Rejection to Runway in TWO Weeks??!

This week is Charlotte Fashion Week. They have been running this event for about three years now, and I recently came across a post for it. On May 1st, I decided to take a long shot. I emailed and DM’d the coordinators in hopes of getting involved somehow, specifically to showcase my custom CLT blanket pants.

Well, yesterday I finally received a response on Instagram. They told me to email my designs over because they loved the pants and wanted to include me in the fashion show! This is great news, but here is where it gets a little awkward. I have already emailed them… on May 1st.

I emailed them again immediately as requested, but I still have not heard anything regarding the next steps. My messages have been sitting for a full day without a reply. I am always a little uneasy about last minute communication or a lack of organization behind an event. I don’t say that to be harsh, but if you want my designs in a show that happens in a few days, we need to move quickly!

I promised from the beginning that I would be transparent about every aspect of this journey to NYFW. Being a “nobody” in this industry means sharing the raw experience and the behind the scenes hustle.

So, will my designs actually make it onto the runway for Charlotte Fashion Week this Friday? With only a few days to prep, I honestly have no idea! I am praying for favor and an opportunity to bring God glory.

I am sharing this because I want you to join me in prayer. I have done everything I can on my side, including sending another follow-up email this morning. Am I hitting them up too much? Maybe! But I am trying to get my designs out there and gain real experience in the fashion industry.

The fun part about starting from zero is that my designs, my style, and my individuality are the only things that can get me in the door, besides the grace of the Lord. I actually love that. I know that if a door opens, it isn’t because I have a ton of followers or because people want “clout.” It is simply the Lord swinging the door open through the creativity He gifted me.

If it doesn’t happen, or if they never respond with the next steps, I completely trust the journey the Lord has me on.

It has been so fun to see what is out there on this road to New York. I have loved networking with new people, seeing the passion for fashion in my own city, and feeling the kindness of everyone who has donated to support me. Time and time again, the Lord demands the glory for His creativity. Being a participant in that is the best thing I have ever done.

Here is to praying that the Lord lights the path for my next steps and does only what He can do. Keep enjoying the labor, friends. How cool would it be to go from a rejection two weeks ago to a runway this week?

Thanks as always for reading.

Love, Cass