We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Janiya Denise a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Janiya, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Fashion has always been a part of me something deeply rooted in who I am. Since I was young, l’ve had my own unique sense of style and a desire to stand out from the crowd. In 2018, I began my modeling journey and walked in amazing shows like Miami Swim Week and Fashion Week. That experience sparked a dream: one day, I wanted to have my own fashion show, featuring my own designs.
During the COVID lockdown, I took an online sewing class and learned how to create my own clothing from scratch. That’s when everything clicked. I started experimenting with different fabrics, designs, and techniques, and fell in love with the process of bringing my visions to life.
In 2023, l officially launched my brand, JaniyaDenise, where I design custom garments including dresses, two-piece sets, puffer bags, and more. Fashion is more than just what I do—it’s my purpose. Being a designer is something I truly love, and I want to share that love with the world. But beyond that, I want to be impactful. I hope to inspire and uplift other emerging designers, just like me, who are ready to leave their mark on the fashion industry.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a fashion designer and the creative force behind JaniyaDenise, where I specialize in creating custom garments that are bold, unique, and full of personality. Dresses are definitely my specialty-especially when it comes to big, exciting moments like prom season. I recently finished a series of prom looks, and it was such a joy to bring my clients’ dream dresses to life!
Beyond dresses, I also design custom puffer bags, tote bags, and two-piece sets. But one of my absolute favorite parts of the design process is beading and embellishing. I love adding that extra sparkle, drama, and
‘wow’ factor to every piece. That touch of ‘extraness’ has really become a signature of the JaniyaDenise brand—because I believe fashion should be fun, fearless, and make you feel unforgettable.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three key values have truly shaped my journey as a designer: having faith, consistently practicing my craft, and not comparing myself to others.
First and foremost, having faith has been everything for me. I wholeheartedly believe that if I stay grounded in God, trust the process, and work hard for what I want, everything will fall into place.
Second, putting in the time to practice and perfect my craft has been so important. I’m always working to grow, refine my skills, and make each garment better than the last. That dedication is what keeps me evolving as a designer.
And finally—no comparison. It’s easy to get caught up in what others are doing, but I’ve learned that comparison is the thief of joy. Staying true to who l am and creating from a place of authenticity has brought me the most fulfillment. When you’re truly yourself, the success feels even more meaningful.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Feeling overwhelmed as a business owner is completely normal— especially when you’re wearing multiple hats. When you run your own brand, you’re not just the CEO. You’re also the customer service rep, the designer, the content creator-sometimes all in one day!
What’s helped me manage everything without burning out is staying organized. I rely heavily on my calendar. At the beginning of each week, I map out tasks I know I can realistically get done. Scheduling things-even the small stuff-keeps me focused and helps prevent that feeling of chaos.
And when I do feel overwhelmed, I give myself permission to step back. Whether it’s a few hours or a full day, I take time to rest my mind and recharge. Then, I come back to my work with fresh energy and a clear head.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janiyadenise.designs
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@janiya.denise?_t=ZT-8wPKs0yj9Ti&_r=1
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