Interview with Rhonda Paul
Crochet Designer for Fashion Issue
By Mr. Styyles
mrstyyles@excapethematrix.com
TS: Rhonda thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me.
RP: It’s my pleasure. Thank you for picking me to be one of the crochet
designers featured in the fashion issue I really appreciate it.
TS: Anytime. Who is Rhonda Paul?
RP: I’m a mother, lover of crochet and music. I have been crocheting swimwear
for approximately four years and having fun with it.
TS: What is the meaning behind your designer label “Jazzy Couture”?
RP: Actually, the name comes from my father. He passed away in 2001 and I found
out at his funeral that his friends called him Jazz because he was smooth and I
also love music so I just thought of the idea to call my crochet swimwear “Jazzy
Couture”.
TS: I love how you put the whole concept together that’s really unique. What
does being a crochet designer mean to you?
RP: To me being a crochet designer is fun, challenging, creative and exciting to
see my work come to life.
TS: How and When did you learn to crochet?
RP: I was nine years old and my aunt taught me how to crochet. I don’t follow
patterns or instructions. I do freelance everything so that’s the difference in
my work.
TS: What makes your designs different from any other crochet designer?
RP: That’s a good question. I guess it comes from me having my own style and
allowing my creative juices to flow.
TS: Have you always known that you wanted to be a crochet designer?
RP: No, I never knew that crochet designers even existed. After my first show I
got so excited and amped about pursuing this as a career. Myspace also helped me
with networking and coming across other crochet designers such as “Contagious”.
I just realized how big the crochet designing business was becoming. Eventually,
I would love to open my own boutique with one of kind designs.
TS: Yes, networking is a beautiful thing. When was your first project that
put your name out in the fashion industry?
RP: My partner and I put our first fashion show/cabaret together which was on
February 10, 2007. It was called Love Meets Fashion. It really put “Jazzy
Couture” out on the map.
TS: Does your designs gear towards men as well as women?
RP: Not yet. I’m still learning but I would love to design for men.
TS: Please let me know so I can be the first male with an exclusive design
from you.
RP: You will be the first to know.
TS: Have you come across any bad experiences in the industry?
RP: I actually had one bad experience thus far. I had two swimsuits missing by
the end of a show that I was showing my designs. I had to stop everyone from
leaving out to look for my designs. The models were very disrespectful but at
the end of it all I did retrieve my garments. I won’t work with those models
again.
TS: Why do you think the pride of designers is getting in the way of working
with other designers?
RP: I honestly haven’t experienced that issue. I have to say that after meeting
“Contagious” she has really given me some great advice and encouragement. She
has really been a blessing to me especially with pursuing a career as a crochet
designer.
TS: Do you feel that crochet designers aren’t getting the recognition they
deserve?
RP: I believe that crochet designers have started to get their shine and really
getting our vision out in the fashion industry.
TS: Do you have any other interests/talents?
RP: Yes, as I mentioned I love music. I went to school and received a degree in
music. I play instruments and I’m into classical music.
TS: That’s very interesting. What do you still need to learn in order to
become one of the best?
RP: I definitely need to learn how to design menswear. I need to perfect my
craft as a crochet designer and I want to learn more about incorporating
accessories within my designs to make it as professional as possible.
TS: What makes Rhonda the most uncomfortable?
RP: It makes me uncomfortable when I have to ask for money in regards to doing
shows and selling my designs. I don’t want to sell myself short but at the same
time it’s uncomfortable for me to put a certain price on my creativity.
TS: What advice do you give for the upcoming designers that are trying to get
into the industry?
RP: I have to say be determined, trust yourself, allow yourself to be open to
advice and criticism.
TS: If you could collaborate with one designer who would it be?
RP: It would definitely be “Contagious” because I absolutely love her.
TS: What would people be surprised to know about you?
RP: People would be surprised that I’m not sure of my worth as a crochet
designer. I’m a confident person but when it comes to my product as a designer I
get worried and doubt my skills.
TS: Where do you see yourself as a designer?
RP: I see myself evolving within the industry like a butterfly coming out of a
cocoon. I want to do more fashion shows. My next step is to develop a webpage
showcasing my designs to expose “Jazzy Couture” to a broad audience. I’m just
really excited about being a crochet designer and showcasing my product.
TS: Where can people find your collection?
RP: Right now people can find my collection at www.myspace.com/jazzycouture. I
have a lot of photos of my designs on there. Feel free to send me a message and
tell me what you are interested in purchasing and I can take it from there.
TS: What’s next for Rhonda Paul?
RP: I actually just got accepted to be a showcased a designer in Baltimore’s
Fashion Week so I’m really excited about that. I’m definitely looking forward to
having more of my own fashion shows. I’m going to be collaborating with Elena
Siri with a photo shoot so I’m also excited about that adventure.
TS: Well, Rhonda thank you again for taking the time to do this interview
with me it was a blast.
RP: I’m so grateful and blessed to have this opportunity.
TS: Until next time, Stay Fashionably Blessed.