Featured Vendor: Neon Fleur

 

I had the opportunity to interview  Artesia Rose, Owner of "Neon Fleur".  Her journey is really incredible, and facinating,  I cannot wait to share all the amazing happenings within her business!

 

 

"We're new, fresh and different and we try to produce items that cater to women with all sorts of styles and personal expression." - Artesia

 

Artesia's journey has led her to many places and they always point back to the arts, design and fashion. It's been a lifelong battle of personal discovery and self appreciation and we hope you join us in the movement to glow brighter and to glow better with each passing moment.

 

Clarissa:  How long have you been a Fashion Designer/Artist, and Jewelry designer?

Artesia: I have been an artist since I was a child and I started sewing when I was a young girl. I took summer classes in a program called "College for Kids" at Onondaga Community College when I used to live in New York. Between my time at the local college and home economics classes in middle school and high school, these were my first introductions into sewing. I guess one could say I've been an artist pretty much all my life. I remember doing this painting of a squirrel when I was in the 2nd grade and it turned out looking just like one! My parents did an excellent job at exposing my siblings and myself to the arts throughout my childhood. I'm a firm believer that creativity expands the mind to a different way of thinking and can bring about great personal discoveries of one's self. Also, alongside my older brother, I've participated in NAACP ACT-SO back in high school. In addition to sewing and jewelry making, I paint, draw and create props for photo shoots.

Artesia: But more professionally, I'd say within the past four years I've actually called myself a fashion and accessories designer.
 

Clarissa: When did you launch your business ?

 

 

Artesia: I officially started my company Neon Fleur on February 3, 2013

 Clarissa: Where did you get the inspiration from in terms of naming your business? 

People often ask, "How did you come up with the name Neon Fleur?" Quite simply it's personal story about family history and personal strength.

Neon: Stars glow in the midst of darkness. To shine brighter and brighter and being unapologetic for authenticity and individuality. We are all unique and we all have our own stories on this stage called life. Why not be yourself? Everyone else is taken.

Fleur: A rose, by definition, is a woody perennial of the genus Rose, within the family Rosaceae. Yes, family name it is. A name that traces back to New Orleans, Louisiana where Artesia's father was born and raised. Given the French influence on ancestry and her studies in high school and early college, the language of love will always follow her life path.

 

Clarissa: What's your slogan....or your "Target " client? What type of client? Edgy? Traditional? Ect?

Artesia: Our target client is a hip and trendy young adult female between the ages of 21-30. She likes to have fun and isn't afraid to let her style speak for herself. She decorates her apartment/home the same way she dresses herself for her daily outings. Bright and vibrant yet sophisticated and chic.

 

Clarissa: What inspired you to become a Fashion Designer/Jewelry Designer?

Artesia:  It's actually been a lifelong dream. I've always had a high interest for fashion design since I first discovered E! Fashion Files with Tim Blanks. That was my first true and real experience with discovering fashion. I guess I didn't realize all that time playing in my mother's closet and watching her put on make-up was considered fashion until I saw models strut down the runway on television. It all came together in that one instant of watching that television show.
 

"The mind is a powerful thing but once you apply your hands and your heart, the outcome is extraordinary." Artesia 

Clarissa: How did you learn and master your craft ( Education/Training, Mentorship, Self taught)!

Artesia: I'm a learner. I'm constantly seeking new ideas and processes to benefit my company as well as add to my personal growth. I've had a few professional fashion design experiences. I took a community education class at the SCAD Atlanta campus back in 2009. It basically was a crash course in fashion design basics which included how to make a mood board, to sketching, down to garment construction. Also, that same year my parents gave me the opportunity to participate in the Parsons Summer Intensive Studies for Fashion Design. It was a one month course where I received college credit for Fashion Illustration and Fashion Design Concepts. There wasn't really any sewing or garment construction involved in the lessons. Mostly the concepts of fashion design and a heavy focus on fashion illustration and fabric rendering. My time at Parsons opened up a whole new world for me as far as my knowledge of fashion was considered. I learned a lot about the NY Fashion District as I had to scout for fabric swatches at Mood Fabrics and window shopped at M&J Trimming. I bought high fashion magazines during my 1-month stay in the city. I discovered magazines at newsstands where one could only discover in a fashion capital.

