Conversations with Teren Robinson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Teren Robinson.

Teren, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was always into clothes and the latest trends because of my mom growing up, she’s one of the most fashionable people I know. But, for me it started in high school. Although we had to wear uniforms, I would always try to find a way to make myself look different with my shoes and accessories. I would always customize my shoes, cardigans, & shorts if I could. Brands weren’t necessary for me to be stylish, or at least try to be. Once it came time for me to apply to colleges my senior year, I was searching for colleges that had some of my interests, which was Fashion and Psychology. My college counselor Ms. Jones (Jonesy is what I called her), asked me had I considered pursuing Fashion as my major and career path for real. At first, I didn’t think so but then I realized that I had the style and talent for it I just had to apply myself. From that day, I knew that a career in the Fashion Industry was what I wanted to do. That is when Teddy Stylez was born.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been an easy journey. I had a lot of doubts and questions about it. Could I really last in the fashion industry? Is this really what I wanted to do? I wanted to design clothes and style them on people. It is definitely a challenge co-existing as both but I knew I could make it happen if I wanted to, the sky is the limit! I started my journey officially at California State Polytechnic University Pomona, Cal Poly Pomona for short, fresh out of high school. I was there for about four years and although I was learning a lot of valuable information, I felt stuck. I didn’t think that the education that I was getting was preparing me to be on my own and take my ideas and turn them into works of art that could represent me as a designer. I had prayed about it and I asked for three signs that would let me know that I needed to be somewhere else. Once I got them, in the same day ironically, I finished out that semester and I parted ways with Cal Poly. I took a year off to find a job and find myself, so I could have a stable source of income while on this journey.

I also took this time to start building my portfolio and try to get an internship to aid me in building my skills while I look for a new institution to attend school. Then, it happened. I met Dymond Warren, a Los Angeles designer who I idolized ever since I was in high school. I met him first at World on Wheels, and I kind of lost my cool haha. After I turned 21, I started hitting the clubs and I saw him out and he remembered me and asked me how was school and I told him everything I went through and wanted to do with my career and he asks why I wasn’t interning for him. In October of 2019, I landed the internship of my dreams, styled my first photoshoot, and started making plans on making my birthday outfit and it has been amazing ever since if I am being completely honest. In August of 2020, I continued my education at Los Angeles Trade Technical College.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Currently, I am still learning the craft of fashion design. From an idea to concept to vision board, fashion sketching, pattern making, fabric sourcing, and cut and sew. I am taking everything I am learning in school and in my internship and applying them to my designs, creations and styling work. I have a lot of things that I am proud of, but I am most proud of my ability to bounce back and actually pursue my career how I want to and not try to make it fit with someone else’s curriculum.

Also, I have started making and selling my own ready-to-wear pieces. My portfolio is continuing to grow with new projects that I take on in addition to being hired to be the Creative Director/Head Stylist for the LA-based boutique, A-Plus Los Angeles. I have also started to work on building my own clothing line, COMING SOON!!!!! I think what sets me apart from others is my mind and thought process about fashion and my ability to create what I see in my head, and if I do not know how to I can learn. I personally do not think that fashion has a gender. There should absolutely be no reason that people are told what they can or cannot wear based off of their gender. When it comes to fashion, there are gender rules or expectations and that’s exactly what I would like to bring to the industry.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Primarily, I am on Instagram @Teddystylez. There are multiple ways to get in contact with me on there.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://terenrobinson.myportfolio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teddystylez/

Image Credits
Models: Bijan Ross, Sequoia Artisan, Dion Howard, Lauryn Johnson, Lydia Zenaye Photographer: @lilbiiill on instagram