Conversations with Dion Davis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dion Davis .

Hi Dion, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey in fashion design and seamstress work started in the first grade. I knew wholeheartedly that I would be in the fashion industry. I started creating small sketches and designing urban apparel and women’s clothing wear. I remember having my mother go out to purchase large packs and buckets of gel pens and sketchbooks for me to create my looks. Growing up, I watched a lot of BET and MTV, where they showcased many urban clothing brands, including FUBU, House of Deréon by Beyonce, and Fetish by Eve, so that’s where I was able to get my ideas from and mimic their style.

The first time I ever touched a sewing machine, I was sixteen while attending an alternative school. One of the questions I was asked was, ” What are some things that I like, and what do I want to be when I get older.” I loved that question because I knew I wanted to be; there was never a time when I second-guessed it. I replied, ” I like clothes, and I’m going to be a fashion designer.” While there, during my free time, one of my teachers allowed me to use her sewing machine. One of the first things she taught me was how to make purses using laminated hot chip bags and Kool-Aid packets. From there, I practiced basic sewing skills and stitching techniques. From that time up until the middle of my senior year, I had it in my mind that I would be a fashion designer and would be moving to Atlanta, GA, to study fashion.

A few months before graduating high school, I had a change of heart. I feel that there was pressure to work in “corporate America” for financial stability and happiness. A level of fear sat in, afraid of being away from home and being in the unknown. I ultimately decided to stay home and enrolled in a local college program. I graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and obtained my bachelor’s degree in business administration, emphasizing entrepreneurship. At that time, I knew I had the spirit of an entrepreneur, but I had yet to decide what type of business I would own or if I would ever own a business. After graduating college, I moved to Dallas, TX, and met a young lady that was a well-known designer in the area. She offered group sewing classes, so I enrolled in a class with her, and it has been an amazing experience ever since. I have been designing and sewing for the last five years now. I am a self-taught designer and have learned much from researching YouTube. I am also in a sewing group where we share different ideas and techniques and try to learn from each other. For myself and my journey, I have found myself more intrigued with gown designing, so I have found my niche in designing prom gowns and special occasion dresses.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being an entrepreneur takes work. Initially, I struggled with getting clientele and learning how to market my business. Being an entrepreneur also means a lot of out-of-pocket expenses, so that was a struggle.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to become more familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
As a designer, I am known for my special occasion gowns and prom gown designs. Many of my designs give class, luxury, and “It Girl” vibes. Most of the dresses I design either have a ton of feathers, bling, or both, and my clients love that.

I am most proud of myself for stepping out on faith in a different city and state and having clients not only from Kansas City and Dallas but also from Florida and California, to name a few. What I love and enjoy doing is being received and loved by different people from different states, and I did not see that for myself.

I am tough on myself when perfecting and creating my gowns. I do all that I can to make each of my clients know and feel that they are special. What sets me apart from myself and other designers is the ability to be attentive to my client’s needs and attention to detail.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I started off being a very quiet child. I always wanted to be under my mother. I was never really a people person. During my teen years, I started to know my likes and dislikes and became more social. I also grew a love for dance. That allowed me to meet new people and come out of my shell.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: _labelmco
• Facebook: Label M Co