MY INTERVIEW WITH JESSICA WILLIAMS, DESIGNER OF IRREGULAR EXPOSURE CLOTHING

WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE AND JESSICA WILLIAMS

      As promised, I'm back sharing the stories of more inspiring creatives who are building a brand and building up others in the process. As a stylist, I'm always researching new designers and brands that I would like to collab with (and shop with, of course). Upon discovering Irregular Exposure on my Instagram explore page, I noticed that the brand offers really chic pieces that can also serve as capsule wardrobe essentials. I also couldn't help but notice that IE designs were being worn by the likes of Evelyn Lozada and Claire Sulmers (founder of Fashion Bomb Daily and my favorite blogger, ever).

      Even better, I discovered that the designer had just recently held the grand opening of her showroom in the downtown area of my city, Baltimore, Maryland. I had to know more... Read my interview with Jessica Williams, inspiring Designer and Creator of Irregular Exposure and IE Fashion Academy, where she coaches other aspiring fashionpreneurs.

Upon tuning in to an Irregular Exposure IG LIVE this past week, I heard you say that you yourself sketch and design the pieces. How long have you been designing?     

     I currently sketch all of my designs. I have multiple manufacturing companies that I partner with to create the collections. I used to cut and sew all designs however I am in a place where I simply don't have the time anymore so I am now outsourcing. This is pretty common with most fashion designers. I've been designing for 11 years. I began as a custom seamstress and I've been a ready to wear designer for about 4 years now.

The name of your brand is definitely one of the first things that caught my attention. How did you come up with the name Irregular Exposure?

     I created the name when I was really young. I actually was inspired by a footwear line, "Irregular Choice." I was infatuated with their crazy designs and I really began to sketch clothing around their shoes. I always wanted to help women expose their irregular vibes and there it was, the name was birthed!

On the Irregular Exposure blog, you talk about how you reached out to over 100 emerging designer shows in hopes of showing at NYFW and were told "no", only to be told 3 days before a show (and with $200 to your name) that you were next in line and accepted. After this show, sales grew by %238. what did you end up doing to prepare for something so major at such short notice and what has this experience taught you?

     Well I am a firm believer in the motto, "don't get ready, stay ready." I had created my collection in advance with faith on my side knowing that God would cover me and allow my collection to be seen by who it was intended for. I was actually working a 9-5 making good money however this particular week was bill week and I was broke! I had faith and it turned out to be the opportunity that changed my life. The experience taught me that consistency, faith, and determination is required. It also taught me that someone is always watching so remain humble and clear on your brand story at all times. Your next opportunity is already watching you.

What does your Fashion Academy offer and what inspired you to start it?

     The IE Fashion Academy is a digital coaching program for aspiring and emerging fashion entrepreneurs. We offer 6-12 month programs to guide emerging designers, stylist, bloggers, fashion show producers and other fashionable creatives, through the process of concept to profit. With my education and experience, I am able to guide clients through the online classes and events. We are known for our 3 day quarterly retreats which is when the clients meet for 3 days to build. We just wrapped our NYC Fashion Retreat which is when we take clients through the garment district, fashion week and more. My academy is the most important thing to me right now and we are growing. We currently have over 25 private clients in 16 different cities so it's definitely worth the value. Check us out online at IEFashionAcademy.com 

So, Claire Sulmers is one of my favorite women in the industry. I seriously love her. I especially love how she's contributed to the black fashion community. What opportunity allowed you to meet her and how was the experience? 

      I was able to meet Claire at an event in Atlanta almost 2 years back. I reconnected with her through one of her Cocktails with Claire events and she really spoke highly of my brand so we agreed to wear a look on social media. She noticed the investments I was willing to make to be in a room with her. Whether it meant flying to ATL or vending at an event she attended, I knew I wanted her guidance within my network. The experience was very natural. She's a regular lady from the ATL with cool vibes just like us lol! I always am very chill when I meet people. I never like to come off as too much of a stalker lol so I remained calm and gave clear intent. It was really just me going to her letting her know that I wanted to build with her and the rest was history! She's a great person.

What would you call this chapter of your life and why?

      I would call it womanhood. I feel that I am becoming the woman I will be for my lifetime. At age 25, I am seeing clearer. My life consists of God, family, love & business and that's all that really matters. The business allows me to have more time for what matters. I feel so grateful at this point. I just opened my first store and my business is extremely successful. I am at a point where I just want to help others and that's definitely grown woman tendencies lol.

