We were lucky to catch up with StormyWeather Banks recently and have shared our conversation below.
StormyWeather, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
StormyWeather Banks is driven by her emotions when it comes to fashion designs. She takes pride in providing the best original eclectic out-of-the-box apparel design possible. As a Fashion Designer, StormyWeather’s goals include entrepreneurship, mentorship, and philanthropy. In addition to her primary job functions, StormyWeather has been recognized by Embassy of Fashion Designers for her extraordinary commitment to the education others within her field of fashion.
StormyWeather, 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?
StormyWeather’s passion for fashion can be traced back to the influence of her mother. She spent a significant amount of time learning her craft as a seamstress at the tender age of 7. As a result, StormyWeather specializes in broad reach of apparel ranging from evening wear to out-of-box eclectic style wear called STEAMPUNK. StormyWeather has worked in the fashion industry for 50+ years as both a fashion designer & fashion design educator. She has gained critical experience in working with quality fabrics, apparel originality, color, and foresight. As a seasoned designer, StormyWeather is passionate about the advancement of others and the ability to provide opportunity. In addition to her busy schedule, she is also involved within the entertainment industry, the community and nonprofit organizations. Stormy enjoys creating soft patch dolls, painting, and an occasional game of scrabble.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
As a young mother, I graduated early from Brooks College of Fashion with a bachelor’s degree. I was so excited about my academic accomplishments and my upcoming nuptials that I rushed into a marriage with an unsupportive abusive spouse. For the next ten years I would endure smacks and beatings for whatever reason he could come up with out of convenience. Saying hello to another man, holding a job meant I was cheating, and my clothing was never appropriate enough. It took being chocked unconscious before I had the courage to leave.
However, through it all, I continued to sew at home and upon divorcing him he took my sewing equipment, placed it in storage and never returned it to me. I had to rebuild myself and my self-esteem. After several years, I remarried a man who supported me, had a few more kids, lost one child at birth, and now at the age of 61, I am looking forward to the future.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is, as a Fashion Designer, I get the opportunity to change someone’s life with original designs that fits and inspires you…. And although I specialize in evening wear and am able to create Out-Of-The-Box originals, I am known for my Prom Dresses.
As the founder of Prom Expo Unlimited, my mission is to encourage self-worth and self-esteem to our subsequent future…. our children. by giving a lifetime of memories to all high school students and foster youth through year-round events, educational seminars, and charitable partnerships.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://swdesigns.us/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stormyweatherdesigns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stormyweathercynthia.frazierbanks
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stormyweather-banks-ab8661a0/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@swdesigns6645
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/stormyweather-designs-bellflower?osq=stormyweather+designs