Conversations with Sarah Joy Perez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Joy Perez.

Hi Sarah Joy, 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?
I’ve wanted to be a fashion designer since I was a little girl. I’d draw dresses in sketch books and sit in the back of the car while my mom was driving and imagine costumes for plays/music videos. My family lineage includes many skilled seamstresses and I feel very connected to my family when I’m creating with fabric. My dream followed alongside me all throughout my life.

For my 6th grade year-long project I chose to study the history of fashion. I learned about how fashion paralleled what was going on in the world around us. Then, in high school I took a “Fashion 101” class thinking it would be more editorial focused but instead, I learned how to sew! I learned how to make/use patterns and use a serger and sewing machine. It set the foundation for the rest of my life… leading me to host my first fashion show in 2019.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My community of friends and family has surrounded me and been behind me 100% since the beginning. The challenge has always been inward for me.

I struggle with imposter syndrome a lot. I don’t think anything I do or create is good enough and I’ve spent quite a few years trying to perfect my craft so it finally feels “worthy” of selling. I value people’s time and money enough to not want to sell them something “just because”.

I was accepted into FIDM a few months before the pandemic but finances kept me from being able to move forward. I’d already hosted two of my own fashion shows at that point and felt like it was the natural “next step” in my journey. But, when I was faced with the overwhelming cost and lack of community in LA, I had to decline.

However, I trusted that what was meant for me would never pass me by. I believe in working hard and had my third show which opened up my first career opportunity in Los Angeles.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
To be completely honest, I think I’m a story teller who uses fashion as her art medium. I’m most known for hosting my own fashion shows with my own designs and producing an event that allows my direct community the opportunity to showcase their skillset (models, photographers, videographers, small catering businesses/etc.).

This year, I’m telling a story of “Muse”… inspiration. Things that I’ve found to motivate me in the 3 years since my last show. I’ve traveled, loved and lost, found my roots, and left a “busy city” because I was alone and lonely. I needed to “come back home”. I’m excited to share more on that at the event.

My designs are more couture leaning/one-of-a-kind/artistic than something you’d wear M-F.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Los Angeles has given me so many opportunities. It welcomed me in and said “prove yourself”. And I did. I worked myself into a depth of despair. I had no friends and no free time to find a “third space”. My loved ones were far away. I had to grow as a person and recognize that my strength can come from within. I create and am worthy regardless of who applauds me in the midst of other successful people.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjoyperezx/
• Other: TikTok: @sarahjoyperezxx