How long ago did you get started into fashion design, and how did you start?
My mom taught me to sew when I was six. I never stopped, but towards the end of middle school, I got much more serious about it. I started competing in fashion shows and realized this was what I wanted to pursue as a career.
Has it been a challenge, or have things come easily to you?
I would say a mix of both. Sewing in general came easily when I was younger, but learning more advanced skills is more of a challenge.
What’s one accomplishment that sticks out above the rest?
This past summer, I won 5th place in the country for a wedding dress I made! I compete in FCCLA, which is a club here at NASH. I won first place at the state level, so I qualified for Nationals. I got to travel t Orlando, meet lots of other teens in the fashion world, and ultimately earn a score I was proud of.
Do you have any tips for staying productive?
Try not to put things off. I definitely procrastinate, but I work well under pressure and with due dates. The best thing to do is force yourself to work at least a few minutes per day. For me, though, a few minutes usually turns into hours, and I really get a lot done.
When you’re not doing school work, what’s your go-to activity?
Definitely sewing. I always have a project that needs to be finished, so if I’m not working or at school, you’ll find me sewing! I also really like reading, though, and that’s another thing I try to make time for.
How many awards do you have, and where are they from?
From FCCLA, I have two first-place wins at the state level. I also have fifth place from nationals as well as two second-place awards for a fashion test. I won first place at Runway Repurposed and have two “Most Innovative” awards from Phipps fashion shows. I also won “Judges Favorite” at a Phipps art gallery. I won first place for the Carnegie Library Teen Media competition for fashion as well as two gold keys and one American Visions nomination with Scholastic Art and Writing Competitions.
What is the hardest class you’re taking?
It’s hard to tell right now, but I would say AP Lang. I love English, but it seems like it’ll be a hard class.
What’s something people wouldn’t expect to know or hear about you?
I was almost on Kids Baking Championship! I applied during COVID, and if they hadn’t had to cancel the season, I would’ve been on it. I love baking and I sometimes do orders for people. I actually made 500 macarons for my middle school teacher’s wedding this past summer!
What would you say to someone interested in starting design?
Just start! Honestly the scariest part is learning the basics. From there, you can learn so much and start making things your proud of! Whether you like drawing and designing, actually creating garments, or the whole process, it’s never too late to start.
Who is someone who inspires you?
My mom. She’s taught me everything I know when it comes to being creative, and she’s my biggest supporter and best friend. I admire her work ethic and determination.
What motivates you to work so hard?
I have a very clear vision of what I want my future to be. Sometimes that makes it harder, because I’m so ready to be in New York City studying fashion. But I just remind myself that in order to get there, I need to work now. I work hard at everything I do so that I’m prepared and ahead when I get to where I want to be.
What’s the hardest obstacle you’ve had to overcome?
I’m a perfectionist to a fault, which makes sewing harder. Nothing is ever good enough for me, but that contributes to the quality of my work. So, although it’s a big obstacle that forces me to work harder, it creates a better finished product.
Is fashion something you want to pursue after high school?
Absolutely! I plan on attending the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. My goal is to someday work one on one with brides to make couture gowns.
What is your favorite dress you’ve made?
I made a gown this year for Ecolution, a Pittsburgh fashion show. It’s called “Sunrise on the Runway” (it was inspired by the fashion in The Hunger Games), and it’s made entirely from repurposed materials, from cupcake liners to cardboard to quilts. It’s my biggest dress and entirely gold.
Do you have any other hobbies and talents?
Baking and reading. I specialize in macarons, but I really find baking enjoyable. For years, I ran my own little business, “Sidney’s Sweets”. As far as reading goes, I’m never without a book. I even built a bookcase with a rolling ladder in my room just to fit all of them! My dream day is sewing and then reading a whole 700-page book.
