Join us as we sit down with Terrance Williams, founder and designer behind Terrance Williams Designs. Based in Dallas, Terrance creates ethically sourced, sustainably produced clothing and accessories that are fully genderless and size inclusive. Originally from Pennsylvania, Terrance earned a bachelor’s degree in political science with a concentration in global studies and triple minors in African Studies, Asian Studies and Women’s Studies. While he once considered law school, he ultimately chose to follow his creative calling. A self-taught sewist who began sewing in 2010, Terrance has built a fashion brand rooted in activism, community and care for the planet. Throughout the conversation, Terrance shares how sustainability and inclusivity guide every aspect of his work, why he contributes a portion of his sales to Stripe Climate, and how his creative practice allows him to do the meaningful work he once envisioned through law. He also opens up about personal challenges, resilience and the passion that continues to drive his designs forward.
Born in Pennsylvania, he attended the University of Delaware and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science with a concentration in global studies and a triple minor in African Studies, Asian Studies and Women’s Studies. Considering law school, Terrance decided to pursue his dream of being a fashion designer. He is a self-taught sewist who learned how to sew in 2010.
He founded and now runs Terrance Williams Designs where he designs and sews ethically sourced and sustainably produced clothing and accessories. Everything is genderless and size inclusive.
(1:25) A self-taught sewist, how did Terrance learn his trade and who was his inspiration?
(3:25) What’s the first thing Terrance made and how did it turn out?
(5:00) Considering law school, Terrance decided to follow his dream and sew. What was behind this decision?
(7:40) Terrance explains sustainably produced and ethically sourced means.
(12:04) He explains how through his sewing career he is truly doing the work he wanted to pursue through practicing law.
(12:46) You learn how you can follow the sustainable path…it’s not a perfect road!
(14:21) Terrance is a Minerva Ambassador. He explains what this means and walks through his process of designing fabric patterns. Learn about hos you can do your own designs on www.spoonflower.com
(17:09) What served as the inspirations for his fabric designs? Learn about the three different parts of his collection and the colors each features.
(19:32) Terrance contributes 5% of his sales to Stripe Climate. He explains this group, what they do and why it’s important to him.
(21:46) Inclusivity is paramount in Terrance’s designs. He explains what this means and how it manifests itself in his work.
(24:05) When asked about his biggest challenge, Terrance shares his story of a life altering event that almost ended his life. And there was more loss in his family. Hear how he found the passion and drive to heal.
(28:00) So, how’s he doing?
(28:13) How did he find the strength to persevere? Learn the sage advice his sister gave to him.
(31:40) Brittnay Spears and The Dallas Farmers’ Market…each brings him great joy. Learn why.
(35:03) What’s he working on now?
(36:09) What’s his dream?
(37:50) How can you reach out to Terrance? All social media platforms and terrancewilliamsdesigns.com