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Life & Work with Avee Charles of Philadelphia

Today we’d like to introduce you to Avee Charles.

Hi Avee, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

When it comes to fashion, I’ve always had a passion for making clothes. At a very young age, I knew I had a passion for design when I would make clothes for my Bratz. My great-grandmother taught me how to sew at six years old to help me with my doll projects. I always wanted my own brand and in college, I remembered a promise I made to myself that I would own my own business by 20. I then was 19, so that night is when I decided to keep my promise to myself. I used my college projects and resources to help build my brand and here we are today.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

Being an entrepreneur is not a smooth road regardless of product. I’ve wasted so much money starting off, giving everyone free products, lowballing my prices, not having the best resources. But that’s everyone’s story when it comes to starting a business. However, my hardest struggle was containing my audience. As entrepreneurs, we always think, “oh my products aren’t selling, I need to re-brand”. I realized at one point it wasn’t my brand or my designs that was the issue it was my audience and learning my target consumers.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

Fortunately & unfortunately, I would consider myself a jack of all trades when it comes to the fashion world. My most recent hat is being a creative director, I’ve always been one for my brand but as of last year, I started helping other brands for creative director & styling. Even with wearing many hats in fashion, I will still be the proudest of my brand Aviation. I believe what sets me apart from other designers and brands is that I remember my original goal and purposely do things that other brands do not do, I keep my brand diverse and keep my customers on their toes, not knowing what’s next. Aviation reminds people what fun is when it comes to fashion and including the best representation of us as minorities in the fashion world. I strongly believe that my brand will make it. I don’t have doubt, I just know success for my brand and being a designer is set for me this isn’t just a talent, it’s a gift from above. My gift will and has already made room for me. The question is just when?

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?

Covid -19 has taught me the importance of having your brand be flexible and diverse. When you put your brand in a box as far as presentation and marketing if could either hurt you or benefit you. Now if your brand is already established for being different, it’s easier to switch and change when the world around you does. The pandemic reminded me that I was on the right path for success and to make a schedule to stay organized and focused.

Pricing:

  • New | $35 + Under Catalog
  • Handmade Designs ( min price ) $37 +
  • Handmade Designs ( max price ) $250
  • Custom made (starting prices ) ($40 – $200)

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Designer Brand + Aveeation Designer + Avee Charles Models + Naromie Dashawn Bryan Morris Kahjir Iyanna Photography+ Avee Charles Styling + Avee Charles Kahjir Iyanna Lights + John Tahirah

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