Crystel Hilton, 21 of Bioche, is determined to follow her dream of becoming a professional fashion designer.
Hilton is the owner and founder of “Chardonaye Fashion” located at Paradise View in Bioche.
She told Dominica News Online (DNO) on Monday that she held a successful pre-launch of her company at the Fisheries Complex Building in Bioche on Saturday.
“We had a pre launching of the company on Saturday and it was a success,” she said. “The turnout was great. A lot of people in the community showed up to give their support as well as others from different villages.”
She continued, “We are expecting to host a bigger launching later down this year.”
According to Hilton, her business caters to children and adults from ages 6 and above.
She said she used models of different ages to advertise her products at the pre-launch.
“I advertised my different lines using models. I had a copper line, so that was different earrings and different forms of jewelry that I crafted with copper; then I had a line colour sensation; it had to do with different sensations in colours; then I had some with gold fashion… I also had local products like, coconuts and shells,” she explained.
She said the jewelry was showcased in different sections which featured different designs.
It was her love for the art which inspired Hilton to get involved in jewelry production.
“I am also an artiste as well. I do paintings, so I am always drawing. I started drawing models wearing different accessories, clothing designs and so on..,” she said. “It was last year when I thought what if I could bring all my drawings and designs to life? So I wanted to start with the accessories and putting pieces together…I have been making jewelry for a year now.”
Her message to young fashion designers, “They should not give up on their dreams and to find a way to bring their passion to light, because there are a lot of talented people out there especially in my community.”
But Hilton’s new business is not without its challenges.
“One of my major problems has to do with acquiring as much material needed to bring out some of my ideas to light,” she stated. “I have a lot of ideas and the materials sometimes can be a problem.”
She said she obtains some of the material in Dominica and orders some from countries like the United States, England, Japan and India.
For more information on Chadonaye Fashion visit: https://www.facebook.com/crystel.hilton?fref=ts
Crystel darling,
I am impressed and so proud of you. God placed that gift in you and to God be the glory. Use what you have and let your gift make room for you, according to God’s holy word. Look out for negative influences… seek God for your every counsel and you won’t be disappointed. With God all things are possible!!
Sharon
Congrats. A little presentation advice. Use less colourfull makeup on your models. That way your pieces will stand out more.
Young lady, here is some free advice.
Instead of looking to do the retail side of the business, focus on the wholesale side. Try to sell your products to people who are already in the (particularly tourism) business. They get to see a lot more people who may be interested in buying your products.
Once you establish that, do not try and compete with them in the retail market. Let them interface with the consumer.
You may even consider selling your products online (think Amazon). I buy enough stuff on Amazon that come from Hong Kong and China. There is no reason why you can’t do the same.
Good Luck
that’s the way to go, you are young and talented. continue being brilliant. Continue pursuing your dreams.
Well done Crystel!!!! YOU HAVE DONE WELL. God’s richest blessings on you and your business. Continue to be an inspiration for everyone who has a dream.
congratulations! its always a good feeling to see young people inspired to follow their dreams
thats great girl.. continue to pursue your dreams.. the journey of one mile begins with one step.. also this is an encouragement to others who is willing to start their own business in what ever field..
So proud of you, Crys! You are an excellent role model. Remain ever open to constructive criticism, keep up that positive attitude and with God on your side, your are bound for even greater things. This is only the BEGINNING…remember I told you!!!
Good. That’s the way to go young lady. I pray that the almighty father will guide, protect, and prosper you in all your endeavors. Don’t be afraid to make use of the credit union in your community or along the west coast. With the right connections you will be able to source your materials on a timely basis. Go for gold Crystel. Don’t be distracted the sky is the limit.
good girl. this is brilliant idea . wish you success in your endeavor. the sky is your limit.
Well done keep up thebgood work. You show a lot of determination. Keep moving forward
You go girl,aim for the stars
Dear Crystel, just a word of advice you could be very well recognized in todays world if you obtain a degree in that field. Good Luck and all the best on your endeavours.
Very good initiative! She should be applauded and encouraged! Well done!
It would be good if she had a degree but one don’t have to have a degree to be a success in business she is doing very good for herself and we are very proud of her , she don’t want to be recognized in the world instead I’m sure she would like to be recognized in the business market because she have something to sell and her products are beautiful. I pray the good Lord will continue to be with her always.