Today we’d like to introduce you to Eboni Washington.
Hi Eboni, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
For as long as I can remember, I have always had a natural instinct for creativity. I channeled it in different areas of my life through music, drawing/painting, makeup, and more. From sneaking into my mom’s makeup drawer to cutting up almost every T-shirt or sweatshirt in my closet, I always had an urge to create something. However, I didn’t truly open the door of opportunities that fashion had to offer until 2019. I was a sophomore at UNL and had declared a major in Fashion Design. I had only touched a sewing machine one other time in my life, so I knew I was in for something completely out of my comfort zone. Halfway through the semester, my mental health had deteriorated to the point where my parents had agreed to withdraw me from the semester and spend the next year at home.
At this point, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life…at ALL. The whole situation left me feeling so uncertain about everything. I found myself re-evaluating the things I thought I was passionate about – it was a difficult and lonely position to be in. I spent the year working as a receptionist at a hair salon, but I was so anxious to get my hands onto a sewing machine again. My parents and I eventually went half on my first sewing machine for me. I had only taken the first half of an intro to sewing class, but I was up for the challenge.
2020, I spent my days in lockdown upcycling any pieces of clothing I could find — from anything I have thrifted over the years to pieces of clothing that my family were getting rid of. I was determined to teach myself at least the basics of attaching two fabrics together. I spent the next year using different online and in-person resources to work on my craft to eventually release my first collection of eight original upcycled garments.
By the beginning of 2021, I booked my first photoshoot as a stylist for male models to build their modeling portfolio. My best friend and the photographer/co-stylist for the shoot, Khavory Lee, and I put together three all sustainably-sourced outfits in total (two of which included garments that I had upcycled). This shoot blew the doors wide open for us because we had been booked for two more portfolio shoots after that. I had primarily been working on women’s clothing, so this was brand new territory for me. However, I enjoyed every second of the process – from concept to creation, it was the one of the most liberating projects I have ever done. That’s when I knew that fashion was it for me.
I have been able to release four more collections since then and plan to continue to release more.
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?
Not necessarily smooth. Teaching myself how to sew was and is the most challenging thing I have ever done. While there are a lot of free resources (shoutout to YouTube), there was no way for me to actually know if what I was doing was right and no one to correct me if it wasn’t. I have come an extremely long way from where I started, but I still find myself learning new tricks as I go – and it’s not always an easy endeavor.
People often talk about how much it takes to run a business, and I had no idea until I began to really build my brand. Although I am all about the empowerment of women, it’s been extremely difficult to be a one-woman-show – I am excited for when I will be able to build a team of unstoppable individuals that can help bring my vision to life!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Fashion Designer, Stylist, and Model.
I specialize in upcycled garments and creating original designs using ethically-sourced fabrics and other materials. I source most of my materials from thrift stores, estate sales, and deadstock fabric stores. I have always understood the importance of remaining environmentally conscious when it comes to fashion due to how much damage the industry continuously causes on the Earth. This aspect is something that was essential for me to bring to my brand and my personal style.
I am most proud to consider myself to be a self-taught designer. Although the intro to sewing classes I have taken helped teach me the basics, I have taught myself how to fully construct several different types of garments and upcycle secondhand apparel. It has not been the easiest road, but it has taught me resilience which is important quality to obtain as a creative.
My style and creativity are definitely aspects of myself that set me apart from others. The way I like to put outfits together is something that has always been enjoyable and natural for me and the older I get, the more I notice my style evolving. I believe it plays a huge part in the clothes I like to make as well, and that’s what makes each look unique.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
In retrospect, I wouldn’t necessarily say that it taught me a new lesson but it definitely reaffirmed something very important for me to remember – tomorrow is not always promised. When our lives came to a complete halt out of the blue, nobody knew what to expect and it was almost chilling to think about. It’s not every day that a global pandemic is going to strike the Earth, but that doesn’t mean that there couldn’t be something else that can turn your life completely upside down in an instant. So, in the words of the lovely Sade, “Cherish the day.”
Contact Info:
- Email: eb.ivori@gmail.com
- Website: www.eboniandivori.com
- Instagram: eboniandivoridesigns
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eboniandivori
Image Credits
Khavory Lee
Vino
