What inspired you to start Nelesc Designs?

I am attracted to strong people. People who dare to dream and then make their dreams a reality, people who are passionate either about social justice, or their craft. The people I represent in my clothing line are just that, activists, singers, poets, feminists. Growing up Puerto Rican in the 70’s and 80’s, well, I felt quite disenfranchised. I wasn’t taught early on about people of color who made a difference. I also found that the t-shirts in stores with cultural figures on them were very big and not flattering for women. I began altering large t-shirts to fit my frame and subsequently got the idea to print revolutionary/political/famous people, that inspire, on my own creations that women would be proud to wear. So I guess I want to educate while looking fierce!

Have you always known you wanted to be a designer?

Not really. I know that I  have always wanted to be surrounded by creativity. I have always been interested in the idea of art and art making. I drew as a kid,  loved fashion and learned to sew later on in college. My older sister also painted, my younger sister liked photography, my mom was a seamstress and made us these amazing dresses, and  my father dabbled in acting while working a real job. But, even though I went to an art high school and loved to create, I felt discouraged from making art as a living. So, in my mind, it became clear that if it was impossible to be an artist and make money, then my job had to be one that would allow me to be surrounded by art all day.  Thus, my museum career began, first as a curator and then as a museum educator. I subsequently became an art teacher where my love for printmaking was reignited while teaching my middle-schoolers.. I actually  became a designer after my second son was diagnosed with autism. I was forced to quit my job as an art teacher and stay home to care for him and organize his intense therapy schedule. Making art/clothes, especially with an inspiring theme, saved my life during these years. So God transformed this difficult time into a blessing. He is always in the business of doing that!

What is your favorite thing or piece that you’ve created thus far?

I absolutely love my cuffs. I think they add such a strong vibe to an outfit and they also become a wonderful conversation piece.

What has been your most popular piece with your customers?

My Frida Kahlo and Angela Davis items have definitely been my most popular. I never really saw that coming, but I understand why. These women surpass their cultural allure and have become symbols of strong femininity, no matter your cultural background.

We hear you have a fascination with ruffles, can you tell us about that?

I love texture whether it be in hair, clothes or art. Ruffles make an outfit pop, it makes you be noticed. I wish I had more time to use them in my line.  I did create a couple of pieces this summer, but I want to do more.

Tell us a little about your partnership with Stephen Shames.

I have been looking for ways to use Nelesc Designs as a vehicle that would help others in need. Early this year, a choir made up of Ugandan orphans came to my church to sing. Unfortunately, I was not in church that day but my husband told me all about it and through his zeal and heartfelt description, I was really touched. Although Nelesc Designs, is a small, part time business, that experience caused me to ponder ways that I could give back. The image of Angela Davis which I screen print on some of my items, is based on the 1969 photograph taken by Stephen Shames. After seeking him out, I found out that he was the Founder and Executive Director of LEAD Uganda. LEAD Uganda is an educational leadership initiative for abandoned children affected by AIDS, war and poverty. It was founded in 2004 by Stephen Shames, a New York based photojournalist on assignment in Uganda in 2000. So I thought, “this is it! I contacted Steve in hopes that we could create a partnership between our two ventures and he graciously agreed. Now, when you buy Angela Davis from Nelesc Designs, a percentage of the sale will go to LEAD Uganda. It feels great to be working with  a world renowned photographer and to also be part of this wonderful organization.

Do you have a piece that you’ve always wanted to create but haven’t yet?

I would love to do an all out couture dress with screenprinted images on it. A dress you would wear to a gala, but with some street style flair to it. We’ll see.

Does nature inspire you at all? If so how?

Hmmm, I have to say that I am a city girl through and through. I am in love with the city, I really am. I like buildings, graffiti, the subway, those images inspire me. Flowers and trees, not so much. If it’s a tree or a bush in the Bronx, maybe.

What is next for you as a designer?

I actually want to create items with the above images, inspired by the city. Not just t-shirts though, I would like to do more dresses, dresses you can wear to a museum opening or even church! I would also like to take my cuffs to the next level as well. I want to experiment with painting as well as screenprinting, and I would like to include text in my designs. Whew! So glad my youngest will be starting school in September so I will have more time to tackle these new ideas.

Thank you Nellie for this interview, as a girl who was born and raised and still goes to church in the Bronx myself I know exactly where you draw your inspiration from. I want to be first in line for the couture dress though–we’re waiting!

Visit Nellie and Nelesc Designs at:

www.nelesc.etsy.com
www.nelesc.blogspot.com
www.flickr.com/photos/nelesc