First and foremost I’m a New Yorker, born in Manhasset, NY and bred in Queens. My love of fashion began at an early age when I came across a bio pic of Chanel’s life called “Chanel Solitaire”. Precisely after that my mother’s quilted leather handbags with the interlocking gold c’s no longer appeared quite so fashion forward and alas sparking my intense love affair with all things fashion.
While attending high school, I spent a great deal of time scouring the Village and SOHO boutiques & thrift shops perusing the trendy and not so trendy Manhattan scenes in search of exceptional and unique garment pieces, attempting to create my own personal style and unique flavor.
After high school I attended CUC in Maryland and graduated from St.Johns University, embarking on a “safe” field in Broadcast advertising. Though I could feel the tug of the fashion and style industry, I was not confident enough to tap into my potential or pursue my fashion studies.
In September 2004 a life altering experience forced me to take inventory of my life and my future. I decided it was high time to cultivate my first and true passion and in January of 2005 I began my first class at The Fashion Institute of Technology part-time. The fact that I had no previous fashion experience made attending FIT a tremendous struggle and in the beginning, did little to inspire my confidence. I had no idea how to sew a button properly!
Sweet Material was born in September 2010. Although, my blog will delve into beauty, health and fashion news, my ultimate goal is to teach others young and old how to sew, design and become inspired to create original, beautiful garment pieces. If I can influence or encourage one person to pursue a career in fashion or initiate their own fashion line then I know I’ve accomplished my goal. Even though I did not have the direction or guidance of someone who believed in my untrained abilities, my hope is that this site will help others to recognize it in themselves and move forward with confidence, excitement and a passion for fashion. Life is void without dreams and last night’s dream can become tomorrow’s reality.
