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YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS: SIMONE NEILSON
TEEN achiever
BY Kimberley Sherlock Observer TEENage writer UTech
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Young, focused and 'summer-fied' Simone Neilson is an 18-year-old designer who is sewing up a storm with her unique miSim designs. TEENage sat down with her recently to get to know her better and find out more about her talent and passion.
TEENage: What does miSim mean?
Simone Neilson (SN): It's really just 'miss sim' squeezed together.
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TEENage: What is the concept behind miSim?
SN: miSim is a potential clothing line, which includes bags, vests, dresses and skirts. I also do minor tailoring. It's ladies only right now, but male items coming soon. (smiles)
TEENage: When did you start miSim?
SN: About five years ago.
TEENage: What inspired you to start miSim?
SN: I just like sewing and creating or personalising anything that's mine. And it was, and still is a creative way for me to express myself. It's also a great way to make money and to get a feel of what the fashion world is going to be like when I make it. (smiles)
TEENage: Explain the style of your designs.
SN: In terms of bags, most are totes with gathers, flaps or patchwork. They make perfect beach, school or baby bags. I also do laptop cases, phone and coin purses and little pouches. Apparel is mostly dresses and skirts of all sizes and lengths. I design them for different occasions whether formal, semi-formal, casual or work. So far, my only accessory is headbands to hide the bad hair days (laughs).
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TEENage: Complete this sentence: When I am not working on miSim designs, I am.
SN: Out with friends, (laughs) on BB messenger, sleeping. there's nothing like ma bed! I like to draw and do graphics too though, anything creative really.
TEENage: Who have you worked with?/What major project, events, etc, have you done?
SN: Most of the clothes I do are private and personal requests. I've done graphics for brochures, fliers and business cards for Door2Door Mobile Spa.
TEENage: Where will miSim be this summer?
SN: Trying to finish orders. My dream is to be in Caribbean Fashion Week and even Fashion Blocked, but. I want to be completely ready for it, so not this year, quite hopefully next year though. I plan to get some new designs out for the Negril weekend.
TEENage: What are your plans for miSim in terms of expansion?
SN: I hope to widen my variety and go into swimsuits, pants, accessories and jewellery. I would love to go leather with my bags to give more variety there. All in all, I really hope that I'll soon be able to open my own boutique and provide for a wider market.
TEENage: How do you balance school, your social life, family and miSim?
SN: It's all about time management. That way I'm never stressed! (smiles) My friends and classmates always ask how is it that I never look stressed or sad. I just don't allow myself to get flustered or depressed; I'm too busy dreaming big! (smiles)
TEENage: Do you plan to pursue designing as a career or is it just your hobby?
SN: For now this is my hobby, but I want it to be both a hobby and a career eventually. I'm doing an events management degree now, but I do want to study fashion.
TEENage: Where do you see miSim in five years?
SN: New York Fashion Week (laughs). Seriously, I want to register my business and I want miSim designs to be known islandwide and worldwide!
TEENage: How can readers contact you/preview your work?
SN: You can check me out on Facebook groups, just look for miSim, or e-mail me at my.misim@gmail.com.
TEENage: What advice do you have for other TEENs who want to start a business?
SN: Don't let anybody tell you that you can't do it! You might surprise yourself, if you really want to do it just stick to it!
TEENage: Any shout-outs or news for TEENage readers?
SN: (thinking) I can't send everybody a shout-out but I definitely have to mention my Moms n Pops (lol) my LIFELINES! Stacy, Tiffany and Morgan and, of course, my loyal miSim customers. (smiles)
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