ZiChiE Designs at WU-BSU Fashion Show

* Zi received an invitation to show ZiChiE Designs pieces at a fashion show held by the Widener University Black Student Union on Saturday, April 11th. To be honest, I wasn't sure we had enough to show but lo and behold, we had more outfits than there were models. :)
** Zi took the designer walk at the end and I was the amateur cameraman who took this video. Perhaps I'll be able to get the official video at some point :)
*** Enjoy the clips below and don't forget to check us out on Instagram @zichie_designs and Facebook: ZiChiE Designs.

NOTE: Full video was too big to upload so give me some time as I create clips from it and upload. Thank You :)

Charms & Shells

 * A couple of weeks ago, I was recovering from a bout with cold and just didn't feel like getting on my sewing machine. To keep my creative juices flowing, I decided to tackle another project that had been on hold for a little while: making charm jewelry with African print fabric and shell earrings. Zi and I also made some button earrings but I'll save those for another day :)
** The charm jewelry are also available on the Etsy store: click  or type in:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/ZiChiEDesigns
*** Check us out on Instagram: @zichie_designs

 

Special Request: Crop Top and Maxi Skirt

    * Ms. Ju sent Zi a picture of her style inspiration: she wanted me to make an off-shoulder crop top and a puffy maxi skirt in African print fabric. This was for an African Tradition and Culture event at her school last month. To achieve the 'puffy' look, I made a petticoat to be worn under the skirt.
  ** Enjoy the pictures below :).
*** Check us out on Instagram @zichie_designs.

Building a Business

* On March 14th, I attended an Empowerment event hosted by OnPoint Eventz and I have to say I learned a lot. The main reason I attended was to support Chinelo Ofoegbu; a fellow sew sister and the first lady of my church: RCCG Love Assembly (she spoke on creating a brand on social media).
** The event challenged me to stop vacillating between ZiChiE Designs being a side job and a business of its own and I pick ... business.
** A few days later, I had a brainstorming session with my best friend and I've started implementing some of the ideas from that talk. The reason I'm sharing this is so that you, my friends (for I like to think of you that way), know what's going on.
I'm open to hearing ideas from you and to you holding me accountable if I drop the ball :)

Here we go.

Building a Business:

The Logo, The Slogan, The Symbol, The Business Card

The Store

Goal is to add new items monthly (at least)

Social Media Presence

Instagram

@zichie_designs

Facebook

Coming this month (April) ...

Bow Ties, Bow Ties, Oh My!

* About 2 weeks ago, I met with a client who needed some alterations done and he asked me to bring samples of the bow ties I had. Well, I did and he ordered one in every print I had so ... 11 bow ties!!! After some minutes trying to follow a YouTube tutorial on tying a bow tie, he requested that I make the bow ties pre-tied and adjustable. I told him I'll look into it.

** I borrowed a friend's store bought, pre-tied and adjustable bow tie and got down to some reverse engineering :). In the process, I came up with so many designs that I think I'll add these (minus his 11) to the Etsy store. Enjoy the designs I have translated from paper to fabric so far (below).

*** Check us out on Instagram @zichie_designs.

Same African Print - Different Backing (Black vs. Pink)