We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Wynter May a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Wynter thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

There is a quote by Mark Zuckerberg that says “The biggest risk is not taking any risk.” and I couldn’t agree more with this statement. Taking a risk is always scary, but it’s so necessary! Over the years I have had to take a leap of faith and choose to follow my dreams no matter the cost. I believed in myself and I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am today if I never would’ve risked choosing my dream over my 9-5 or choosing to still go to college even though I was 6 months pregnant. The risk is always worth the reward!

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 Wynter and I am CEO of Wynter May Designs. I am a 27 year old custom Apperal fashion designer based in Metro Detroit who specializes in bridal, prom, maternity, and special occasion apparel. I started sewing when I was 11 years old and haven’t been able to put down the sewing machine yet! After getting my bachelors degree in Fashion Design at IADT I’ve had the pleasure of showing off my talents on multiple platforms such as Fox 2 News, NYFW, magazines and local fashions shows. I also have recently had the pleasure of sharing my talents by teaching 1 on 1 sewing classes and providing mentorship programs to other inspiring designers.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

The biggest lesson that I had to unlearn is that failing is a bad thing. I am living proof that its not! Failing teaches you how to get back up and try again. Chasing entrepreneurship there has been so many times during my journey when I felt defeated and just wanted to give up and quit. But it was those lessons that I learned along the way from falling that kept me afloat. I would not be where I am today in my business if it weren’t for me trying again and again after those failures and learning as many lessons as life had thrown at me along the way.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

For many years I always had a 9-5 job that was supporting me finically while I worked on Wynter May Designs. I had a goal of eventually building by business up to where I would feel comfortable enough to quit my job and go full time with my dream. But that was until February of 2022 when I was unexpectedly fired from my 9-5 and thrown to the wolves. It was immediately go time! I was terrified at the time because I was not prepared to go into full time entrepreneurship. All I could think about was how I am a full time single parent and I didn’t know how I was going to be able to provide for me and my daughter. Even though I felt completely defeated I also felt like it was sign from God. Throwing me to the wolves was the only way I would’ve taken advantage of the opportunity to turn my brand into what is today. Ever since that day Wynter May Designs has done nothing but prosper and will continue to do so!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wyntermay.com
• Instagram: WynterMayDesigns
• Facebook: Wynter May Designs