Today we’d like to introduce you to StormyWeather Banks. Them and their team share their story with us below:

Stormy Weather Banks has been a fashion designer for more than 30 years, honing her craft to become the professional businesswoman / educator within the industry she loves today. And with noteworthy successes as wedding dress designer of men & women evening apparel, a soft doll maker, etc., her most profound joy comes from working with today’s youth teaching sewing classes and giving back as she donates her time at Lynwood Senior Citizen Center.

Stormy’s journey began at the very early age of seven. As her mother taught her to sew, she followed that passion with a scholarship to Brooks College Long Beach, CA. earning an Associate of Arts in Fashion/Apparel Design and a Bachelor of Arts in Teacher Education & Professional Development at California State University- Dominguez Hills.

As an educator, she has taught classes at South Omaha College Nebraska, Cerritos Jr. College, California and at Santee High School. Her reputation at Santee High School is highly regarded as she has taken a simple class course from the classroom to the runway, literally. Each year, showcasing the talents of the students, they are professionally judged by the fashion & entertainment industry leaders. This overly anticipated, red-carpeted, step & repeat celebrity MC hosted media event, has a 500+ attendance and was the event of the year for Santee High School prior to her retirement.

Upon retiring after 20 years with LAUSD, Mrs. Banks decided to pursue her dreams to become a globally well-known fashion designer. So far, upon retirement last year, she has participated within LA Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, and a number of other fashion shows as she eyes Paris Fashion Week later this year.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road, I got married at a young age to an unsupportive abusive husband who took all my sewing equipment from me once we divorced. I had to rebuild myself and my self-esteem. After several years, I remarried a man who supported me, had a few more kids, lost one child at birth, and now at the age of 60, I am looking forward to the future.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As an artist/creative, I am a Fashion Designer, I specialize in evening wear, I am known for my Prom Dresses. I am proud of my tenacity at the age of 60 in a competitive market. What sets me apart from others is designing imaginative, eclectic, original apparel that fits and inspires you…

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I think things are going to go more avant-garde as people are looking for something different.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.swdesigns.us
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stormyweatherdesigns/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stormyweathercynthia.frazierbanks
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@swdesigns6645