TEEN DIARIES: Anna-Kay (Jill of Many Trades)
by Nicole, 20 (Gainesville, FL)
Anna-Kay Clarke is one of the most hard-working individuals that I know. She has big dreams and an even bigger heart to match. At the age of 20, she has accomplished much more than some adults and does not plan on stopping anytime soon. She is not only a dear friend of mine, but she is also a… ➫ full-time student, a working License Practical Nurse (LPN) and the owner and designer of Blaque Diamond Fashions, set to launch its debut line in May 2010.
Recently, I got up-close and personal with Anna-Kay to get the 411 on how she handles her busy life and so much more. Check out the interview below:
NICOLE: What differentiates your line from others?
Anna-Kay: Blaque Diamond Fashions is more than just a clothing line, it’s a way of life. “Standing Out Is The Best Way To Fit In”.
NICOLE: How hard is it to balance school, work and designing for your line?
Anna-Kay: [Sigh] For me to put it into words wouldn’t do it justice. I work and go to school full-time, PLUS, designing for Blaque Diamond. If I’m not spending the day at school, I’m spending the day at work. That leaves me with many sleepless nights around the sewing machine experimenting with different fabrics trying to come up with new pieces in preparation for my launch in Spring. So it’s EXTREMELY hard but this is what I want and I wouldn’t trade it for the world! I work hard now so I can play even harder later. (Check out some of her designs below)
NICOLE: What advice do you have for young designers who are thinking about creating their own fashion line?
Anna-Kay: PLAN PLAN PLAN. Don’t get caught up looking at other people’s success and feel as though you have to rush into anything. Take your time with whatever you’re creating because at the end of the day, it’s a representation of you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Be honest! If you don’t know something, let it be known and learn as much as you can. And finally, NETWORK. You never know who you will meet and how you guys can work together toward the same goal.
NICOLE: Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
Anna-Kay: Hmm… in 10 years I see myself as the next Kimora Lee Simmons and have Blaque Diamond Fashions as a regular household name. Hopefully we will have a store open locally here in South Florida and possibly featured in different boutiques all over. I would also love to branch out into different fields. I may have decided to dedicate myself to fashion but in essence, I just love to create. I have this infatuation with being an author. [laughs] I even went as far as to have the prelude and first chapter completed. So stay tuned! I have some more tricks up my sleeve.
NICOLE: Give us one fun fact about yourself?
Anna-Kay: I’ve been a License Practical Nurse since the age of 18! Also I’m such a big kid. I love Chuck E. Cheese’s and animated Disney movies. Finding Nemo is my favorite! [laughs]
NICOLE: Any closing words, comments?
Anna-Kay: With women all over the world struggling with self-esteem and self-image, Blaque Diamond Fashions should not be interpreted as a restricting stereotype, but be embraced as a metaphoric outlet. Here at Blaque Diamond Fashions we have the philosophy that when you look good, you feel good. You radiate a sense of happiness and well-being, and the world sees you as a woman of style and substance. Fashion should not be defined by designer labels or over-the-top price tags because whether you’re a big spender or a penny pincher, EVERYONE has the potential to be stylish. So with that said, don’t get lost in the seasonal fads or become consumed in the fickle world of fashion because “Standing Out Is The Best Way To Fit In”.
“Fashion is one big experiment… and I’m just a scientist having fun with it.” – Anna-Kay Clarke
Can’t get enough of Anna-Kay? Want to know more about her and her upcoming fashion line Blaque Diamond Fashions? Contact her at the following online destinations:
E-mail: Kay@blaquediamondfashions.com
Twitter: @BDFashions (business) @iCreate_BDF (personal)
Facebook fan page: (CLICK HERE)
Website coming soon: BlaqueDiamondFashions.com
Tags: Anna-Kay, Blaque Diamond Fashion, Career, College Student, Entreprenuer, Fashion, Fashion Designer, I Want Her Job, Nicole, Swimsuits, Teen Diaries, TEEN Reporter
