Self-taught seamstress eyeing int’l recognition
As the carnival season comes to an end, Amanda Wollaston, a 22-year-old entrepreneur, is setting her eyes on the future as she aims to make waves in her fashion venture, Fashion Unleashed.
Specialising in custom costumes and clothing, Wollaston’s journey from self-taught seamstress to business proprietor is one marked by determination and a sexy flair.
“I create most likely customised suits for any event,” she explained, her voice tinged with enthusiasm for her craft. “You can tell me what you want exactly, and I can bring the idea to life. Or you can send me a picture of your inspired outfit, and I’ll recreate it for you.”
Her journey into costume design began just two years ago, spurred by her innate knack for working with her hands. “Designing and creating those costumes were really interesting to me,” she said. “The process got me out of my comfort zone since I am used to making mostly birthday dresses and swimwear.”
Despite her initial focus on more conventional attire, Wollaston found herself drawn to the vibrant world of carnival costumes.
“I had fun with the whole excitement and tried things out until it met the expectation of my brand and client,” she said. As the carnival season brought an influx of orders, Wollaston found herself surprised by the demand.
“I got quite a few orders for the carnival season,” she shares. “Being located in Ocho Rios, I didn’t expect such a response.” But her ambitions extend beyond the shores of Jamaica.
“It actually opened up my eyes and my thoughts about sewing overall,” she said, highlighting recent international orders from destinations like the Cayman Islands and Miami, Florida. “I feel a level of accomplishment getting the international requests.”
For Wollaston, learning is a continuous process, often fuelled by online tutorials and her own experimentation.
“If I don’t understand how to get a pattern or a style, it’s either YouTube or I freestyle until I just do it,” she explained.
Her success hasn’t gone unnoticed by her family, who beam with pride at her achievements.
“Both of them are proud of me,” Wollaston said, speaking of her mother and grandmother. “Every family event, they highlight me, telling me that they’re proud of me, especially my grandmother.”
Despite scepticism from some quarters, Wollaston remains undeterred in her pursuit of success. “The first person I told that I was going to design and make clothes didn’t give a good feedback,” she recalled. “But I didn’t let that stop me from doing what I want.” Looking ahead, she is eager to expand her business horizons.
“The seasonal carnival costumes for sure, but I am looking to do
business with companies like Grace, Boom, any company that wants to make uniforms,” she said.
As she reflects on her journey from Iona High School [in St Mary] graduate to thriving entrepreneur, she has a message for those who may want to pursue a similar career.
“Anything you want or anything you put your head to, you can do it,” she asserted. “There are opportunities. I’m not putting any limits on myself.”