February's Portrait of an Entrepreneur: Korla Collins
How would you describe your line of work?
- WELL...ITS URBAN CLOTHING WITH AN AFRICAN CENTERED APPEAL. IT'S ABOUT GIVING HOMAGE TO THE ANCESTORS AND ALSO BEING ABLE TO WEAR CLOTHES THAT EXPRESS WHATEVER IT IS YOU WANT TO DISPLAY ABOUT YOURSELF, COMMUNITY AND CULTURE.
How does your work contribute to the enrichment of the black community?
- I CREATE MY CLOTHES TO GIVE THE PEOPLE IN MY COMMUNITY A VOICE. I KEEP MY CLOTHES REASONABLE SO THAT PRICE ISN'T AN ISSUE AND I STICK TO THE MESSAGE SO THAT I NEVER APPEAR FLAKY, CONTRADICTING OR HYPOCRITICAL.
Who has influenced your career?
- MY OTHER COLLEAGUES IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY, LRG, POETRY, FELA KUTI, MUSIC, POLITICS, AFRICA, ANYTHING THAT HAS TO DO WITH THE BETTERMENT OF MY COMMUNITY, PEOPLE, AND CULTURE. ALOT OF TIMES PEOPLE ON THE STREETS GIVE ME INSPIRATION DEPENDING ON WHAT THEY'RE WEARING OR WHAT I WOULD WANT TO SEE PEOPLE IN.
What is the next project you are working on?
- I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE FLANNEL DRESSES. SO I'M GOING TO CREATE AFRICAN INSPIRED FLANNEL DRESSES. THEY WON'T BE FLANNEL DRESSES PER SE' BUT THE STYLE WILL BE THE SAME. I LOVE BAGS AS WELL SO I WANT TO START MAKING CLUTCH PURSES AND BAGS AS WELL.
Any advice for upcoming entrepreneurs?
- DO YOU!!!!!! DON'T EVER CONFORM TO PERFORM. STAY TRUE TO YOUR CRAFT AND DON'T GIVE UP EVEN WHEN U THINK THINGS AREN'T GOING GOOD. YOU NEVER KNOW WHO'S SUPPORTING YOU OR WAITING TO BLESS U...
Why is photography important for entrepreneurs?
Photography is important for entrepreneurs because it helps them get their work out through prints, ads, and any other type of publicity they may need. It also speaks volumes to their work and makes connections in other ways by drawing consumers to the product with the right imagery and look.
How do you incorporate it into your business?
I incorporate photography in my business by allowing consumers, designers and models to view my work through various mediums to form relationships with them. i don't always make my clothing tailored to me so when i'm trying to get my name and brand exposed, I look for muse's in others to get the name out through photoshoots. I upload the photos on my site but then the models use it as work and we both get what we want at the end of the process.
Check out Korlah's fashions at www.MySpace.com/DUEAPPAREL or you can contact her via email at DUE_U07@yahoo.com for booking and purchasing information!
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