Why Can't we Help One Another.....

Hi Fashion Lovers, 

So often people come to me telling me that they are looking for ways to start their own company or asking for advice on how to expand their brand or whatever creative business they have. IF I can help I always do or I give solid advice on WHO actually can help them!! Why do I do that you ask.. I do it because why not.. I needed help, I STILL need help from people and helping someone else won't hurt my come up. To me their is room for EVERYONE!! 

Ironically overall in my entire 16 year career I haven't gotten the most help from my own people. I always get the best advice from other people in the industry. Even if its quick advice its sound advice. I haven't yet found my business mentor but just from my track record alone I don't think it will be a person of color. I do believe that you have to help yourself before anyone else can but too many african american business people seem to think as soon as you can no longer further their moment they can't help you with yours (at least in my experience). 

I strive to give the best of myself and my company in all that I represent when it comes to my brand but mistakes are made; This is how you learn & grow so why can't we do it together? 

Speak on it Fashion Lovers... Am I the only one to experience this? 

Fashionably Yours, 

ImaniLia 

Thank You!!

As you know know no business can survive with out it clients and investors!! With this great fundraiser I am doing I want to thank each and every donor exclusively so my 1st Thank You goes out to Matthew Meachem for his generous donation! 

Yourself and your donation are much appreciated!! Thank You so much for believing in myself and my dreams!! 

Many Thanks from ImaniLia Fashions!!!

If you would like a feature on my blog and to help produce the next great collection donate here. 

The Perks!!!

As you all know my fundraiser is 24hrs old and going strong I just want to keep getting the word out as well as I want you all to benefit from helping me!! SOOOO with that being said I have added some perks for your generous donations to my brand growth and production. Check out what I'm giving you for helping me!! 

PERKS:

 Everyone: Personal Feature and Public Thank You on my blog

$300-$400: Behind the scenes access at official photo shoot (2/9/14) Or Front Row seats at Sept. show

$250: 5hr Personal Styling Session w/ ME! Re- Vamp that wardrobe!! 

$200: ImaniLia "Signature Tee" (please include your sizing info)
*It is not guaranteed that you will get the version pictured.

ImaniLia Signature Tee Front Photo Credit Nay Marie Photography

ImaniLia Signature Tee Back Photo Credit Nay Marie Photography

   

$75-$100 : 40% off any purchase on the online store

I appreciate all of the well wishes and continued support for my success!! Lets make classy fashion happen!! 

Donate to the ImaniLia Fashions Fundraiser here!!! 

Fashionably Yours, 

ImaniLia 

Time to Raise Funds

Putting my Pride aside I took the time out to start a public fundraiser to help aid in factory production of my next line due in February. Some close friends and family have helped me privately over the last few months and I truly appreciate it but I can't do it alone!! So to all of you that wanted to & can help please do!! I appreciate it 200%. Heres the link and spread the word. 

Check the tab titled "ImaniLia Fundraiser" on the home page for more details as well we all need each other and every little bit counts so thank you so so much!!  

Photo by Nay Marie
Model Dominika F.

Photo by Nay Marie
Model Robin Sienne

Photo by Nay Marie
Model Dominika F.

The direct link is : http://www.razoo.com/br/causes/Building-Andamp-Branding-Imanilia-Fashions

Thank You in Advance!!

Fashionably Yours, 

ImaniLia

Did You Know!!???

Did you know!!!???...... I am basically a one woman show. I design and sketch everything myself, I make all my own patterns, I sew almost all my samples myself, I pay for my own line to be produced. 

At times I do get help from some friends, family and independent supporters monetarily  at times. Also I have a part time seamstress that works with me on a piece by piece basis. She only worked with me on about 5- 6 pieces in the 2012 collection. All other pieces were sewn by myself. This year I plan on partnering with a factory for production after the initial samples are done for the line. I enjoy sewing the 1st samples myself !! :D 

For the past few months I have doing all my own media and PR (which is why it can be scarce at times; LOL). I love my line and what I do. I do it all for you and I want to give you and show you the best from ImaniLia!!  PLEASE STAY TUNED!!! 

I'd like to Thank my brother who's basically the President of my company Reynior Lewis and my Sister who keeps my business finances in check as well as the slew of media professionals I know that give me daily advice on things concerning growing a brand and a business!! 

ImaniLia website home page

www.ImaniLia.com

The Price of Fashion

Hi Happy New Year!! It's my 1st post of the New Year and I'm excited.. I'm REALLY trying to get into this blogging thing for you all.. SO todays post is about the cost of custom pieces and how much $$ time it takes to make a piece. So many people come to me wanting a piece but they don't want to pay the right price for it. It gets on my nerves because of the following: 

 #1. I was some big name designer you'd pay no problem.

#2. So many designers lower their rates for a sale that people don't understand its true value; and lastly but not least. 

#3. Garments and product that is massed produced will 99.999999% of the time be less expensive because you are paying a bulk rate by the quantity that was ordered using fabric and what not that has been already paid for and put aside for this purpose etc. etc. 

For New Years Eve I made this fab sequin skirt and I want to share with you how much I would probably charge if I sold it to private clients outside of a collection price. Take note at the Price of Fashion....

This maxi skirt was inspired by a tutorial put up by Mimi G (www.MimiGStyle.com) So I started by making the pattern which after taking a few easy measurements took me about 20 mins to make. For pattern making I charge $30.00 p/hr (If less than a hour is used you are billed for one whole hour). 

Next I had to buy the fabric; The heavy sequin is $25 per yard. The skirt was lined and the lining fabric was $4 per yard. To find the amount of yardage needed I had to do the following math: length of the skirt in inches x 2 (front & back) / by the height of the roll of fabric (36'') = I came up with 3 yards of fabric needed. In total I spent $87.00 on fabric. I paid $1.00 for a yard of elastic. The total on fabric and supplies is $88.00 

I spent about 3.5 hours cutting fabric and sewing. I charge $20 an hour for cutting and sewing. That totals $70.00

So with no inflation this maxi sequin skirt would cost $188.00 if requested by a private client. Sequin is no easy fabric to work with nor is  it inexpensive so this is why for a custom sequin skirt it would be almost $200.00 

A lot of people might not say it's worth it but why is it not? It's custom made for you, made by a skilled hand with sourced fabric by your request. If my name was Galliano people wouldn't blink at spending $200.00 on a full length sequin skirt. I don't understand why so many people wont do the same for small business' and emerging fashion houses... 

What say you Fashion Lovers?

Fashionably Yours,

ImaniLia