Meet Seseley Paige

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Seseley Paige. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Seseley, so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?

I spent my childhood for the most part, ages 5 to 18 living in a small town with a population of 3,000 in northwest Louisiana on the Texas border. Growing up in the rural Deep South isn’t easy for anyone. I felt like there was a palpable sense of starting life at a disadvantage. There’s poverty, narrow views for opinions and limiting belief systems. I don’t really have an explanation for why I always felt so different than everyone around me, but I feel like it’s a relatable sentiment. I know that can be the case for anyone, anywhere, to feel like they don’t belong.

I can remember being a kid and always having these grand ideas of what I would do, or who I would be. I always knew I wanted to be a creative professional. Because of people in rural communities having very limiting belief systems, I was told that it was not possible. That it would never happen. Basically, given the attitude of “who do you think you are?”

Even as an adult, when I share things about my goals whether personal or business related, it’s like I can feel a collective eye roll in the room sometimes and that’s okay. It’s something anyone who is motivated experiences.

I think the best way to persist through the constant nay-sayers of the world is to focus on the present. Focus your attention onto what you are creating. Don’t think about what it was or what it could be, just focus on the creation process. Also, remember that as long as you like what you’re doing, it doesn’t matter what anyone else says. When you receive criticism, ask yourself honestly if it’s constructive or if it something that truly doesn’t resonate with you. If it resonates, maybe there’s something you can take and learn and improve, but if not.. remind yourself that’s it’s probably just simply a hater or someone who doesn’t have the same taste as you and move on from it. We can’t all like the same things, that would be boring.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My first runway show was on November 11th, 2023. (11/11) The show, which was their first ever event was put on by Divine Timing Productions LLC. Ironically enough, I got added on to that show by a chance encounter meeting with founder Hannah Bradish. I met her outside of a comedy venue in Austin, we began chit chatting and she mentioned she was putting on a fashion show, I mentioned I designed, and I gave her my contact info.

The following season I participated in Austin Fashion Week and opened their “Emerge Runway” for emerging designers with my Fall/Winter ’24 collection in April of 2024.

Since participating in AFW, less than a year ago, I have been contacted by talent scouts to apply for shows in Los Angeles, New York and Paris. I’ve participated in Runway 7’s showcase at New York Fashion Week in February 2025, which is a renowned production company. & I will be putting pieces in The Confessional Showroom, a PR & sales creative agency, in April both their NYC and Miami locations.

My brand is focused on elevating eco-conscious style and is committed to sustainability. I love fashion, but I also understand that the industry needs major changes primarily in waste reduction management and ethical labor practices. I’m hoping to be a part of the change and that I can inspire others to pursue their dreams and passions.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

As far as advice to others, I know it sounds corny, but seriously, just believe in yourself because if you don’t believe in yourself no one else will. & Improving these qualities can help along the way, they are what I feel are most impactful on my journey.

Persistence: Don’t let rejection stop you. You may get multiple “no’s” before you a “yes”.
For example, I was not accepted into the one fashion design program I applied to and did not let that stop me from pursuing my dream. I learned on my own.

Courage: Be yourself, put your best foot forward and try not to focus on what the outcome could be.

Resourcefulness: Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box. When have you ever heard of innovation being frowned upon?

We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?

I think it’s important to know what you’re good at and then fill in the gaps. Having a strong and well-rounded team is very important. As much as we would like to be able to do everything ourselves, it’s just too difficult. I’m a big “work smarter, not harder” believer. It’s easy to forget about taking care of your mental health and well-being when pursuing something but having the right team can really help with stress management.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tooflame.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tooflameofficial

Image Credits

Headshot: Annie Watson Photography

Runway 7 show photos:
Not Your Ordinary Photographer LLC
Cheyenne Lenea Studios