Janice Nerissa

Recently Emily in Paris has become the latest entertainment and social buzz amongst Netflix subscribers. In this new hit show, one of the stars is fashion itself. Being a fashionista and fashion designer is the complete opposite, let us hear from our Alumni Janice Nerissa (BIS class of 2011) on how to be a Fashion Designer.

Please tell me a little about yourself?

I’m Janice, now a mother of a 1-year-old, a fashion designer who also loves to cook and bake.

Why did you choose fashion designing as a career?

I was always into arts and design since I was a kid. At first, I loved the feeling of wearing something nice that I created for myself.

What is your favorite part about being a designer?

The satisfaction when someone wears and likes my design that is tailor-made to their body. Since I mostly make custom-made clothing, I like to think that I can realize my customer’s vision too, with my skills. My other favorite part about being a designer is simple; I always get to wear new clothes for myself. Honestly before covid-19, I rarely worethe same dress twice (to attend events).

What is fashion for you?

For me fashion is a way to empower someone. By looking your best physically, I believe you can feel good and confident in yourself. Fashion is art, yet it’s also a function. It’s a form of expression.

According to you, what are the skills that are necessary for becoming a successful fashion designer?

From the outside, it may seem like it’s a superficial industry. But since I build @vicuna.official from nothing, I know that it is actually hard work.

For me, to become a successful fashion designer (not that I am right now, I still need to learn a lot of stuff), firstly you need self-discipline. This was the hardest for me, since I am my own boss and I just had a baby. Time management is crucial too and I still need to improve.

Second: you have to have the right attitude to deal with clients. I mostly make custom-made clothes, so every customer will be meeting with me to discuss what they want. During these meeting and fitting sessions, I encountered many different types of people… some are easy, some are downright rude. Communication skills are important.

Next.. of course knowledge in trends, fabrics, sewing techniques, pattern-making, etc.

What made you want to expand your business from just designing clothing to baking?

Because I love food! Baking is new for me; it started since March after I did self-quarantine at home. Of course covid-19 affected my fashion business (since nobody is attending any events right now, right?). My sales declined, I have some free time and I tried baking and it turns out I’m good at that too. I created this one cake menu, and from social media, a lot of people actually ordered and I got really nice feedback. A lot of them actually re-ordered & til now I still sell that cake.

What values or learning that you acquired at BIS do you still use today?

Perseverance, creativity, communication, bravery, leadership. I remembered the first day I started at BIS. I was in grade 11 with a full scholarship. I was new and I didn’t know the school culture. I was scared of failing and disappointing my parents. I struggled with English subjects, but I persevered till I got 43 out of 45 for my IB diploma.

It doesn’t matter if you can’t do it at first. Just do it. Everything takes time;same with starting your own business. I was also blind when I started @vicuna.official. Nobody mentored me. Nobody told me what move to do next. But through research, creativity, and perseverance, it got me to where I am now. it’s not the peak yet, I still have a goal to reach. But I am happy. All of my employees are still working, despite the covid situation. That is a blessing for me.