06 June 2012 

When the amazing Sue Levy asked me to be part of her "Just Pursue It" blog in the form of the inspirational women of the week, I was honoured and felt very blessed to have this opportunity.

To learn more about Sue Levy and her amazing journey so far, visit her blog (link below), you will be inspired!

www.suelevy.co.za

Read below my interview with her:

What is your Profession and what is it that you do?

I’m the owner and designer of my own company, Silk Orchid Designs. My daily routine starts with following up on mails and admin, updating my Facebook and twitter account, following up on production at my CMT as well as plan and design new styles and order all the fabrics and trims I need. Then I also meet with clients at my showroom as most appointments are after hours.

Which obstacles did you overcome on your journey, in order to find your true calling?

I live and work in Cape Town and have a Consumer Science: Clothing Management degree from the University of Pretoria. After 6 years in the clothing industry working at various companies gaining experience in merchandising, designing and production, buying and planning, I finally took the big step to launch Silk Orchid Designs in June 2011. Silk Orchid has been a dream for many years but I knew I had to first go through the growing pains by gaining experience in various areas in my industry to build up contacts and especially build up confidence that I had something to offer in terms of design. Creating something from scratch always came naturally to me but creating something that would have to compete with so many unbelievable designers scared me at first. I had to learn to trust my thoughts and ideas, listen to mentors and clients but also filter this information so that it would be true to me and most important of all…I had to stay true to my beliefs, true to the promise that Silk Orchid would inspire and when in doubt always remember that Silk Orchid chose me and that it was part of my purpose, preparing me for my next few steps in life.

What advice would you give to someone who pursues a similar profession as yourself?

Our industry is very competitive and sometimes very cruel but I believe if you know yourself well enough and you are willing to learn but can differentiate between good and bad advice, you will be able to realise your dreams. Ethical behaviour is my number one principal and I believe you can’t run a blessed business without this concept, always consider the implications of what you are saying and marketing and the effect it might have on your customers and community…always inspire and give back. A designer’s responsibility is to make the client feel like a million dollars when wearing the design you spent so many hours on, perfecting every detail. Always take pride in your work, never compromise on quality. Always appreciate positive critique and deal with negative critique in a graceful manor.

Where do you draw motivation from and what inspires you?

My collections are built around wardrobe planning rather than item design. Each seasonal collection will have a range with basic, must-have items for your wardrobe as well as a range of classic and timeless pieces with high fashion elements that is also build around colour stories. Inspiration is taken from music (especially country music!), all things romantic, fashion icons and vintage fashion in all the different decades. Motivation will come to me while driving in the car and seeing the most awesome cloud formation, or a field full of spring flowers on a road trip, colours mixing together in different shades and contrasts. I’m motivated when my group of family and friends raid my showroom and fit on everything and love the way they feel and look in all the designs…oh and not to forget those messages I receive from clients after a visit to the showroom that my clothes make them feel so confident, sexy and beautiful. Motivation and Inspiration are endless if you sit quietly and just observe.

What is your favourite motivational quote?

“And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same”

Anneen is a beautiful person inside and out. She really puts so much of her passion for design in her clothing.

Follow her online at:

Website : www.silkorchid.co.za

Facebook : Silk Orchid

Twitter : @silkorchid

I had the pleasure to sit down and have a good chat with Anneen, and must I compliment her on friendliness and humbleness. With starting her Silk Orchid designs in 2011, the exponential growth of her label has been so successful and it’s really something that inspired me. She puts her trust in God first and foremost, and puts so much love in what she does because it’s a aim to see woman feel confident in her garments. The Clothing design Industry is hard to break into, yet Anneen has been blessed with so much success, which comes as no surprise as her clothing feels amazing on your skin as she uses only the best quality materials for her beautifully designed garments. She takes pleasure in seeing that clients look their best when they leave her studio and that is what keeps her pursuing to do her best. Anneen,Thank You for your contribution to the Inspirational Woman of 2012 Blog Series . I am so Inspired by you and I know many Fashion Design students will appreciate your honesty in this interview. May Silk Orchid become a Fashion Label to be reckoned with, I know you will go far as your passion for it is endless.    

- Sue Levy