Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine July 2017 | Page 257

Avena shared with Mélange . . .
About her background
I grew up in the village of Grand Fond, Dominica,
which is deep in the interior of the island and
lived there throughout high school. I made a
profession of faith in Jesus Christ at the age of 10
and got baptized at the age of 13. My faith is a
big part of my life and I would not be this far if I
did not rely and trust in God.
I once had a bad experience with a seamstress
then decided it would be best to make my own
clothing. In that way I could have what I wanted
when I wanted it. I then pursued and completed
a sewing program at the Deliverance Baptist
Church. I thought I was the worst student
there, and considered forgetting the idea, but,
I really wanted this so I stayed, and at the end
of the program I stunned everyone, including
myself, with my performance. One of the pieces
I completed was a partially hand-stitched flare
skirt which even now, get me compliments.
As the years progressed, I changed jobs a few
times and at each point, pursued studies in
line with the position I held. I worked as a sales
representative with a printing company and in
less than two years became Sales and Marketing
Supervisor. Following this position, I worked
at an insurance company as an agent and
completed my Certificate in Insurance Principles
while pursuing a Baccalaureate Degree in
Marketing Administration. In spite of all this, I
was able to complete programs in Tailoring and
Advance Sewing. Before these sewing programs
were completed, however, I had already started
building a sewing clientele and was also making
uniforms for my church dance group which I was
a member of. After four and a half years as
an insurance agent, I established my own
business.
About when she discovered her flair
for fashion
I was actually reading a few emails from about
7 years ago and realized that back then I was
talking to my friends about having my own
wedding dress company. Although my mind
was not towards fashion per se, I had ideas that
I would add to the garments I made and they
were often well received. Still I think my defining
moment came when I decided to take part in
the ‘Courts Dominica Fashion Show’ about two
years ago.
About winning the Courts Dominica
Fashion Show Competition
The fashion show is an annual event hosted
by the Unicomer Group in the various islands
they operate. Basically, participants are required
to design a piece inspired by a particular item
furniture which they select from the company’s
catalogue. The best sketches are chosen to
participate in the fashion show and each
competitor has his or her piece displayed on the
runway by a model of their choice. The winner is
determined by a team of three or four judges.
My participation in the competition was rushed.
I found out about it the day before the deadline
for the sketches. I had never done something