Today we’d like to introduce you to Munisa Khuramova.
Hi Munisa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
How did my story begin?
This question makes me laugh and at the same time embarrassed…
When I was 8 years old, I wanted to make my mother a present. I created a design for a chic coat for my Barbie doll. It was extremely fancy, and my mother loved it!
But I made it from the suede purse that was hung for ages in our mudroom. As it turns out it was a special purse. Mom’s dad brought it to her from Bulgaria, when she was a kid, and she valued it as a family treasure. I think if my grandfather knew that it was the first step to his grand-daughter’s career, he would have forgiven me for cutting up mom’s purse :). My mother was surprised by my gift, and at the same time, she was mysteriously calm, even though she valued the gift that was given to her by her dad.
This was the beginning of my journey to become a fashion designer (who would make people look beautiful), and since then I have done many things to make it happen. I remember watching Fashion TV at a young age. Even though I never played with the dolls, I just wanted to dress them up.
In 2015, I joined Istituto di Moda Burgo to study fashion. When I was in school there, I submitted five sketches to the Italian branch of my school, and one design was chosen to be in Milan Fashion Week.
This school had many affiliates, but I chose Istanbul, Turkey because I was fascinated by the culture, beauty, food, fashion, and people. The owner of a successful boutique ordered me to design a couture collection of dresses for her store at that time. She liked the designs and so did her successful clients. After coming to America, I attended the Johnson County Community College in Kansas. In the fashion design class, my collections were considered some of the top designs in the class. One of my coat designs was influenced by similar designs by the elite fashion house “Zara.” To make a long story short: I had a dream since I was 8, and I’ve done all the steps to make it happen. And believe me, there were many more stories, and meetings, so many that I could write a book describing them.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Of course, it wasn’t a smooth journey. There were struggles on the way and there were many challenges. Let’s start with the fact where I was born – in Tajikistan, which is an entire continent away.
A different country, with different mentalities, customs… absolutely different culture, especially for women compared to America.
Here I am, 14 years old, I came to America as an exchange student. I needed to improve my use of English, find friends, and assimilate into a new culture. Also, I had to find grants to get myself through schools while my mother was also a student and a single mom with two more daughters. My mother could only help me for the first year to pay my tuition. In addition to other funding, I also had to find work on campus to cover my schooling.
And how about finishing school and starting a business without money? It was not easy at all, but I did it, and I remind myself that everything is possible!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
To say this briefly, my brand is the fusion of Asian glow and Western comfort. I combined my heritage and background with the knowledge I received from the Istituto di Moda Burgo school.
My core fabric of usage is natural silk. Silk is the symbol of freedom and sensuality for me, and growing up around bright and beautiful fabrics, which originated from the silk route and the trades which historically happened.
A month ago, I opened a showroom and boutique in Dallas Downtown. It’s called “The Century Showroom by Munelle De Vie,” where independent designers showcase their garments worldwide. In addition to this, we offer high-end alteration services, and custom garment-making for men, women, and kids, and we also rent garments for various occasions. We offer “styling pulls”, where stylists can lend clothing pieces for artistic photoshoots and style their clients. And of course, you can come by at any time to get styled and do shopping!
I enjoy doing what I do. It is important for me that I value, respect, and love to do this. It is an essential part of my life, and I cannot imagine my life without it. My dream gives me inspiration, energy, and motivation. My mission is to highlight people’s natural beauty by creating specific clothing for my clients, and I am energized to do it.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Dream big, do not give up and believe in yourself. Everything is possible, as long as there are enough resources, energy, time, and effort to make it happen. It is my mother who taught me to never give up.
When I started this journey, I didn’t know that I needed to have so many business skills like an orchestra of people and instruments with me as a conductor: I have to be the owner, designer, accountant, marketing agent, tailor, pattern maker, cutter, seller, courier, illustrator, mentor, planner, organizer, communicator, entrepreneur, website builder, and so much more combined in one person. If you want to be successful in this business, you should have all these skills. If you’re going into this field, you should be prepared to work towards all this knowledge.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.munelledevie.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/munelledevie/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/munelledev/
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9jTXHYczWE
Image Credits
Ruben Caballero
Nigora Khuramova
Bob Manzano Photography
Alan Shindelman
Nestor Correa
Heidmann Photography
Stephanie Smallwood
Luana Barros
Noelle Manica
Lauren Bankroft
