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

Hi IRENE, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

The stress of always going to the mall and not finding the type of dress I want to wear for an upcoming event was becoming verify frustrating. So, I thought to myself, why not learn how to design and sew it yourself? You’re the only one who can best bring that design to life because only you can picture it in your mind.

June 1st, 2019; A day I’ll forever remember and be grateful for because I made the decision to become a Fashion Designer.

A thought which at first sounded stupid and almost impossible as I had no idea how to begin, never done anything like it before, and never knew anything about a sewing machine.

As I began learning on my own, it got more interesting and intriguing. I found myself staying up all night sometimes, just trying to figure out how to attach a zipper or how to design a basic bodice, how to cut a circle skirt, and so on.

I never gave up until I figured it out as I watched countless tutorials.
It became a passion I couldn’t do without so I decided to start monetizing it. Making clothes for others and not only myself.

I launched my first collection (Supergirl Collection) in January 2020, meaning I had only been learning for six months before my business and the first collection were launched.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
We are Myz Designs. We Design and sew simple to special occasion outfits and accessories for women around the country. Currently based in Fate, Texas

Our outfits are African-inspired. We try to blend our African textiles with the western ones to make our outfits stand out.

We do consultation, fabric sourcing for our clients, and sketches, alterations, Make-Up and Photography services (in MYZ outfit) and we work with our clients every step of the way making sure we deliver to their satisfaction.

We are well known for our Ankara fabric sunhat collection.

A vibrant and colorful collection that caught the attention of Essence Magazine in the Summer of 2021 and made them rank our hat as one of the top 13 sunhats to protect the face from the sun, an achievement we are most proud of.

Being a mom, an entrepreneur, a musician, and a wife all at the same time has been my most challenging obstacle. I’ve learnt to work with the time I have, and multi-tasking is a must.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am not much of an out going person, I barely go out and hangout but i’d name a few places I know and have been to: Dallas Arboretum, Dallas zoo, White rock lake, Galleria mall, The Statler, South Side on Lamar, Earl’s Kitchen, Sony Bryan Steakhouse, and so on

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Having an extremely supportive spouse is one thing I am extremely grateful for. From day one when I told him I wanted to venture into fashion designing, my husband Gael Tam gave me his full support and encouragement. 3 years down the line in business, he is still my number 1 support system. He takes pictures of my designs, always commends me when I do a beautiful job, tells me where he thinks I could improve and so on.
Screaming a big shout out to him.

My second Shout Out goes to all Youtube Fashion design tutors I have learnt and still learning from.
There are so many of them but if I could mention one or two that have been instrumental to the kind of designer I am today, I would says Bilikis Signatures and Kim Dave.
They definitely made learning easier for me and getting all the information they give for free, I just want to say I am extremely grateful and give a big shout out to both of them and all other Youtubers I’ve learnt from.

Website: www.etsy.com/shop/MYZDESIGNSBoutique

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myzdesigns/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063529003790

Image Credits
Gael Tam of G.O Pictures

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.