It all began with a love for fashion and a dream. Growing up in North Tonawanda, a small town outside of Buffalo, NY, I had big aspirations of living in the city that never sleeps. With an undeniable passion for fashion, I set my sights high and was accepted into the prestigious Fashion Design program at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. As a student, I worked tirelessly, stayed focused, and remained determined to turn my dreams into reality.
Upon graduation, I began my career in the fashion industry, working for a small leather goods company and later for Donna Karan. After several years, I realized the importance of mastering Computer-Aided Design (CAD), so I enrolled in the Fashion Technology Program at Buffalo State College. Determined to accelerate my education, I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in just one year.
Before graduating, I entered a national design competition, creating a bedroom ensemble that earned me third place—a pivotal moment that led me to my next career move: designing textiles for home furnishings. This opportunity brought me back to NYC. After two years, I transitioned into a new role as a liaison between New York and Boston for the upholstery division of a Major Textile Converter Company. My dedication and expertise led to a promotion as Design Director, allowing me to travel internationally and develop upholstery collections in India, China, Italy, and Turkey.
For six years, I thrived in the world of international design and development, but eventually, I felt inspired to take the leap into entrepreneurship. I launched my own consulting business, collaborating with international mills to develop my own upholstery collections, which were exported back to the U.S. My fabrics were used for furniture, drapery, bedding, and pillows, and the business was flourishing—until the financial crisis of 2008 drastically impacted the housing market.
At a crossroads, I turned to my now-husband and asked, "What else can I do with my design talent and manufacturing connections?" That simple question sparked the idea for something new—something exciting.
And just like that, Be Dazzled was born!