Guys! Meet my good friend Eliza Torres aka E Marie. Eliza is a fashion designer who I've had the pleasure of working on varies shoots and becoming great friends with through out my photography/blogging journey! If I know anyone who works extremely hard in her craft, it's Eliza. Throughout our friendship we relate to each other in many ways in the fashion industry which can be cruel and heartless at times. It's nice to have someone that understands you and doesn't mind when you vent. I'm big on showering those who deserve it with support and encouragement, I think a lot of people treat each other like competitors (which can be good or bad) meanwhile I think there's enough insta likes to go around. So here is her fashion story and new Valentine's Day line!
Tell us about yourself and what do you do?
Eliza Torres, 29, FL, Fashion Designer.
How did E Marie come about? What made you decide to be a fashion designer?
I have been artistic my entire life. I started drawing clothes and logos when I was approx. 11 years old. I decided in high school that I wanted to study fashion. I knew even then that when I finally had a line, it would be named E Marie. I graduated in 07' from IADT Tampa with a BA in Fashion Design & Marketing.
How does one work full time, but still manage to run their own company on the side?
It is very difficult. I do work full time in product development as an Assistant Designer for Private Label for a Dept. store. The little bit of free time I have is spent working on E Marie. As challenging as it may be, I continue everyday doing so because I am that passionate and dedicated to my craft. I have a vision and as an artist I must do what I have to do to execute that idea. The amount of satisfaction as an end result outweighs everything else and confirms that I am truly meant to do what I do.
What was your inspiration for your new collection? What keeps your creative juices flowing?
My most recent collection was actually my second lingerie collection and it was created for the sake of Valentines Day. Lingerie is such a perfect gift and almost necessity for the Holiday that I decided to create a group that is predominately red and launched just in time for Valentines Day. As far as designing in general, I get inspired by many things. I'm currently finishing my Fall 15 Collection which is inspired by Wicen Culture and Cult like imagery. I like very dark and mysterious things!
What has been your biggest accomplishment?
I've won competitions and I've had my work featured in numerous magazines but I'd have to say that my biggest accomplishment truly is the simple fact that I have followed my dreams. It is a constant struggle and I still have so much more growth reserved for my future but I've never given up and that in itself is a huge accomplishment. My drive has inspired many people and that keeps me motivated. I think that is an accomplishment that unfortunately not everyone knows how to grasp.
What's next for E Marie? Where do you see yourself in a few years?
My current goal is to get E Marie picked up in stores and other online retailers. In further future I aim to get a true studio and showroom.
What's the biggest advice you can give someone who's just starting out?
Don't be afraid that you're not the best at things and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Do as much as you can to learn from others who are established and don't take people's opinions personally. This is a very competitive and judgmental industry but you must be aware of that and respect that everyone has an opinion. If you love what you are creating, that's the most important opinion.
SHARE THE LOVE! If you Instagram the image below or share this blog post, You'll receive a message from Eliza with a coupon code to receive 20% off your next purchase, valid through 2/7/15 get yourself something nice for Valentine's Day!
Eliza Torres / E Marie