am able to tap in and really see them.
2. I have great joy in being a highly skilled and experienced costume designer and image consultant with a proven track record of success in the entertainment industry. I am most proud of building a career that is expanding and that I still learn new things everyday.
3. I empower and increase confidence by listening to who you are and translating your personality into a style that is cohesive and fits well.
4. I’m committed to delivering exceptional results and ensuring the seamless execution of design based on who you are rather than only going by what’s trendy at the moment.
I currently design for the film and tv industry, style wardrobe for clients personal life, professional photo shoots, and special events.
Have you ever had to pivot?
There have been two times when I’ve had to pivot in my career now. The first being in 2020, as we were all in lockdown I went from being a part of television productions to starting an e-commerce brand and developing a loyal customer base that has continued to be a positive community for me and my family. The second time is right now. During the Hollywood shutdown from multiple strikes, I’ve gone back to my roots and have started offering personal styling (what I call image design) to corporate professionals and actors looking to my a positive impact on their wardrobe and increase their earning potential. Working directly with people, one-on-one has always been my calling. It is the work that fulfills me in a deep way because it has a direct impact on someone’s life. I love to see a person’s confidence grow and that moment when they’ve grown and love who they see in the mirror.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
My career has a span of 15 years and that has covered the economic collapse in 2008, the pandemic, and now the strikes in Hollywood. I’m still standing lol. For me, it comes down to having a strong spiritual relationship with God, always being open to learning more about my craft, being willing to pivot within my creativity, and having a community of like-minded people who are there to be of service to each other. Meaning we can support one another and be there for one another in times of uncertainty.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.serritacoleman.com
- Instagram: @serritastyles
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serrita-coleman-36a1a1174/
Image Credits
El Arthur Bey