You would think with the COVID-19 pandemic,a biologist who works for the CDC wouldn’t have the time to think creatively about the arts or fashion, but that is exactly what Natosha Zanders is doing.
A Savannah native and a product of the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools System, Zanders has found a way to balance both science and fashion.
After relocating to Atlanta to pursue her biology career at the CDC in Atlanta, Zanders returns to Savannah to reconnect with her roots and immediate family with thesecond viewing of her collection and fashion show.
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The event, which will benefit SCCPSS,is set for Sept.10at the Ships of the Sea Museum and will be an introduction to the world of Courageous Creations and Zanders, alongwith other vendors and artisans.
Do Savannah: Which Chatham County School did you graduate high school from and how was the decision made to make them your beneficiaries of the event?
Natosha Zanders: "I attended and graduated from Savannah High School (1999-2002). I am deeply committed to giving back to the community that gave so much to me, especially the public schools and teachers who inspired my desire to major in biology.
"This year, my Advisory Board and I have selected Chatham County Public Schools as our beneficiaries. We will be selecting teachers and students to receive cash prizes and awards for their outstanding contributions to the community. For this reason, I am overly excited to host my 2nd annual Courageous Creations fashion show, featuring my clothing line, in my hometown of Savannah this year."
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Do: Did you study design or are you self-taught?
Zanders: "No formal sewing training (self-taught...I call it God-taught). I attended Fort Valley State University for my Bachelor of Science in Biology (2002-2006). I also attended Alabama A&M University for my Master of Science in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (2008-2010). But in the fashion realm, I started making a Pinterest board of elements of fashion that I loved and began to design my style by trial and error. I did not previously know how to use a commercial pattern (a hurdle) but this has taught me how to use unconventional ways to sew.
"Also, YouTube has been a wealth of knowledge and I also enrolled in an online course (Sew It Academy) to help with complicated techniques and to further my craft. I was encouraged to start designing after having my son. I felt that my new body type was not flattering as once before and I wanted a way to still feel and look confident.
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"However, I couldn’t bear the disappointment of going shopping in the marketplace going a size up before being able to fit into my pre-pregnancy clothing. Therefore, I purchased some practice fabric and started experimenting based on what would flatter my body type. This resonated with many women who had similar stories or who had a difficult time finding clothing that would work for their body type."
Do: What inspires you and what is the driving force and inspiration for the show?
Zanders: "I draw inspiration from the women I design for since I am a ready to wear designer. I try to envision the best silhouette for my clients and base my designs off what would make them feel their best.
"Melanated Masterpieces is a celebratory collection geared towards women of color to display all the beautiful rich tones inside and outside of our nude color spectrum. In addition, it will showcase women of all shapes and sizes displaying a color story which pays homage to our undertones and the deep colors that celebrate our shades."
Do: What’s a day like in the day of a designer?
Zanders: "I am not a full-time designer (yet).I am a wife, a mom and a full-time microbiologist. I sew in the early mornings before getting my 4-year-old son off to school, work a regular day shift and sew in the evenings before bed."
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Do: What are your favorite materials to work with?
Zanders: "Funny thing is I use to be afraid of stretch knits, but they are my favorite fabrics to work with, they flatter any body types."
Do: Who’s the women you design for and what sets you apart?
Zanders: "I design for women of all shapes, curves and sizes. What has set Courageous Creations apart from the masses is that the majority of what we make is exclusive. Because each piece is custom made and the materials are not produced in bulk.
"Therefore, we only make a few orders from a single batch of fabric. This helps us keep the cost down and provide the client with a unique piece all within a reasonable price range for the client. Each new piece generates novel ideas that can be integrated into future pieces to make new creations. It is my heart’s desire to spread the joy of the Lord through my creativity and fashion designs."
Do: What has been the biggest challenge as a designer?
Zanders: "Since I did not attend school with the aspirations of becoming a business owner nor am I a trained seamstress, I find these two hurdles are hardest to overcome.
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"Although I can visualize beautiful designs, making them come to life is another story. Some of my most successful designs happen by accident. For example, I wanted to create a pair of high-waisted wide-leg pants, turns out I didn’t have enough fabric to accommodate the length of the pants. I took the available length and made wide-leg capris that became exceedingly popular with my clients. It takes practice, motivation and drive to deliver a stellar product and I am committed to doing just that!"
Do: And on the other hand, what has been your biggest accomplishment or person you’ve designed or styled for thus far? Maybe favorite piece you’ve designed?
Zanders: "I feel accomplished when I see the confidence, I can visibly see in the pictures my clients post on social media or send me to post on our platforms. My clothing will be featured in an upcoming movie filmed here in Atlantathis winter and I am overly excited about this opportunity."
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Melanated Masterpieces Fashion Show
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 10 at 6 p.m.
WHERE: Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, 41 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
INFO:courageouscreationsonline.com/; courageousfit@gmail.com
