Today we’d like to introduce you to Delia Scantlebury.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Delia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
As far as I could remember, I’ve always wanted to be a fashion designer. Oddly enough I was not exposed to it but it felt natural for me. I was always interested in the fashion I saw on the television. I would mimic outfits and styles I would see, especially in music videos.
I would think of outfits and even cut up old clothes to create new pieces. It wasn’t until I started high school, I knew being a fashion designer was destiny for me. Moving up to central Florida with my family, I did not know what was in store. However, on the second high school tour, I was immediately sold. They provided five levels of a four-year fashion program. I could not have been more excited.
Through my high school career, I was heavily involved in whatever the fashion program had to offer. I participated in every fashion show and showcase and competed in county fair fashion competitions. Jumping onto the alterations fashion program shop, gave me an even deeper understanding in the craft as well. I had a hunger to learn more and I knew a fashion university was the way to go.
My high school fashion class took a trip to Miami to see a student fashion show. I saw all the work of the college fashion students and couldn’t help but realize that was where I belonged. I did not hesitate to do my research and apply to the Miami International University of Art & Design.
I was accepted and won the local level of a fashion scholarship competition I competed in which granted me $3000 towards my tuition. I then began the next portion of my journey in pursuing a career in the fashion industry. I learned countless amounts of valuable information and the endless possibilities of what work I could do within the fashion industry.
With the knowledge I acquired, I knew I wanted to do something valuable to me and for others. Taking advantage of volunteering at fashion shows and other events, I learned background tips of what the fashion world was like. Working in retail while I was schooling also brought ideas and knowledge about owning a brick and mortar store and the lifestyle of establishing and working with clients.
Once I graduated, I was able to confidently decide what direction I wanted to take with my career, which was entrepreneurship.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been rocky. I have always done custom and alteration work for people but not on a consistent basis. One of the first struggles was and still is, having an established business while working has proven to be difficult. Finding energy to continue working while leaving one job has been and continued to be a challenge.
In addition, friends and others I know do not understand the seriousness of the lifestyle. The support is there but the understanding of what my work entails is not apparent to them, especially when they are a customer.
Doing business with people you know can be difficult at times, they want special prices or impossible orders done in an unreasonable amount of time. So establishing a formal space with friends in relation to my work has been a struggle.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about D’embury Customs – what should we know?
D’embury is a custom clothing brand that specializes in creating made to measure custom garments commissioned by clients. D’embury is known for its evening dresses and men’s blazers. Clients are also provided alteration services. D’embury prides itself in creating a one on one design team with the client, giving them full range in designing their ideas.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Determination has definitely set the tone since I officially started the brand. With each project I completed, I wanted to show the process of what my work entails. I was and still am determined to showcase the intimate love of the design process of fashion. It’s something the majority do not see everyday since fast fashion has taken over.
Pricing:
- Blazers $450+
- Evening Dresses $350+
- Suits $550+
- Jackets $250+
- Trousers $65+
- Skirts $25+
- Dress Shirts $85+
Contact Info:
- Phone: 305-906-1372
- Email: dburyfashions@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d_3mbury/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/d3mbury/
Image Credit:
Marvel Bishop, Samuel Blaire, Miami International University of Art & Design, George Caro
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