As of more recently, I am currently enrolled in 3 classes on Craftsy.com thanks to my mom. I'm taking "Patternmaking Basics: The Bodice Sloper," "Patternmaking + Design: Creative Darts & Seam Lines," and "Patternmaking Basics: The Skirt Sloper." As clothing is my main goal with Neon Fleur, taking these online classes allows me to not only learn and develop my fashion design skills, but gives me the opportunity to keep my business running with current sale items. Also, I have a mentor Jenine Cotrice Addison that I call on for advice and help when needed. She's an excellent resource as she has years of industry experience.

 Clarissa: What are some new and upcoming happenings within your business? Projects? What are some past projects you loved?

 

Artesia: We just showcased at RAW Atlanta presents "MOSAICS" on 3.27.14 and we're participating in another showcase at RAW Charlotte presents "SPECTRUM" on 4.17.14 at Tremont Music Hall.

A past project that I absolutely loved was the first official Neon Fleur shoot with 4 models posing with the fabric necklaces. I had a lot of fun as I was able to collaborate with talented friends of mine and act as creative director. The vision came to life and I believe it shows in the pictures how hard and how well we worked during the entire process.

   Clarissa: Can you tell us the steps it takes to purchase your products, or utilize your services?

 

Artesia: All products can be purchased at www.neonfleur.com or etsy.com/shop/neonfleur. We do our best to keep inventory stocked with new and popular items.

   Clarissa: What's your favorite part about being a fashion designer/artist, and jewelry designer?  

Artesia: My absolute favorite part is being able to see the finished product. Of course the actual process of creating is exciting, but seeing an idea that was once in my head come to life in 3D form is the most rewarding part of it all. It's like they say, if you can dream it, you can do it ;) The mind is a powerful thing but once you apply your hands and your heart, the outcome is extraordinary.

 Clarissa: Can you tell us how to keep in contact with you? Email address, social media pages, website, phone, ect...

Artesia: You can reach us via e-mail at info@neonfleur.com. Otherwise, you can follow us on almost all social media outlets LOL. Instagram: @neonfleur, twitter: @neonfleur, http://www.facebook.com/neonfleur, http://www.pinterest.com/neonfleur, blog: http://trendfleurish.tumblr.com/, youtube.com/neonfleur (videos coming soon). Also, if you want to keep up with our events, visit http://www.neonfleur.com/events/ or scrolling to to the bottom of the neonfleur.com homepage and clicking "subscribe to our newsletter."

Clarissa:  Please leave some valuable advice to your prospective clients/customers. What makes your business unique?

 

Artesia: I believe Neon Fleur is unique because it doesn't look like everything else you see in fashion. We're new, fresh and different and we try to produce items that cater to women with all sorts of styles and personal expression.

  Clarissa: Give us a snap shot of what the day in the life of Neon Fleur is like?

 

Artesia: Everyday is different. Some days are updating neonfleur.com with new inventory and pictures. Some days involve shopping for fabric or supplies and organizing ideas. Some days are simply promoting on social media or coming up with creative ads to attract new fans. With being an artist and entrepreneur at the same time, it's all about balance. On one end you have to manage your business, on the other you have to create your business. It's only been 1 year in the making and there's so much more that is desired to be done. One day soon, I expect to hire an assistant to keep up with it all ;)

" I believe Neon Fleur is unique because it doesn't look like everything else you see in fashion." - Artesia

Have a Sweet Day!

Clarissa

Interviewer: Clarissa/The Sweetest Thing Events
Photo Credits: Neon Fleur