Hello, my name is 

 THEODORA

One of my fondest memories from childhood is playing dress-up in the drama area of my daycare classroom. My imagination would transform simple pieces of cloth into 'princess' ball gowns. It was during these moments that my passion for fashion design began to take shape. I became obsessed, and everyone around me noticed. I would draw and sketch designs in tiny notebooks and on loose pieces of paper. My mom would often find me hiding my sketchbook behind my bag during church sermons, scolding me and snatching it away. These memories bring a smile to my face because they remind me that fashion design was something I was destined to do. Nothing can convince me otherwise.

In high school, I started taking design more seriously. My mom had a sewing machine she had purchased from a garage sale sitting unused in the basement. I commandeered it, along with all the sewing tools she had, and set up a small station in our family home basement. I taught myself how to sew by watching YouTube channels and used damaged curtains or fabric from thrift stores to practice, as I couldn't afford new materials.

 It was during this time that I was introduced to my first design mentor, Ms. Difilice. A woman full of life and love, she set me on the path to take my passion seriously. She helped me design one of my first original garments and supported me in countless ways – buying fabric, teaching me about materials, and donating books and tools to help me learn more about fashion design. I owe her for all the good she has done for me.

Thanks to Ms. Difilice's encouragement and support, I learned enough about design and fashion techniques to send in my portfolio to Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). She encouraged me to apply for the Gucci Changemakers Scholarship, which I won. Her impact on my life has been profound, and I am eternally grateful to her for her help.

Now, as I enter my fourth year at TMU, I have seen tremendous growth in my design skills and capacity. I have invested so much time, money, effort, and faith into my passion, and I am beginning to see the rewards. God is still writing my story. Despite the ups and downs of my academic career, He remains steadfast, and my fire for fashion has not died. I am confident that my story is far from over. It will go on to create a legacy and impact for the good of others, and God will take the glory.

Through my passion for design and my drive to allow the will of God to manifest through me, I believe I will be led to places of influence, working with kings, queens, and notable figures around the world. My vision is to create a fashion empire that stands alongside great fashion houses and to be a global brand that supports and nurtures new talent through my platform. I dream of building a design lab that extends into fields such as medical, architectural, and technological, collaborating with changemakers to provide impactful solutions to global issues. Additionally, I aspire to establish an NGO charity organization with my siblings to support students in pursuing their academic dreams, offering assistance with housing, tuition, school supplies, and industry connections.

My calling is to be a light to the world in my generation and a vessel of the LORD. I am steadily understanding my purpose and assignment in the industry I've been called to. Along this path I will continue mastering my technical design skills, expanding my design knowledge through textiles, materials, and experimental design ventures, and connecting with many creatives who share in my vision and faith.

Through my passion for design and my drive to allow the will of God to manifest through me, I envision reaching influential figures of the world. I dream of building my multi-faceted fashion empire and becoming a part of the next generation of fashion household names.