Meet Casey Curtis | Fashion Designer/ Leather Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Casey Curtis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Casey, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk taking has been huge for my business and is necessary for any entrepreneur. I quit my secure corporate job as a fashion designer to go off on my own and learn leatherwork. I had never worked with leather before! I had a big dream stirring in my heart to have my own brand and have always loved the artistry that went into leather.

Were there people that doubted my decision? Of course!

To combat and overcome the fear of risk I always go through on exercise called “what is the worst that could happen?”.

It’s simple. When faced with the fear of risk just ask yourself that question. What is the worst that could happen? If you can accept the worst case scenario then it is worth it!

For me; if my dream of creating my own brand failed I would have to go back to corporate. I think the fear of failure can limit many people however the fear of not trying will haunt you forever.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Montana girl with a thing for paint, fast horses, and fine fashion. With western roots, I grew up in the mountains of Montana rodeoing. I had dreams of creating my own Fine Western Collective for the women that fearlessly chase their dreams and want to look good doing it.

With a big dream I began my schooling, working toward an Apparel Design degree at Washington State University. During my studies, I fell in love with the artistry and expression found in runway & couture fashion of New York, Italy and Paris. So, I signed up for a semester abroad in Milan, Italy, where I studied couture and design. Graduating with a degree in apparel design, I snagged a design job in the western industry. Despite the job that seemed like the “perfect” fit I still had a big dream in my heart, my Fine Western Collective.

With a big dream still stirring in my heart to start my own collection, I took a leap of faith. I quit my job and moved back to the ranch to learn leather. Why leather? Leather is made to last, in a world full of fast fashion. The art, the expression and exquisite craftsmanship I fell in love with in New York and Milan can be found in leatherwork.

The shift from corporate into leatherwork was to fulfill my desire to make items that weren’t just beautiful to the eye, but stood for something beautiful as well. What is the deal with all the faith feathers, you might be wondering as well? My mom, my best friend, and biggest cheerleader helped identify my gifts and encouraged me to chase a career in fashion design when I grew up in a culture where the degree was misunderstood. We made a pact when I was in highschool; I was going to be a fashion designer, start my own brand and she was going to be my assistant. My freshman year of college she was diagnosed and passed away from AML leukemia in a matter of two weeks. My world was shaken. My faith led me to my healing, understanding, and to find joy again. Today my faith and love for the Lord inspire my designs; I challenge myself to design fashion statements that: can help you heal from loss, connect with a friend on a deeper level, smile more, have bigger faith and pay forward light and love!

My collection is high class fashion infused with the old west; bold statements for women that march to the beat of their own drum and whose fashion choices answer to no one. I am honored to design for cowgirls. Not a cowgirl? To me a cowgirl is not about chasing cows or riding horses. She is a woman who has pulled herself up by her bootstraps. A woman whose scars make her beautiful; everywhere she is broken her light shines through.

I love that my art gets to be a part of your big moments. Each item is made so that you feel strong, confident, and able to take on whatever life throws your way. You live one life; let what you are, what you dream, and what you wear be an original.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Can I do a couple?

First always, God.

The women who support my dream, spend their hard earned money and wear my designs deserve so much credit. I am grateful for & blown away by my beautiful customers that become fast friends.

My husband Trey. I am blessed to have my husband, M as my business partner. Trey has an impeccable eye for detail and knack for engineering. His support has helped me grow into the artist I am today.

Website: https://caseycurtisdesigns.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caseycurtisdesigns/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/caseycurtisdesigns

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@caseycurtisdesigns

Image Credits
Lady West Photography Western Affiliations Emily Nicole Photography Madyline Braught Photography Jamie Lynn Photography