We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sonya Z. Phillips. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with SONYA Z. below.

Hi SONYA Z., thanks for joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I learned how to sew in 7th grade home economics. I developed my craft further when I was about 19 and could not find the clothing I needed in the marketplace. I’m short and plus sized. 30 years ago there was no Amazon prime, SHEIN, or any plus sized fashion options. I started making my own clothes while attending community college. I then went on to Old Dominion University obtains a BS in Biology and International Business. Honestly my accounting and business classes were essential because starting out I was undercharging people, it took time to understand the business of fashion. I have developed my garment construction skills with self study and I have also had the opportunity to study couture fashion design virtually with Marc Jacobs. Now I teach aspiring fashion designers how to start and scale their fashion business.

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 back background and context?

My name is Sonya Z. Phillips, and I’m an international fashion designer, digital marketer, and entrepreneur with over 30 years of cut & sew experience. My journey into the fashion industry began out of necessity and a deep passion for creativity and sustainability. Growing up as the only child of a single mother, I mostly wore hand-me-downs or thrifted clothing, which sparked my interest in upcycling and styling from a young age. I first learned to sew in 7th grade home economics, and by the time I was 19, I started sewing for myself because I couldn’t find the clothes I wanted in the marketplace.

My academic background in biology has also played a significant role in shaping my approach to sustainable fashion. I further honed my skills by studying couture fashion virtually with industry icons like Marc Jacobs, which allowed me to blend scientific principles with artistic design. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of participating in international fashion shows, judging pitch competitions, and successfully completing several fashion incubators and programs.

I am the founder of two impactful brands: Stretch Couture and Sustainabili-T. Stretch Couture focuses on teaching sewing, creating custom fashion pieces, and empowering others to start their own fashion businesses. Sustainabili-T is a lifestyle brand centered on sustainable fashion, self-love, and holistic wellness. Through Sustainabili-T, we offer a fashion incubator that teaches individuals how to make clothes from sustainable materials and upcycled garments. My mission with Sustainabili-T is to create a fashion and technology incubator that empowers individuals to sew and build fashion brands within 30 days. I have a future vision to expand Sustainabili-T to Ghana, where I aim to initiate hemp production by 2025.

In addition to my work in fashion, I’m the Co-Owner of Dream Shape Body Contouring Med Spa in Norfolk, Virginia, where we offer a range of body contouring services designed to help clients achieve their desired body shape and wellness goals. Our services include ultrasound cavitation, laser lipo LED pads, and vacuum therapy, among others. What sets us apart is our holistic approach to wellness and beauty, tying body contouring to the world of fashion, allowing our clients to not only look good but feel confident in their own skin.

One of the key problems I solve for my clients is the lack of access to sustainable, custom fashion, and body contouring services that are both effective and affordable. Whether it’s helping clients create their personal brand through fashion or enhancing their natural beauty through body contouring, my goal is to provide top-notch services that are tailored to meet their unique needs.

What I’m most proud of is the impact my work has had on empowering others, particularly through the Sustainabili-T incubator, where we teach a new generation of fashion designers how to create sustainable and innovative fashion. Additionally, I’m proud of the diverse range of services and products I offer across my brands, all of which aim to make a positive difference in people’s lives—whether it’s through fashion, beauty, or wellness.

For those looking to connect with my brands or me, I want them to know that my work is driven by a commitment to sustainability, creativity, and empowerment. I believe that fashion and wellness are powerful tools for self-expression and confidence, and I’m dedicated to helping others achieve their goals through these avenues. Whether you’re interested in learning to sew, launching a fashion line, or achieving your body contouring goals, my team and I are here to support you every step of the way.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

During the pandemic, like many small business owners, I faced significant challenges as my business was heavily reliant on in-person interactions, live events, festivals, and pop-up shops. When everything came to a halt, so did much of my business, and it took a toll on my emotional, mental, physical, and financial well-being.

At the start of the pandemic, I found myself making face masks for a nurse practitioner who had been wearing the same mask for over a week due to shortages in her nursing home. The urgency of the situation hit me hard as COVID-19 was spreading rapidly. We used bedsheets and pillowcases to make the masks, and I even taught some of my sewing students how to make them. This effort allowed me to generate some income during a difficult time, but it quickly became overwhelming. The constant demand and the shift from creative design work to mass-producing masks left me feeling burnt out and stifled. I was on the verge of shutting down my entire business.

However, I decided to take a step back and spend some time reflecting on what I truly loved about my work. It was during this period of introspection that I realized the true value I bring as a sewer and, more importantly, as an educator. I recognized how much joy I derived from teaching others the craft of sewing. The pandemic made me see that while making items is satisfying, empowering others to create their own brought me even greater fulfillment.

So, I pivoted. I shifted my focus from producing items to teaching others how to make their own. The joy I experience when I see my students smile after completing a project is immeasurable. One of my proudest moments came when I taught someone how to sew, watched them teach another person on Instagram Live, and then saw all three of us showcasing our collections in a fashion show. It was a true “proud mama” moment, and it solidified my love for my “fashion babies.”

This pivot not only reinvigorated my passion for my work but also allowed me to continue to grow my business in a new and fulfilling direction.

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

There have been a few key resources that have significantly shaped my management and entrepreneurial philosophy. One book that completely changed my life is “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne. I was gifted a hardback copy by one of my best friends, Naomi Marie, and it truly shifted my mindset. After reading it, I noticed that my world began to change in remarkable ways.

Another book that I absolutely love is “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. As creatives, we can often find ourselves scattered, but this book emphasizes the power of consistency. It teaches that even if you improve your practice by just 1 percent gradually, you can achieve incredible results over time. This idea has been a game-changer for me in maintaining focus and building effective routines.

I also have to mention “Anomaly: How to Stand Out from the Crowd” by Zack Miller. It’s a fantastic business book filled with tons of useful resources. It reinforces the importance of being unique and finding ways to differentiate yourself in a crowded marketplace.

Beyond books, I truly believe that it’s not just about what you know but who you know. Building real, meaningful relationships—what I like to call “REALationships”—is crucial. It’s important to connect with people both in your social network and in real life. I’m a big fan of the motto from Business Networking International (BNI), “Givers Gain.” My mom raised me in the church, where we were always involved in community service, and this instilled in me a love for serving and helping others. This mentality of not always asking, “What’s in it for me?” but instead genuinely showing up to help or provide free services, has taken me a long way in my career and personal life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sonyazphillips.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stretchcouture
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/sonya.phillips.56
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonyazphillips
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/stretchcouture
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/SonyaZPhillips
• Other: https://www.stretchcoutre.com

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  https://www.patreon.com/Stretchcouture

Image Credits

Frequency Music Group, Sonya Z. Phillips, Dasha Halfkenny, Tom Slavin