Meet Terria James of Kansas City Missouri

Today we’d like to introduce you to Terria James.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I became captivated by the fashion industry at a very young age. My grandmother, who was a model, played a pivotal role in sparking my passion. She taught me how to sew by hand, My mother could create an outfit out of a paper bag , she was a creative genius and an inspiration throughout my journey as well.
Between her influence and my grandmother’s teachings, fashion quickly became second nature to me—blending creativity with the skills and values passed down through my family.

I always had a knack for styling, I started styling my family and friends, helping them put together the perfect outfit. Not only do they value my opinion, but I quickly became the go-to person others would call for help. Whether it’s an everyday look or attire for special events, I love using my creativity to help people look and feel their best. Through this, I discovered how transformational the right outfit could be—not just in appearance, but in the confidence it brings and how someone shows up in their everyday life.

Soon after, I created Couture Collectable LLC. Brand with an umbrella of special services we offer. With a vision and purpose, your closet should be timeless and personal. Once you create your own personal style, that’s when your closet will hold more value. Everyone should have collectable pieces in there closet that are timeless, a collection of your personality!
“Couture pieces for a collectable closet'”

By the time I received my first sewing machine, I was eager to put my skills to use. I started out by doing alterations, but soon after, I ventured into creating my own designs, starting with T-shirts and denim jackets.
Started designing & styling celebrities like Ginuwine and local artist Lil Ava and more….

I found a creative outlet in fashion. All of my designs are inspired by a wide range of cultures, people & experiences. My goal for each client is to engage the senses visually and energetically thru fashion, texture & color. I experiment with different fabrics, reconstruct unique designs with the use of vintage materials, design and refurbish handbags, design hats, Also hand sewn embellished designs. Creating timeless statement pieces that will garner compliments for years to come. I love marching to the beat of my own drum, and fashion felt like the most natural way to express myself. And not have to box myself in, allows me to create freely & explore!

Today, Couture Collectable LLC has evolved into a multifaceted brand, continually growing and innovating. We are focused on building our identity and expanding our reach beyond the local market, with the ultimate goal of becoming a nationwide household name.

Couture Collectable by Terriajames

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Where do I even begin? The journey to success is rarely smooth. Building a business based on creative passion has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding paths I’ve walked. Putting my work out into the world means opening myself up to judgment, and it’s not always easy to expect others to see the value and effort behind my creations the way I do.

There have been countless hours spent perfecting custom designs, only to face the uncertainty of whether a client will love the final result. Managing every aspect of the business—designing, marketing, handling finances, and more—can feel overwhelming at times. But through it all, I’ve held on to my faith, knowing that this is my calling from God. The challenges along the way are just stepping stones, and I’ve learned to persevere.

There are moments when I feel like I’ve reached my limit, but just when I’m ready to give up, God always sends me a sign to keep going. Whether it’s a surge in orders after a slow period, an unexpected compliment that reawakens my creativity, or the joy of seeing a client truly love a custom design, it’s those moments that are priceless. The pride I feel when someone asks about an outfit I styled or a piece I made recommended by one of my clients. It 0pens up more doors and sometimes directs me in areas I wasn’t expecting to be in. This reminds me of why I started this journey and inspire me to continue pushing forward.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My expertise spans nearly every facet of fashion, but I am most recognized for content creating. image consulting, personal styling and shopping, as well as creating custom designs. I specialize in reconstructing apparel, designing and restoring handbags, performing traditional seam work and alterations.

In 2024, I had the incredible honor of having Couture Collectable featured in an annual fashion show. After years of pouring my heart into creating designs, seeing my work showcased on a grand stage was one of the proudest moments of my career.

What truly sets me apart is my unique ability to transform trends and everyday essentials into timeless statement pieces that my clients can cherish and wear confidently—whether it’s tomorrow or two decades from now. Being able to connect and relate to clients, transform their style to feel more confident with themselves and able to make better style & shopping choices.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I see the fashion industry moving and growing in several different area’s. AI is an area that we all need to familiarize ourselves with, as it is becoming increasingly integrated into everyday tasks—including shopping. While I must admit I feel some apprehension about AI potentially taking over certain aspects of my work, I also see exciting possibilities for its use.
In the coming years, recycled fabrics will likely gain prominence as sustainability becomes more critical. Consumers will grow more conscious of how they spend their money, valuing quality and unique pieces that can be cherished and passed down. Instead of overflowing closets, I envision a shift toward prioritizing quality over quantity.

Additionally, I anticipate that designers will expand their collections to celebrate diversity, creating pieces that are inclusive of all ethnicities and sizes. Furthermore, we will see minority-owned brands rise from being small-scale to becoming mainstream. They won’t just be spotlighted in stores like Target for a single month of celebration; instead, they’ll secure places in department stores, with some even achieving high-end status. Imagine a minority designer from the United States gaining the same prestige as iconic names like Louis Vuitton or Chanel—it’s a future I believe is within reach.

Pricing:

• upon request varies

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.couturecollectable.com
• Instagram: Business page: Instagram.com/couture_collectable Personal Stylist page: Instagram.com/Terriajames
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/CoutureCollectable
• Twitter: @Tjmes71
• Youtube: https://YouTube.com/@terriajames
• Other: https://TikTok.com/@terriajames?

Image Credits
ALL PHOTOS

Photographer: Jayd Tandy Photography
Designer: Terria James
Stylist: Terria James
Hair: Terria James
Makeup: Terria James