For the love of design.

I had a conversation with my intern today about Project Runway, the famed show in which contestants compete to win a cash prize and the celebrity that comes along with it. We agreed that most serious fashion students and designers view this show as some kind of novelty.—not to be taken seriously. The reason? Most of the contestants don’t have the eye, talent, or credibility to run a fashion line or even empire. Most (not all) of the contestants do it for the glory—and by glory I mean fame and fortune.

Don’t get me wrong—there is absolutely nothing wrong with fame and fortune. Even in the fashion industry, it can come with the territory, depending on your luck and your ability to make your company grow. I however, do it for the love, and I admire anyone in the industry that does the same. For me, it’s not about how fast my line grows, and how much spotlight I can gain in the process. As small as my line is now, and as much as I do by myself, I enjoy it all. I love the fact that the clothes I create with my hands can actually change the way a woman looks at herself, or even how she feels. That to me—not money or fame—is the most rewarding feeling in the world. Although I know that it takes hard work and a lot of ups and downs, I enjoy every minute of it (despite the endless complaints of back pain, lack of sleep, and stress). It is to me, the little treasure I created from the ground up. This treasure to me is priceless. 

I am not in a rush to watch this treasure grow, but that definitely is the intention. Whatever the outcome may be, the ride will definitely be worth it. I hope that those of you reading this understand how important it is to truly love what you do—not because you will procure a wealth of millions, or the attention it can give you, but because it is worth something to your heart.

Don’t ever let anyone make you feel like what you are doing is less than what they are doing, or what they want to achieve. Everyone has different dreams and goals in their lives. As long as it matters to you, then that is all that really matters.