Meet Nicole Ellis | Designer and tailor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Ellis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Initially, I never intended to start a business. It just happened. I purchased my sewing machine in 2020 and began teaching myself how to sew. At first I was only interested in up cycling clothes, so I would thrift or take old clothes from my closet and turn it into something new. It was only in 2022 when I started taking sewing serious and began to make garments from scratch. I decided to conduct photo shoots with my friends and photographers to showcase my pieces. Since my first photo shoot in August of 2022, I received great feedback from my peers and social media. It was clear to me by then that sewing and tailoring was my passion and I wanted to continuously perfect my craft.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I create one of a kind, custom pieces for others to feel confident in. Anything that I create will not be found it stores and I think that’s what people love about it. It could be something simple or extravagant, when I add my special creative touch to things, it looks stylish, cute and fun! I specialize in upcycling clothes but I am capable of designing from the sketch all the way to the physical garment. Along with designing and tailoring, I enjoy planning and managing photoshoots. I often find myself doing everything even taking pictures at times. Because of my organizing skills, I recently planned and held a fashion show for my brand last year in November. It was an intimate showcase of six outfits specially curated by me. Many of the pieces from the show was paired with a jewlery piece from Angels Dedicated. I planned everything down to the food and drinks that were served. This is definitely something I am forever proud of as a small business owner. I am grateful that I was able to conduct a fashion show for my family and friends to witness. It was not easy, but with the right people everything turned our great. I am super excited to do more fashions shows and design better custom pieces in the near future.

When I think about where I started, I wouldn’t believe that I would be able to create or do the things that I have. It’s not always easy teaching yourself how to properly sew and it can be hard working in a limited space with limited supplies. It can also be very challenging financially. Since I fully fund everything by myself I have to work two jobs to keep my business steady. It’s difficult at times but I would do anything to be able to design clothes. I could never let the challenges I face stop me from doing what I do. I’ve found that working through them will only make me better. I constantly remind myself to make something new or better from a tough situation. I will continue to do that until I surpass my expectations. Im not exactly where I want to be yet, but I am heading there fast. I can only be grateful for the challenges I face because it will shape me into an excellent business owner, designer and tailor.

Finally, I want the world to know that I am always looking for amazing people to work with, I want to build and grow in Houston and beyond that. I am extremely inclusive and ready to work with more creatives with great energy and passion. If you are interested, don’t be shy to talk to me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Honestly, I don’t go out much so my best friend would have to be on chill vibes. Personally, when I go out, I just like to shop drink and eat. Sometimes I’ll go out to events, parties or a club, but that’s rare. First thing that I would do is take her to Montrose. I have a good knowledge of how to get around in Montrose because I used to work at pavement for a year. When we arrive we’re first going to go to Brazil to get a coffee and something to eat then we’re gonna walk to all of the thrift stores that are on Westheimer. After Thrifting, we would continue to go all the way down to fantasy gift shop. I think it’s a pretty cool place that has almost anything you can imagine in it, even fixtures for your home. The next day would be a light day as well. I would take my best friend to the Houston botanical garden to take a walk and enjoy outside. After we’re done walking, I would set a blanket down to have a picnic so we can continue to enjoy the scenery and eat. Day three we would hit up Washington Street and go barhopping there. Nothing crazy just some drinks with the girls. The next day after we bar hop, assuming that we would be hung over the best option would be to take them to my moms so we can talk, catch up and eat because my mom cooks really good food. Since it’s spring break on day four, we would go to a concert together any concert at the house of blues or white oak music hall. On day five I would need a break from all the running around so a simple movie at my house and food and drinks just to reset for our next day. After our reset, we are definitely going to rodeo Houston to try their food and get on some rides and take some pictures. We definitely have to share a turkey leg while we’re there. For her last day together, I would want to go shopping, so I’ll probably hit up either the galleria or Pearland town center. After we’re done shopping, I would take them to my favorite bar in Houston, Trash Panda. Their bar has the best food and the strongest drinks. They taste really good. The bartenders are friendly and play nice music as well

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family and friends are my biggest support and inspiration. Having good energy and good people in my life is essential to the growth of my business. Not only are they special to me, but they truly believe in my craft. Their help and support makes projects run smoother. They find little ways to help me when I need it, which I am extremely appreciative of. Above everything, My sister Taylor and my brother Wayne has always inspired me since I was young. Growing up in an artistic household, we always listen to each others ideas and give feedback. We have a great bond so naturally they love supporting me and encouraging me.

Website: https://www.instagram.com/killakstudios?igsh=MXY1dnFscGM0M3E3ag%3D%3D&utm_source=qr (Studio page IG)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killakhristina?igsh=MTJzZXFtazBiNWx6aw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr (Personal IG)

Image Credits
Emiliano Gallardo, Taylor Ellis, Joseph Prince, Isabela Saucedo