Fashion influencer Paige Leneigh shared with us how she knew she’d enter the world of fashion and how she’s been keeping up with latest fashion and trends. She also shared tips on how to become a designer and a fashion influencer.
Interview Conducted By Parker XL | Chris Parker
Can you tell us who is Paige Leneigh?
“Paige Leneigh, born and raised in Indianapolis Indiana, is a fashion designer, stylist, model and influencer all wrapped into one. Since the young age of 6, Paige knew that fashion was her passion. Paige’s grandmother Joan Robinson took her under her wing to learn how to sew at age 13 and never looked back. Shortly after learning how to sew she began her own business at 13 years young, making custom jeans, scarves and headwraps for customers. Currently she is a 4th year at the University of Cincinnati DAAP program (Design, Art, Architecture and Planning)
where she is set to graduate in the Spring of 2021. While at the University of Cincinnati Paige Leneigh has been a stylist/buyer for Prom & Wedding boutique Kotsovos, Concept Design for Victoria Secret, Project Assistant at a
design house Downtown LA , Custom Designer and a personal celebrity stylist. Paige takes pride in being able to create her garments from scratch, use sustainability initiatives while up cycling and sewing all of her pieces herself. Paige’s design motto is “Be Confident In Your Own STYLE” she enjoys being able to provide her clients with custom
pieces and the confidence to wear them.”
What is your earliest memory?
“One of my earliest memories was writing down what I wanted to be when I grew up in preschool. I wrote that I wanted to be a designer, singer and dancer. It’s safe to say that singing and dancing are out of the equation! I have always wanted to be a fashion designer. I feel like I owe it to younger me to be everything and more in this industry.”
Why did you pursue a career as a designer/fashion influencer?
“My grandmother was a seamstress, so growing up I would see her working on pieces for clients and I was very inquisitive about it. I watched almost every episode of Project Runway and America’s Next Top Model when I was
young so I was really inspired to be a part of the fashion/ entertainment industry. One of the biggest reasons I fell in love with my career is the fact that it doesn’t feel like work. It brings me so much joy to bring joy to others through my passion.”
What skills do you bring to the table that separates you from others?
“I am very adaptable, independent and efficient. I am multifaceted, so I take pride in being able to handle a diverse amount of tasks at my job without requiring management. I also have been sewing for 10 years and am very
confident in my seamstress abilities.”
Where do you get inspirations for your designs?
“My inspirations really steam off of my feelings. Music is a big factor in my design process as well. I have even used music albums as mood boards to guide my designs. Ralph and Russo, Sel and Louis Vuitton are some of my favorite brands/designers.”
How did you get into blogging?
“I wouldn’t consider myself a blogger. More of an influencer and I’m recently new to this world of monetization actually. I have been working with brands/blogging since 2017, when I was crowned Miss Indiana Teen USA. I love being able to work and build relationships with brands and people in my industry. I can’t wait to get deeper into it this year.”
What is your weakness as a designer? What are you doing to improve it?
“One of my weaknesses is the fact that I keep the majority of my designs in my head and not write down my sketches, ideas, patterns and process. As I continue to grow bigger, I will be manufacturing my collections and they can’t work from out my head haha so I am always striving towards creating a blueprint for my brand.”
Any brands or models you want to work with?
“I do not currently have any brands I want to work with, but there are a few models, influencers and celebrities I have on my list to work with this year. One of them being Saweetie, I just picture myself creating her the most beautiful custom piece for one of her videos or shoots.”
Any tips you can give to aspiring designers or blogger like you?
“My number one tip is to focus on your craft while letting people inspire you, but not discouraging you. Don’t pay attention to others to the point you lose focus on your journey, because God has a different path for everyone! Another tip is to be willing to listen and learn from those willing to guide and help you. There’s so much money to be made and connections out in the world why should you not be the next big designer/blogger!”
