Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Venice Ousley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Venice, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
Resilience… Honestly, I feel like my whole life as long as I can remember I had to be strong, responsible and able to quickly adapt to change. I was raised by a single mother. My father was incarcerated until I was 25. So, I often had a lot of responsibilities as a child. I was a latchkey kid. I got myself dressed for school, walked to the school bus, and let myself back in with my own key in kindergarten. When I was a 9 my little sister was born and I had a lot of responsibilities as a big sister. Watching her while my mom went to work etc. I truly don’t remember a time in my life where I didn’t have a lot on my plate. I used to resent the fact that parts of my childhood were missed because, of those responsibilities but as I’ve gotten older I have learned to appreciate the strength those responsibilities instilled in me. In my adult life I have never let fear or anxiousness stand in my way. I truly believe that with god and the amazing people in my life I can figure anything out. I expect obstacles I don’t run from them because, after every obstacle comes a blessing.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a fashion designer for my brand Lola Divavi. I have been in love with fashion since I was 10 years old. Expressing myself through fashion is the first thing that ever made me feel beautiful and confident. I would spend hours sketching different outfits as a little girl until one day my mom told me I was designing. I went to community college and learned to pattern, drape, and sew. In 2012 I had my first runway show and I launched my website loladivavi.com. Since I’ve began I have participated in countless runway shows, pop up shops, opened boutiques etc. Fashion has a lot of ups and downs. Its definitely not for the weak. But, i love what I do with all of my heart. I love the energy of being backstage preparing for a runway show, I love the randomness of when inspiration strikes, I love photoshoots and expressing myself in my creativity, I love where fashion is going with all inclusivity on what defines beauty. I truly don’t know who I would be without it. My next collection launches this spring I cant wait to share it. All updates on my work and events can be found on my instagram @loladivavi
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three most important qualities that have contributed to my journey are confidence, spirituality, and passion. There are much more than 3 but I say these because, without confidence I would never be able to over come those moments of doubt. Spirituality because, god is always there to remind me that this is my calling whenever I need it. Passion because, fashion is a long game and without loving what I do with an intense passion I would never have the diligence that is required to build a business from the ground up.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
I cannot possibly pick one person. I have amazing people in my life that help me stay grounded, that have helped me in times of need, that have been there to support my events, that have worked for free when I had no money to pay them, that hold me accountable to my goals, that mention my name to anyone that may help my career. I wont say one name because I have been tremendously blessed with more than one.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.loladivavi.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/loladivavi
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loladivavi1/
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@venicenotlikethebeach1081
Image Credits
Feather Bralette photo: Model = @Fallarame photographer: @brandonhicks Group Photo: @electrathegoddess @callmetaj @ashantihunter @msjuliebeth @model.astoria @sidneyoparaa photographer: @zm_images all other photos no credit necessary Red Head Model: @hellyeahbrii personal ig @venicenotlikethebeach fashion ig: @loladivavi
