Brittany Johnson’s Miakalani
Brittany Johnson is the designer behind the line Miakalani, which offers hand-made custom designed women’s clothing.
She said she got her start in fashion from her mother.
“She had an old sewing machine that she never used that was in great condition. I was lying in bed when I got the idea to try to replicate a dress I had and it came out pretty decent,” Johnson said.
Fashion had been the last thing on this animal lover’s mind when it came to a career choice, but she always had a love for the arts.
“I think I got that from my father who is a graphic artist/photographer,” she said.
Her friends gave her great reviews from her initial piece, and so she decided to continue sewing.
Johnson managed to teach herself the basics, with YouTube being her instructor when she was ready to advance her skills.
“Initially I lacked a lot of the technical know-how when it came to constructing a garment. A lot of trial and error as well as watching videos helped me to improve my skills,” she said.
She has since gone on to take classes at Apparel ‘n More.
“To tell you the truth, most times women don’t realise this, but they can be their own obstacles. I personally didn’t think I could reach where I am now,” she said.
“I mean, I’m no Vera Wang or Michael Costello, but I have faith in myself now, more than ever, that I now know for a fact that I can become an icon in the Caribbean fashion industry.”
Now a student at the University of Technology majoring in meetings and special events management, Johnson hopes to use her studies to make her fashion business more lucrative.
“I would love to combine the knowledge I have acquired while pursuing this degree with my fashion business,” she said.
“For the future I’m definitely looking to create more designs which offer diversity — possibly a male collection. I would love to have my pieces being featured in international shows.”
