This just in: Vibrancy is the theme of the summer. 

"If you could give this summer a theme, what would it be?" I ask Sierra Rena over our phone call. "Vibrancy!" she proclaims. Her energy and style reflect just that; vibrant, high-spirited, and dynamic feels. The young designer, stylist, and creative director embarked on a new journey last January when she began her fashion brand, Sierrasinvogue. And since then, SIV has become an embodiment of Sierra's dauntless artistry.

Designing hand-crafted woven pieces and creating noteworthy looks, Sierra radiates confidence but shares that mastering it has been a journey. From accepting her body type to finding her own unique style, Sierra reminds us that expressing ourselves holds a transformative power. "If you really like a pair of pants like honey, go wear them! I make pants for all body types. So my message is to be comfortable with yourself and express yourself. Anything in order to make yourself become the best version of you!"

As we commence the summer, Sierra connected with Trutuyou to talk about her love for fashion, running her brand Sierrasinvogue, and becoming the best version of herself.

Trutuyou: Who is Sierra & what do you do?

Sierra :

I am a nineteen-year-old sophomore at the University of Maryland. Basically, I touch on a lot of things within the fashion industry. I'm a creative director, I have my own clothing brand, I tend to model here and there and also style as well.

Trutuyou: How did Sierrasinvogue come about?

Sierra :

So actually, my uncle, who passed away in 2016, was a huge advocate in the fashion industry. He made his own clothes and had his own clothing line. Sierrasinvogue was inspired by him. Vogue means to be in trend, so Sierrasinvogue, in a way, means Sierra's always in a trend, or she is the trend.

Trutuyou : What has entrepreneurship taught you about yourself and running a business?

Sierra :

I can definitely say that entrepreneurship has tested my procrastination, time management, and creativity. I feel like as an entrepreneur, you always have to be on your toes, thinking of something creative and unique that nobody else has created. It has really tested my dedication and passion. I've realized that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life because, with all the things that are happening right now, I really feel like I've only scratched the surface of what I can achieve.

Trutuyou : If you could share a piece of advice with someone wanting to start a business, what would that be?

Sierra :

Honestly, I would advise someone wanting to start a business to ask themselves if they really want it. It isn't just quick money - even though money and success come with it - Do you really have a passion for fashion? Do you really have a passion for creating something that's different and that people will really want to buy? Or do you just have that money-driven ego? 

Trutuyou : Would you say that confidence has always come easy for you? Or is it something that you've gradually had to master?

Sierra :

When I first started on social media, I felt like my confidence would be kind of steered in a way where I thought, "Hey, maybe this outfit is too basic, or maybe this outfit doesn't fit my body type." I've always been skinny. In the beginning, I would buy cargo pants that didn't fit my waist and would look super baggy. Over time I've learned to love myself and the body type that I have to really work with the clothes that I wear. At the end of the day, if something doesn't fit me, I always alter it. I think I've really been able to grow my confidence extremely over just the past couple of months, and I'm really proud of myself for doing that.

Trutuyou: When did you start sewing and what made you want to start?

Sierra :

I actually started sewing in January during quarantine. I bought a small beginner sewing machine. I've always wanted to know how to sew and make clothes, but during the first couple of months after buying it, I didn't touch it at all because I had no motivation, especially during quarantine.

So finally, I found this account that made pants out of woven blankets. I would see these pants, but people would always charge so much for them. I wanted to make them myself. The first pair of blanket pants I made was my first time sewing ever, and it honestly turned out way better than I expected.

I posted a TikTok about it, and it received 20k views. There were a bunch of people in the comments asking if I sell the pants, and that's literally where my clothing brand came from - from that, TikTok blowing up. It wasn't forced. That's why I'm really grateful that it happened because it's not something I expected, but at the end of the day, I really think it's something I needed to say, "Sierra do it."

Trutuyou: Summer has just begun. Do you have any summer goals or exciting plans?

Sierra:

Since May, I've been planning my summer in terms of putting myself out there, staying consistent on Instagram, and really being able to dip into my creative direction side. I also plan on going into modeling a little bit more. I plan on doing a 3rd launch at the end of June, and I have a lot of photoshoots lined up for this month. In July, I'll be doing some creative direction and style work in Los Angeles.

Trutuyou: What would you say is your favorite summer trend right now?

Sierra:

I'm really liking sheer and mesh tops -Jean Paul Gaultier tops and y2k vibes. I'm also really liking the shield sunglasses. Really any summer trend that emerged from the 2000s.

Trutuyou: Do you have any affirmations or quotes that you live by to keep you going?

Sierra:

When my uncle had his clothing line, his business cards would always say, "When you approach me, come proper," and even though it's sort of passive-aggressive in a way, that is something that I always live by. At the end of the day, I am the one that's really by myself. I am the owner of Sierrasinvogue. I'm the one doing things out my comfort zone to make me the person that I will be in the next couple of years. I feel like you have to have that type of confidence.

Trutuyou: What is your goal/ message with everything you do?

Sierra:

My goal is to achieve everything I've wanted to do since my senior year of high school - wanting to creative direct, do photoshoots, style people, and have my own brand.

My message to people is to be the best version of yourself. Even just buying a pair of pants can really make you feel good about yourself. If you really like a pair of pants like honey, wear them! My message is to be comfortable with yourself and express yourself with clothing or just in general. Do anything in order to become the best version of you.

Trutuyou: What's next for SierraInvogue?

Sierra:

I don't want to say too much about it because I want it to be a surprise, but I'm working with a really good friend of mine on a shoe collection.

Trutuyou: Lastly, in your own words, what does it mean to live true to self?

Sierra:

On the fashion aspect, there will always be inspiration, but I think you can only achieve so much that way. You have to put your own spin to it. You aren't going to be able to achieve what you want to achieve if you are copying exactly what someone else is doing.

THANK YOU SIERRA! ︎

︎ Sierrarenas
︎ Sierrasinvogue.com

Text and Interview by

 


  Daija Green ︎
  Founder

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