Today we’d like to introduce you to Britney Newman.
Hi Britney, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Raised in poverty, I didn’t have the luxury of expressing myself through fashion as others did when I was growing up. I made up my mind in middle school for career day that I would be a Fashion Designer one day.
I graduated a year early in the top ten of my class from Kashmir Highschool and joined the Army at 17. I have always been diligent in my work ethic for anything I do. With that being said, I was the youngest sergeant in my battalion overseas in Baghdad, Iraq at the age of 17.
I medically retired from the military in 2012 and began my journey in the fashion industry, prematurely graduating with my bachelor’s in Fashion Design. I have shown it at CMGNYFW. I have been published nationally and internationally 30 times in the following titles: Fashion Designer, Fashion Stylist, Fashion Editor, Fashion Blogger, Fashion Creative Director, and Fashion photographer.
Because of this, I have been nicknamed, “The Fashion Guru”. I am a professional member of TFII, The state’s official non-profit dedicated to the positive growth of the Texas fashion industry through fashion career development or support for fashion entrepreneurs. (A branch of the CFDA) I currently have several publications and fashion shows for my new collection SKIN.
This collection is a celebration of all women being comfortable in their skin, outside, and in net beauty. Alvarado Apparel will be debuting their Geode Collection for The Society Fashion Week at LAFW in March 2023. I continue to drive my creativity and sewing techniques to be more advanced. I dream of being a celebrity designer for stars like Cardi B and Beyoncé.
I now design stage wear and red carpet wear for celebrities. I also have a new business venture titled The Ritual. “It’s the perfect bath in a box.” It includes bath products, metaphysical properties, affirmations, and free gifts. I will be launching this product in 2023.
My social media is @alvaradoapparel/@theritualsanantonio and my site is www.alvaradoapparel.com. In five years, I see myself participating in fashion shows overseas and dressing A list of celebrities.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This has not been a smooth journey. I’m a disabled veteran and minority female entrepreneur. That alone should give you several ideas of the challenges I have faced as an entrepreneur. I have not always been accepted locally due to my race and sex.
I’ve faced challenges with getting the proper fashion education, so there are several things I’m still teaching myself. Teaching myself has been a routine thing for me.
I have no business education, but I have taught myself the proper steps to start a business and run it properly. I’ve had issues with fashion industry personnel from being so persistent in trying to figure out how to advance further, but I don’t let negativity stop me from achieving my goals.
Along the way, I have realized if I get a no, it’s just a no for the moment. I have been able to overcome said challenges by continuing to reach my goals. I’m an artist and all I want is a success.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m most proud of my fashion design success and just being an entrepreneur as an artist. Art is my life and it feels good to do it. It’s never worked for me.
I specialize in women’s celebrity stage wear and red carpet wear. I also create homemade bath products and include metaphysical properties in my bath box. What sets me apart from others is that I’m driven. I have my times when I get discouraged and want to quit, but those are just moments that need to happen for me.
I’m determined to be successful in all my business ventures. I also draw, paint and do resin art. I also love interior designing. If it’s art, I do it!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I’m an example that persistence is the key to success.
As a veteran and black women, we can achieve our goals when we just follow our dreams doing what we love. Don’t let anyone or anything stop you from achieving your dreams!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alvaradoapparel.com
- Instagram: @alvaradoapparel
- Facebook: @alvaradoapparel
- Other: @theritualsanantonio
Image Credits
Britney Newman, Daniel Hinojos, Enrique Lopez, Camila Alba-Abad, Madden Kiley, Victoria Myers, Wyturia Robinson, Madyson Cannon, Mya Gonzalez, Grashuss Arie, Nadia Juarez, Rachel Rangel, Emy Sanchez, and Toni Sam Lin. Makeup Artist: Gloria Sanchez, Sara Guillen, and Treva Allred. Hairstylists: Gloria Sanchez and Briana Ynostrosa
