Today we’d like to introduce you to Wanda Marotiere.
Wanda, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started sewing a little over three years ago. I started with making a small purse. After a while, I became interested in sewing my own clothes. My first clothing was an Ankara maxi skirt and it went on from there. I always had a love for fashion and creating one a kind piece. I also started sewing costumes in my first play, “Aida”.
Thanks to Mrs. T. Cidel, who is currently the Drama teacher at Norland Middle School, for trusting me in sewing the costumes for her Plays “Aida”, “Annie” and most recent “Circle of Life” Making those costumes manifest a love of sewing. Currently, I am working along with a local high school drama teacher Mr. J. Booth on the adaptation of Dream Girls. In between plays I also dabble in special occasions clothing, i.e. prom, weddings and birthdays. With the current quarantine situation in Florida, I have started making mask to help.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
In the beginning, it was difficult. I did not know where to start and really didn’t have formal training and my training came from YouTube.Part of it had a lot to do with my confidence in myself and my talent. Growing up in foster care had its own challenges in shaping who I am today. I am what I called a quiet dreamer. I inwardly dreamed Big and was scared of my dreams. Not knowing what I exactly wanted to do for sure played a big part of my confidence. One day I was watching Black Panther and the Beyoncé documentary and the light bulb came on. Watching those pieces confirm that sewing what I want to do. The attention to detail on every piece was Exhilarating to see. Also, being a single mom help me with patience when it comes to approaching a sewing project. I find myself feeling free and at ease when I am sewing. Sewing is my therapy.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Kizmet Custom Apparel – what should we know?
Kizmet does not have a specific speciality as of yet. But, I do love making gowns for special occasions. Doing the “Circle of Life” costumes is what I proud of and I cant wait to see my current work for Dreamgirls on stage. Other than the fact that I never went to school for fashion and sewing. I believe what set me apart from others is my constant eagerness to learn old and new techniques and I am not typically fashion lover.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Without Mrs. Cidel’s blind confidence in me, I probably wouldn’t have taken the first step. I always heard that I was good for a novice from others and was and is very Grateful. Mrs. Cidel help realizes what my potential was even though I wasn’t sure of what I was doing, Mrs. Cidel, something in me to let me be apart of her productions.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Kizmet_Custom
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