Fashion designer Rashel-Lee Smith got her baptism in fashion very early in life. “I was around three or four,’ she tells All Woman Fashion (AWF). “I had tons of dolls, but dressing them up was always my favourite part.” This, along with her years of pursuing a degree in Fashion Marketing and Production at the University of Technology (UTech) aroused her passion for design and later led her to a career in the field.

Her studio, RMS Designs, is an abbreviated version of her name and was opened in 2013. Located at 3 West Greater Portmore, St Catherine, RMS Designs caters to just about any attire, be it casual, semi-formal, seductive swimwear or any other detailed specific request you may have. An invested designer, Smith’s work ethic is impressive. From as early as 4:00 am, she finds herself around her machine, coming up with an idea, or adding finishing touches to her latest creation.

Thanks to years of experience, Smith now understands that she works in a highly competitive field and hence it’s paramount that she bring her best both to the cutting table and to the sewing machine. She takes pride in her unique designs, ensuring perfection in every piece. With a rapidly growing clientele, Smith relies on networking, social media and word of mouth to gain customers, who range from the executive to the ardent party-goer.

Smith agrees that the fashion industry is a fickle business and says her greatest challenge is staying relevant. “I always try to surpass my clients’ demand,” she tells AWF. Smith, who is keenly conscious of the needs of her clients, keeps them satisfied by adding what she describes as her “little extra touch” that will keep them coming back.

To those who wish to venture into fashion designing, Smith shares this sound advice: ‘stay true to yourself, unleash your uniqueness, while constantly improving your craft and style’.