Ten Questions With Sassy Divas!

There are loads of cool people I come across who don't really fit into the concept of Lipstick Royaty... In the first in hopefully many interviews I caught up with Shawanda, one half of the husband a wife team behind the up and coming clothing line Sassy Divas! 

How did you and your husband come to found Sassy Divas?

As a little girl, I  was always sketching and drawing designs.  Instead of reading school books, I was always leafing through the latest issue of Vogue or Cosmopolitan or the latest book on fashion.  After a small detour in obtaining my Masters Degree in Business Administration, I decided that fashion was much more fulfilling than crunching numbers.  Sassy Divas was founded in 2007, to pursue a lifelong dream of being a fashion designer.

Where did the name Sassy Diva's come from?

My husband Tom and I were kicking around names and ideas.  Tom came up with Sassy because when thinking of his wife who has a wicked, but fun streak, Sassy came to mind.  When we looked at our target customer, we envisioned a sophisticated, hard working woman, who knows what she wants.  Sassy Divas encompasses the idea that fashion should be uncomplicated, stylish,  and for the Diva that resides in every woman.

What inspires your designs?

At this point everything, I am inspired by music, art, and films but my biggest inspiration stems from traveling, classic movies, to influential designers. The summer 2009 collection was inspired by childhood experiences, thing that was sweet and innocent but not forgotten. I try to design with the idea that a women does not have to follow trends to be stylish. Therefore, I am inspired by making classic staple pieces, that is well defined, but relaxed and fun.

How do you develop the theme for each collection?

I take elements of each piece and infuse them into one modern perspective. This could be from similar attributes within the design phase, to color combinations, to fabric and prints.  But, I always try to infuse the Sassy Divas philosophy and principle behind each piece within the collection.    

Who makes your designs, and where?

I design each collection personally through digital base programs.  I use Adobe Illustrator to create the line drawing and illustrate the technical aspect of each piece.  Also, I have a WACOM tablet, that I use to sketch the designs and then import it into Adobe Photoshop for the final revisions to incorporate colors and fabric prints.   I scour the country for fabrics and prints that will compliment the upcoming collection.   The actual pattern, samples, and production are manufactured in Las Vegas.

How did it feel, making your first sale?

Ecstatic. Fulfillment of a lifelong dream. I hope to build momentum and a strong customer based; that way each sale feels like the first sale every time.

How do you think your background in finance help you build "a strong base for the company?"

Strangely, a degree in accounting and business administration does prepare you with getting together a “business plan” and forecasting sales, but in reality and in my opinion,  a distraction to the creative process of designing.  That is why my husband handles the day to day operations and finances.  Having a strong business acumen is important in running a successful company, but I have learned that having a concise and focused vision is just as important.

You've thought about designing since you were a little kid. When was the moment when you decided 'I want to b a fashion designer', and you started Sassy Divas?

By trade, I was a banker.  However, when I came home every night to relax, I would sketch and draw the designs that were seared in my head.  After a certain point, wanting to be a designer is a far more satisfying  experience than looking at spreadsheets and balance statements.  My revelation came to me in early 2007- that I loved what I was doing in the evening (and not what I was doing during the day) and I simply decided to start my own Fashion Design Company.

Where can we buy "Sassy Divas"?

Each season’s collection will be available on our web site – http://www.sassydivas.com.  Wholesale inquiries, please contact us at 702-324-3856, sales@sassydivas.com, or our sales agent- Stephanie Camputaro at 678.781.5205.

What's next for you, and your line?

We are in the process of releasing our Fall/Winter 2009 collection which be ready for release in mid June. Currently, we are starting the initial phase of our Spring/Summer 2010 collection, with the anticipated release for October this year. We will definitely will keep you posted on any upcoming events and samples sales!