Any advice for aspiring creative entrepreneurs out here?

     Man's rejection is God's protection. Those "no's" you keep hearing are getting you closer to those "yes's." Cover and protect your energy and thoughts. Only share with like minds. Do things for the first time because that's where the opportunity lies.

Shop Irregular Exposure online or stop into their new showroom at 910 S. Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland. I know I will! Keep up with Jessica and all of her upcoming events by following her on Instagram and comment your thoughts on our interview below. 

Images from the IE lookbook. 

More photo shoots and inspirational content coming very soon. Xoxo

Sharra,

"The definition of walking art."

MORE GORGEOUS LOOKS INSPIRED BY THE ROSE, STYLED BY ME & FEATURING AMANDA LANG

Photography and Creative Direction by D. Rice Photography, beauty by idris

Get the Look: Amanda wears a black floral embroidered top, black faux leather tie belted mini, lace tights, harness choker.

Get the Look: Amanda is styled in a mesh mock crop over a sleeveless pvc plunge dress (worn as a top), red jacquard pleated hem mini, plated earrings, hair bow, and Nasty Gal (the OG one) Delicate Danger Lace stilettos

"A rose's rarest essence lives in the thorn. A thorn defends the rose, harming only those who would steal the blossom."

More looks from this series to be featured in N'Trigue magazine, coming soon. Xo

Sharra, 

"The definition of walking art."

"PICK A SIDE": LOOKS FROM A NEW ALTER-EGO THEMED SPREAD

STYLED BY SHARRA GREENE

Developed for an upcoming online magazine...stay tuned for details.

Credits:

Photographer/ Creative Director: D. Rice Photography

Model: Amanda Lang of Dollhouse Management

Makeup Artist: Beauty by Idris

Styling and Co Creative Direction by Me

Pick a side...comment your fave look. 

Sharra,

"The definition of walking art."

MY FEATURED INTERVIEW WITH F STOP SOCIAL NETWORK: ME ON MY BRAND, MY VISION, AND MY EXPERIENCES

Written & Developed by FSTOP

SHARRA GREENE – THE DEFINITION OF WALKING ART

As the title suggests, Sharra styles with the intent to create “walking art.” Check her story out below. 

Say hello to Sharra:

     F Stop is a social network platform that allows creatives to connect and collaborate via an efficient web app. Back in July, I was contacted by L.A. Photographer Mick Ben about collaborating with the F Stop team. Upon joining the platform, I've been able to brand, showcase, and network with other artists through a very simple structure. I encourage all artists looking to broaden their network to join F Stop.  See my feature on their amazing blog and below. 

Where are you from?  Where have you been?

Baltimore, MD. Born and raised, minus two years in Kingstree, SC.

What’s your favorite place in the world?

I don’t think I’ve traveled nearly as much as I would like to in order to accurately answer this question. Ask again in about three to five years. I plan on doing a lot of traveling between now and then.

What’s on your “bucket list” of ideas to create? 

Wow…so many ideas. But overall, I really want my work to display people, women in particular, as works of art – pushing the envelope artistically, defying stereotypes, and redefining beauty and style standards through dress. I also want to incorporate several of my other passions (dance, design, poetry, etc.) into one major project.

What is your signature styling trademark? 

Styles that I’m into tend to change often, so I wouldn’t say that I have one, but many may notice this recurring theme of a vintage-glam influence in my work. However, I do try to stay true to my motto of “the definition of walking art.”

How would you sum up your visual style?

My motto: “The definition of walking art.” I view everyone that I style as works of art and I create looks that help bring out the true artist in them, as it relates to the given concept.

Tell us about your career.  How did you prepare for it? 

My parents had me in so many different activities as a child – acting, dancing, pageantry, and so many more, but fashion was the one thing that stuck. It never went away. Those experiences also helped me become a well-rounded person who could relate to a wide range of people, artists in particular. From picking pageant looks to dance costumes, fashion was always in the mix somehow, and I think that’s how it kept my attention. High school was when I began to take it more seriously. I found a Couture Arts School and took classes there after school, volunteered for local fashion shows, and networked with some successful people in the industry from my area. That was when it became more real for me, and my world began to revolve around it. From there, I’ve made important connections in the industry and have been functioning in the roles as creative director and stylist for fashion-photography projects.

