We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Zintrise Altovise Lawson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Zintrise Altovise, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I’ve always danced to the rhythm of creativity. My journey began with choreographing dances and plays, engaging family and friends as my first audience. I also love to paint. I won third place in a state art contest in 1st grade and thought I might be good at this stuff.
My talents didn’t stop there. Starting at five years old, I traveled across the southern region, singing solos before my father’s evangelistic sermons. This melody wove through my childhood as I taught cheerleading, started a community dance team, and was named one of the top 5 dancers in the state my senior year. Each step and note was a building block, shaping me into a creator, an artist at heart.
However, the moment I received my first sewing machine was a revelation, marking the beginning of my fashion journey. It wasn’t just about making dresses for my dolls anymore; it was about realizing my potential. Working alongside my mother, a gifted seamstress, I delved deeper into the craft, absorbing every lesson on transforming ideas into tangible art. My creativity wasn’t confined to just assisting. I ventured into designing, pushing boundaries, and expressing my unique vision by creating outfits for myself and my friends. Then, having the opportunity to design the signature dress for my entire homecoming court wasn’t just a high school project but a declaration of my future in fashion.
Yet, I didn’t believe I could do this as a real job. So, I focused on non-profit work and started a community center that provided computer technology training to disadvantaged youth. I loved my work, but I did feel like something was missing. I realized that life’s beauty lies in living fully and embracing every moment with passion and purpose. This truth hit home in 2010 after facing the stark shadow of ovarian cancer. Given six months to live, I was at a crossroads, faced with the fragility of existence and the power of hope. My miraculous recovery was not just a second chance at life; it was a clarion call to pursue my dreams with vigor and live a life that the young version of me dreamt of—a life filled with creation, art, music, and design.
The decision crystallized on New Year’s Day 2011. As I walked down the streets of Manhattan, the sight of the Fashion Institute of Technology stirred something profound within me. It was as if the dreams of my younger self, once whispers, now roared with clarity and purpose. That day, I felt a visceral pull towards my destiny, a message from my past self affirming, “This is what we’re meant to do.”
Returning to Nashville, I embraced this newfound direction with open arms, enrolling in a Fashion Design program as the first formal step toward realizing my vision. This education was not just about learning the craft but connecting with the essence of who I am—a creator, designer, and visionary. In 2013, this journey culminated in the founding of Zintrise Altovise. This fashion brand embodies my personal story of resilience and creativity and a commitment to inspiring others to follow their passions.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Emerging from my roots in Houma, Louisiana, and inspired by a legacy of French Creole culture and my mother’s craftsmanship as a seamstress, I’ve carved a distinct path in the fashion world with Zintrise Altovise. Our brand is celebrated for its haute couture, ready-to-wear collections, and bespoke Italian-manufactured shoes, each piece a testament to a heritage of creativity and an unyielding quest for excellence.
Yet, my vision extended beyond the runways and showrooms. With the inception of Love Peace Zin, I sought to cultivate a community for my clients, family, friends, and all who seek a deeper connection to the design world. Leveraging my nonprofit background, Love Peace Zin emerged as a holistic service platform, offering personal styling, custom design, interior decorating, and mentorship for those embarking on their design journeys.
At the heart of Love Peace Zin lies a soft lifestyle blog, a serene space dedicated to navigating the intricacies of healthy living, mental clarity, and the appreciation of beauty in every facet of life. This extension of my brand is more than a collection of services—it’s a sanctuary for like-minded individuals to explore, engage, and enrich their lives through design, well-being, and mindful living principles. In addition, my sister and I host a Podcast: Soft Life Sisters that gives women who are making a difference in creating peaceful, meaningful destinies for themselves a place to thrive.
What sets me apart is not just the diversity and craftsmanship of my designs but the ethos of community, support, and holistic well-being that defines Love Peace Zin. I take pride in the aesthetic and quality of my work and the ability to inspire, guide, and uplift others through their personal and creative journeys.
Zintrise Altovise has now evolved into a luxury loungewear collection highlighting luxurious living in everyday places. We launch phase one, 4.4.24, with our more affordable line. We will follow with two more launches that add to the levels of luxury later this year, embracing silks and cashmere as our base.
To those newly acquainting themselves with my work and ethos, know that Zintrise Altovise and Love Peace Zin are beacons for anyone seeking to express themselves through fashion and design. Here, every garment, every shoe, and every piece of advice is imbued with a story, a purpose, and a commitment to not just beauty, but to a lifestyle that embraces the fullness of life’s potential.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
In the early days of launching my luxury sneaker line, I was hit with a cease and desist letter from designer John Bucesmi, claiming my designs infringed on his. This was a heavy blow, especially since I was starting and lacked a legal team. Despite the stark differences between our designs, I faced demands to submit future designs for their review—a request I refused. This standoff cost me one of my designs, financial losses, and, most critically, a dent in my self-confidence.
However, this challenging period taught me the importance of resilience. My refusal to bend in the face of intimidation was a stand for my creative integrity. It took years, but I returned to designing shoes, now understanding that their challenge was less about design similarities and more about recognizing the threat of my emerging talent. This experience became a testament to standing firm and believing in my work, shaping my resolve as a designer.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The essence of being an artist, for me, lies in the voyage itself—the unfolding journey of discovery, growth, and expression. It’s about the paths taken, the hurdles overcome, and the continuous evolution of my craft. This journey shapes not just the art I create but the person I become through the process. Each step and project is a layer added to my story, enriching my perspective and deepening my connection to the world around me. It’s in this relentless pursuit of creativity that I find the greatest reward in the endless cycle of learning, creating, and inspiring.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lovepeacezin.com coming soon 4.4.24 www.zintrisealtovise.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovepeacezin/ https://www.instagram.com/zintrisealtovise/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zintrise. https://www.facebook.com/ZintriseAltovise/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zintrise-altovise-a2625517/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Zintrise
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@lovepeacezin
- Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lovepeacezin