We were lucky to catch up with Sol Ari recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Sol with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My entire life, I watched my parents work hard to get where they are now and provide a quality life for my brother and I. Hard work has always been a part of my family’s legacy. I have to continue to push for what I want, so that one day I will not have to work at all.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
The Sol Ari Collection exemplifies the art in fashion design. It pushes to represent body inclusivity and push against the harmful narratives regarding women’s fashion. The goal of TSAC is to help all women feel beautiful and confident in the clothing we produce. Every woman deserves to feel like they have a place in the fashion world regardless of body type, style, age, etc. We hope to spread our art in fashion across the globe and touch the hearts of many. I started TSAC at 19 years old in my college dorm room. I have always enjoyed fashion design since I was a child, but I did not dive into it until I graduated high school. My first project was to create a line named “Energy” in which I sold at Baltimore’s summer festival AFRAM. Since then, my skill set has grown and grown each year. It has been four years now, and I couldn’t be prouder of my progress.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I met my mentor when I was 18 and about to graduate high school. She taught me how to sew and took me under her wing for the next 1-2 years. The most important skills I learned in regards to sewing are creating ruffles, hand sewing appliques, and corsetry. These skills have helped develop my signature in designing. My advice to those starting a fashion design journey is to practice every day until it feels like a second nature to you. Try to learn as much as possible that way you will develop a signature that helps you stand out from the rest.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
My number one obstacle is learning the manufacturing process. I am a hands-on learner and I learn by actually practicing things. I do not have anyone to guide me through this which has made it a major obstacle for me. I will be enrolling into an FIT non-credit class that will helpfully teach me step by step how to get my products manufactured.
Contact Info:
- Website: thesolaricollection.com
- Instagram: @thesolaricollection
Image Credits
Schaun Champion
