Los Angeles-based designer Phoenyx Reign, a skilled pattern maker, master seamstress and fashion designer, launched two lines in 2012: Leggaci Custom Leggings, a line of high-fashion leggings designed and custom-cut especially for women with curves; and Haute CurveZ, her signature designer collection for curvy women.
Reign’s custom creations have garnered her quite a growing list of private and celebrity clients requiring one-of-a-kind designs, including R&B diva Lalah Hathaway.
Reign is a petite powerhouse rocking fire engine red dreadlocks. Here, she shares how she got her start and how she stays motivated.
What inspires you to show up at work every day?
Purpose is my biggest daily inspiration! Being able to use my talents to positively impact the lives of people I work with is simply amazing. Because I’m an independent designer, I’m able to be very “organic” in my process. I often go out for walks and take in the sights of the city. I find design inspirations all over the place.
How did you determine your career path?
I don’t know that I determined my career path. Instead it chose me. My grandmother taught me to sew at 8yrs old and it changed my life. I was drawn to the art of designing clothes like a moth to a flame, and have always found it to be both my life’s’ passion and as well as my therapy.
What other industries connect to your career choice?
Fashion touches every industry on some level! Its influences are everywhere, all around us in our daily lives. I’ve been an artist all my life, and have also had a professional corporate career that involved project and event management, performance art, as well as training.
Describe the future skill sets that are essential to future business leaders and innovators?
I believe the most important skills are persistence and excellence. You must be excellent in your craft … whatever it is. Whatever your business is, always make excellence your standard and be committed to the journey to success. Persistence is paramount because few people have success just handed to them on a silver platter … it takes hard work and dedication.
Define innovative methods you apply to your business and life
I take a very “organic” approach to my work, and even my life. I truly design from the spirit. My training in my chosen craft allows me to execute a professional and desired product… but my actual design process is a very organic and spiritual. Something inspires me and I get an idea to create a new design. Because I’m also a bit of a technology junkie, I’m always looking to try out the latest design tool, etc This flows into my personal life because I believe strongly in recycling and “upcycling,” and so almost everything around me in my personal space …. every piece of furniture or accessory has its own personal story. I find treasures in the things that most people throw away… even people.
Describe goal setting methods you use and how you evaluate your success.
I’ve learned that the surest way to make God laugh is to tell Him what you have planned! That said, there are certainly creative and business aspirations that I work to attain. I do a ton of research, online and by actually getting out and finding people and venues doing what I’d like to achieve or something similar. If I’m able to chat with them I do. Then I take what I’ve learned and use it as a sort of barometer. Because I’m also a person of faith, evaluate how my business practices line up with spiritual principals and whether I’m doing “good” business and interacting with my community in meaningful ways.
Who do you consider your peers in your field? Who do you look to for best practices?
There are some really exciting designers emerging from the curvy revolution. Purple Diva Designs, A Clothes Mind, and many others. Leading the pack are folks like Monif C and Shanda Freeman. Of course I also look to my favorite Icons like Alexander McQueen and Coco Chanel for trailblazing inspiration!
Name your favorite role models for success in two industries?
Gosh there are so many people incredibly positive things that inspire me, but I’d have to say Lalah Hathaway has always been one of my favorites. I’m moved by her ability to stay so connected to her fans and community. She truly shares her gift of song in a very authentic way and it moves people … the essence of that inspires me. It’s been a dream being able to dress her and interact with her, she is just simply good people! Also I simply adore Angela Bassett! I believe she embodies a character and grace we don’t see very much of today. I would love to meet her one day, and dare I say even dress her!
Names three books that changed how you saw life that you would recommend to others?
Ah … I don’t read for pleasure nearly as much as I used to. But a couple books that have been really memorable to me are the Bible … I know it may sound cliché, but it truly has changed my life and continues to daily. It truly is the greatest story ever written! Possessing the Secret of Joy by Alice Walker, It tells the story of Tashi, an African woman and her personal struggle with her tribal ritual of genital mutilation. The novel explores what it means to have one’s gender culturally defined and emphasizes that, according to Walker, “Torture is not culture.” And The Purple Curtain by Pastor Brian Chan… I’m still reading this one! It examines beauty from a biblical perspective and how it affects our relationship with God. Chan contends that understanding true beauty can change broken people as they discover more of God’s loveliness.
Describe why lifelong learning is important to you?
I am the daughter of two educators. Both of my parents were instructors and so I’ve been in a learning environment my entire life. I’m a student of learning and love to surround myself with avenues to expand my knowledge and understanding of the world I live in.
Describe the voice of success that you hear in your head.
Because I am a woman of faith, my daily confession is that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!” Additionally, I have been blessed with an incredibly supportive family and friends who believe in my talents. Building a dream… following a vision… this can be scary business at times because the mere act of creating something new means stepping out into unknown territory. Everyone has fears and doubts along this journey. But I have a built in cheering section to remind me that I can and will succeed!
Community success based on what you do in the community means what to you.
Everything I do must be meaningful to me. Lots of people can make a pretty dress… Fashion for me is just vehicle to making a meaningful impact on my local and global communities.
Technology plays what role in your daily life?
How did we ever exist without it! I’m not so sure that without technology anybody outside of my family would know who Phoenyx Reign is! Technology allows us to interact with a global audience. I’m developing an international business thru my laptop with the help of social media and whole host of online business tools.
What software and tool of technology apps include has made the biggest difference in you life.
Social media has changed the way we as a global society do business. It used be the goal to have a designated website … now that’s not enough … if you’re not on FB, Twitter, and Instagram just for starters you are seriously behind the curve! It’s always a juggle to keep my content current and find the right balance between business and personal, but social media interaction is crucial. And command central is my trusty iPhone! I mean there’s an App for everything! It allows me to manage my business while on the move.
What role does music and cultural event define your self-identity.
Music moves me. It fuels my creative self. When I’m working and in best creative zone, I love to play music and dance and sing while I’m working … It’s my happy place! Living in LA allows me to partake in a variety of cultural experiences. All I have to do is walk out my front door and the beauty of diversity is all around me.
Define your personal culture.
I’m a free spirit, with a very eclectic style. I adore contemporary art and minimalist design, yet find just as much joy in vintage and antiques. Thrifting is one of my favorite things and I’m an avid “dumpster diver”!! If I can rescue a discarded find and give it new life, I am a happy soul. I love for my personal space and wardrobe to be filled with unique pieces that I have had a connection with.
Describe your favorite vacation spot.
I love the laid-back vibe of the islands and tropical climates. City life is about the hustle and bustle of it all. When I vacation I like to slow the pace and commune with the environment. I enjoy sunny, breezy island climates … they tend to revive me.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
We change the world by changing ourselves. I would absolutely change the way humans treat each other! My heart breaks daily at the horrible things humans do to each other.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
My “crusade” if you will, to change the world begins daily with me … by examining my own beliefs and behaviors. As I continue to grow as a person I am better able to use my creative abilities to be a meaningful and positive part of my community.
