Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenneva Borboa.
Jenneva, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I feel like my family was always very creative and I was always encouraged to pursue my artistic interests. When I was a child, I would make embroidered hand towels for my nana. I remember sewing, painting, sketching fashion illustrations and embroidering flowers. My biggest dream of all was becoming a fashion designer. However, when I graduated High School, right at the beginning of the recession, the country was in such an economic turmoil, and I didn’t feel like pursuing my fashion dream was the best decision at that moment. Since I always knew I wanted to own a business, I decided to go to college and learn more about business. I graduated from San Diego State University (Go Aztecs!) with a B.A. in Economics. After graduating, I would still daydream about fashion; and when I went on maternity leave when had my son, I started to take courses in fashion design at San Diego Mesa College one year ago and it was one of the best decisions of my life. I am so blessed to have the support of my mentors whom I admire so much. Every day is another affirmation that I am where I need to be. Designing in my studio, sewing, patternmaking, creating! It’s where my soul thrives—it’s my biggest passion.
Great, 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?
I see obstacles and challenges as opportunities to grow. My journey has made me who I am and I am so proud of that. I sometimes wish I would have started my design career earlier, but I remind myself of everything I have learned along the way and how everyone has a different path. In retrospect, my journey has been so interesting to me and has led me to grow not only as an artist but as a person as well.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a fashion designer. I design with the heart, every one of my designs is created with the client in mind. I love couture work, hand making fabrics by beading and embroidery is such a beautiful process. I am in love with the details of every gown I design. I also enjoy creating theatrical, historical and cosplay costumes.
My goal is for the person wearing my design to feel empowered, elegant and of course super sexy! I am all about inclusion, I especially think that plus size women are so neglected in the fashion industry and that is something I want to contribute to change. Plus size women also have style and a personality that we like to express through fashion. I think it’s so beautiful that we are all so different and I want to show the world plus size women are also fashionable, amazing and beautiful!
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
I am fascinated by old books and I love learning about historical fashion. There is this great podcast called Dressed: The History of Fashion. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in historical fashion. You will be completely addicted to it!
Pricing:
- Evening gowns, Prom, etc. – Starting at $1000
- Wedding gowns – Starting at $1500
- Bridal Veils – Starting at $500
- Flower girl dresses – Starting at $350
- Costumes – Starting at $350
Contact Info:
- Website: jennevaborboa.com
- Instagram: @jennevaborboa
Image Credit:
Howard Max Photography and Adrian Tapia
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