Behind The Camera

I'm currently in them middle of updating my fashion portfolio, and it's amazing to see how far I've come in the past year with all my photo shoots. It's making me more ambitious for the ones I have coming up! Between the fittings, designing (because let's face it...that never ceases), and other projects, the photo shoots are by far my favorite part of this process! This is where it all comes together, and the photo becomes the evidence of all the hard work put into a design. I absolutely love it. I design all the clothes, style the shoots, and I also take all the pictures. Not only am I trying to develop my skills as a fashion designer, but I think it's important that I develop my skills as a photographer as well. So as long as I continue to grow and expand my clothing line, I'll also continue to perfect my skills behind the camera as well! This is the first picture I took for AVCD, and it's still one of my favorites! My lovely sister, Lacey, wearing the first dress I made. Because of those reasons, it will always be a favorite.

1st Photo Shoot Of The Year

Had a blast this weekend shooting Bailey for AVCD's 1st photo shoot with the new Rock Dollie line. It's just a small fraction of what I'm working on for this line, but it's a strong start! I'm a huge fan of florals, prints, and bright colors so expect to see more of this as this line progresses! The next photo shoot is booked and you should expect to see more Rock Dollie looks within the next month. Can't wait to share the next set of pictures with you! -Ber 

Happy Birthday AVCD!

I can't believe it's been a year since the start up of AVCD! I'm so proud and so thankful for this past year. I've grown so much as a designer and I've learned so much about the fashion industry. All I can say is that I've worked my butt off during those 365 days, and I've loved every bit of it!

I've fallen in love with this. How many people can say that about something they are doing career wise. I feel so lucky. My mind is always racing with new ideas, designs, and projects that I want to conquer. It's still baby steps at this point, but look at all the baby steps I took last year and what was accomplished! I'm so eager to see what 2014 will bring. This second year is going to be even better. I'm more confident with the direction I want to head into and what this brand is going to represent. 

And as I look back on this past year, I realize how important the people around me are. As a designer, it's tough enough to try and make it on your own, but having the love and support from those around you makes you feel like they are on this journey with you. And that's exactly how I view it. Everyone who follows me through this, gives me encouragement, and supports what I do is a key component to my success. I could never do this without those who believe in me. So to anyone out there chasing down a dream.... never stop running after it. We're only given so much time in this life so do what you love and love what you do!

-Amber 

February Goals

So I've come to the conclusion that having small monthly goals creates more drive and ambition when it comes to building my business. Of course I'd love nothing more than to pick up everything I own, move to NYC, and become a huge successful designer..but let's be real. That might be my ultimate goal, but I'm not that naive...that goal will take YEARS to complete. So instead, every month I'm giving myself a small goal that is attainable to achieve. One month it might be to have 2 photo shoots, create 5 new dress designs, or make a promo video. This way I can balance out my time with different projects and not feel so overwhelmed.

It's important to achieve these small goals because in a way they're little victories. You have to give yourself some credit on the progress no matter how small it might be. Otherwise just focusing on the larger picture upfront will never feel in reach. This is a process, and it's going to take time. I'm enjoying the journey so far, and for me, being caught in the middle of it is the best part. I'm learning more about myself and what I want in my life. What a blessing this has turned out to be.

This month my goals include a prom dress, a wedding dress design, and also 1-2 Rock Dollie photo shoots. February is also AVCD's anniversary month so might need to think of something special for that as well. It's a short month, but I think I got this! One of my favorite quotes, "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."-Ralph Waldo Emerson. One thing you need to know about me...I live by this quote!