We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dionne Holt a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Dionne , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
When you think of fashion, seeing a plus size black woman is something that is not commonly seen. Historically high fashion has been marketed to what is now called “straight’ sized women 0-8. As a Black Woman with a plus size luxury clothing line, being the only one in the room has become far too common in my world. When I started Renee’ Larouge 10 years ago I knew that I wanted to make a change and see more women on the runway that looked like me as well as garments that were fashionable for curvy women. What I didn’t know was the impact that my brand would have on myself and those around me.
With every collection that I do and every show that Renee’ Larouge is a part of, I fight hard to make sure that plus size women are fully represented. I create clothing that would not be readily available to a plus sized woman; using fabrics and silhouettes not commonly seen on larger figures. Each collection provides movement, color, sex appeal, and sophistication leaving the audience in awe, and wanting to see more. The most gratifying part of becoming a designer has been the women who tell me that they feel “seen” and feel like they belong after viewing a show. The transformation and the confidence the models exude once they hit the runway, especially the new models walking in their 1st show. The support of the show director, the backstage crew, hair and makeup artist, and other designers, encouraging me to ” Keep Going”. This is what makes Renee’ Larouge truly successful and over the years I have been blessed to work with some of the best in the industry.
This journey has not been easy, and it has had its ups and downs, but I will continue to be a pillar of change until plus size women in fashion become a permanent norm in the industry.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
orn and raised in Kansas City, MO I am the youngest of 5 children, 2 older brothers and 2 older sisters. I grew up with my sisters and was raised by my Mother and Granny who instilled the importance of Family, God, and Education within us. They both made sure that my sisters and I were exposed to an array of extracurricular activities, allowing each of us to find what we were passionate about, and giving us a wider scope of the world.
Living in the inner city fashion and entrepreneurship was something that was normal to see, and I have been exposed to this world my entire life. Many women in my family are entrepreneurs and had a dope fashion sense that I wanted to emulate growing up. My Granny made sure that my sisters and I always took pride in our appearance; no matter the circumstance, situation, or event. In hindsight looking back, becoming a fashion designer and business owner was something that was predestined; it just took me until I was 26 years old to figure it out. At the age of 37, I now know my purpose and have been able to mold my life to fit my passion.
Since becoming a designer I have been able to travel the world, with my most recent showing during London Fashion Week, with Oxford Fashion Studio as an emerging designer. What excites me most about my brand and being a fashion designer are the people I have met along the way from different parts of the world. The evolution of my brand, as I continue to learn the business, as well as improving my craftsmanship with each garment I make. The relationships that are built with others from all walks of life. Lastly, the confidence and fearlessness that I have gained with every collection and every year I stay in business.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Discipline
2. Confidence
3. Imagination
If I had any advice for those just starting their journey it would be;
1. Stay the course and readjust as many times as you need but don’t give up
2. Build relationships with those outside of your niche and comfort zone
3. Take the leap! Even if you don’t have it all together or figured it out, do it anyway and don’t be afraid to fail because that is a part of the journey
4. Find your Tribe: These will be your support system; business and personal. Find people who see more in you than what you see in yourself, and want to help you grow to your full potential
5. Always be teachable even when you’re at the top of your game, there is always something new you can learn.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The number one obstacle that I am facing is getting out of my own way, overcoming imposter syndrome, and social anxiety that comes with marketing myself and my brand. How I’m overcoming these things are by quieting the noise around, and being proud of where I’m currently at in my journey. Removing comparison of others and what their success looks like opposed to mine. Surrounding myself with people who constantly encourage me, pray for me, tell me when I’m overthinking, and reaffirming that I’m exactly where I need to be in this current season. Lastly stepping outside of my comfort zone by attending/ participating in events that force me to meet new people, talk about myself and market my brand.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.reneelarouge.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/reneelarouge
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ReneeLarouge
- Linkedin: www.linkeden.com/dionne-holt
Image Credits
Oxford Fashion Studio Kwamie Dennis – Imagas by Kwamie Niah Rose- Niah Rose Photography