How do you stay current on trends? 

I try to follow as many social media pages as possible that I find interesting, inspirational, and relevant to my craft. That way, I’m not just reading/looking at random thoughts and selfies all day long as I scroll throughout the day. I also use mood boards and my Polyvore page (greeshar) to stay up on the latest trends, and I incorporate my own styling take on them. I shop a lot also, lol.

Do you have any projects you’d like to show off?

I love these images from my latest freelance project, "Discrete Luxury", inspired by a play off of the title of Rico Love’s EP.

What challenges do you face in your career?

I always tell people that my biggest challenge as a Stylist/Curator is trying to create a timeless body of work in such a fast-paced, ever-changing industry. The masses focus on “trends” so even as trends inevitably make their way into my work, I try to always make it “me.” I create art that I know I would be proud of, even when what’s “in” has changed. I also look at my craft as an art form and not just “clothes,” – I aim for my work to embody the same emotional impact inherent in art. Conveying that through fashion photography is always a challenge that keeps me interested. 

It’s also a challenge working in my field, in my city. In my experience, you have to go out and create your work when you’re in my field and from where I’m from. Not only is Baltimore not a fashion capital, but there’s a relatively small group of people in the field in comparison to places like NYC, ATL, LA, etc. I enjoy that challenge as well, though. It makes the work that much more exciting.

What celebrities would you like to style?

Solange, Claire Sulmers, Cindy Bruna, and Tammy Rivera are some of my favorites right now…they all have such versatile aesthetics. I’d love to style them all.

What’s the most memorable project you’ve participated in? 

This series entitled “Vintage Materialism” that I worked on with photographer, Kelvin Bulluck, is probably my most memorable because it was the first project where I was playing the role of Co Creative Director as well as Stylist. That’s when I realized I wanted to take on directing editorials as well.

Who do you want to give a shoutout to?

My mom, my rock, ”momager,” best friend, all in one. She’s my everything and she will do anything good to see me win. My favorite guy, my dad, who’s been my loving supporter and is always eager to help me plan and execute my goals. My siblings for being there to see every success and lesson learned and still cheering me on and keeping me so grounded. My grandparents for their immense patience, wisdom and support throughout my entire life. My uncle, Daniel, who is teaching me all about how to be the best Creative Entrepreneur I can be…and every single relative, friend, and person I love who has ever picked me up and dropped me off to school, work, a photoshoot, show, etc., complimented any of my work, sent me a nice text, given me a hug, lol…anything remotely positive.

All of these people keep me going in the direction of my dreams, so I had to name them all.

What fashion trend do you wish would come back? 

I honestly don’t need any of them to. Good “trends” never really go out of style. So I’ll continue to wear them and reference them in my work, regardless.

What is the most life-changing event that you’ve experienced? 

The passing of my best friend, Alisha, was definitely the most life changing event for me. She was into fashion, as well. She wanted to study it and have a career in the field, and we related to each other in that way. Losing her and seeing how hard she worked to finish school during our senior year in high school as she battled with her sickness just made me want to work ten times harder in all of my endeavors, especially when it came to my career in fashion. She’ll always be a reason for me to keep going.

What’s your greatest failure, and how did you overcome it? 

My greatest failure is honestly self-doubt. There was a point where I started believing the people who told me that my passion wasn’t “practical” or that it was just a phase and that I should put my focus elsewhere. I overcame it through personal development and choosing to spend my time with more supportive, positive people, even if that meant a lot less people…. This is still something I’m working on to this day.

What’s your greatest achievement, and how has it shaped you? 

I think my biggest achievement is not waiting for anyone’s stamp of approval or the possession of all the right resources to pursue my passion. Many may disagree, but I believe that if you wait for all the right connections, approval, and resources to start, you will NEVER start because there will always be some obstacle in your way. Realizing that and moving forward is my proudest moment.

For anyone who wants to get in touch with Sharra, here’s some contact information:

FStop: Profile

Website: sharragreenestyling.com

MM: Profile

Sharra, thanks so much for interviewing with us! We look forward to the constant evolution to “The Definition of Walking Art.”

Special thank you to Mick Ben, Pamela, and everyone from the FStop team for putting this together. Comment your thoughts on the interview below. ✨💕 See more inspiring F Stop interviews here. 

Sharra,

"The definition of walking art."