Meet Andrew Campbell | Fashion Designer & Writer

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

Hi Andrew, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
Other than deciding to work for myself the most important decision I made that contributed to my success was realize that what I am doing was not just for me. This was bigger than me. The passion I had to express myself publicly was frightening, but my soul purpose was to touch those around me far and near. I knew that what I was doing would inspire the world.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve always been different. I was not your average boy. I did not like football, baseball, wrestling, and bragging on how many girls numbers I got at that party. Everyone around me made A’s and B’s . On the other hand I made C’s. I was not perfect, but I worked hard at my weaknesses. For me Fashion, drawing, singing, dancing, filming was my passion. Because of that I was talked about. In school I was teased constantly. “Why do you talk like that?” “Are you gay?” “Act like a boy!” “Go outside!” “You’re weird” “Where’s your man at?”

PEOPLE made me feel like a creature, like I wasn’t good enough. I cried many nights in my room. Of course I did not tell my parents because I did not want to disappoint them. Even if they saw fit to taunt me. I had aunts down my throat saying “don’t draw girls all the time” “Play football” “Put some bass in your voice”. I could not figure out what I was doing wrong. I felt like a science experiment one who was beautiful to the Creator, but a freak to the public. Over time I began to internalize what people said about me as a result I changed. I took what they said as the truth. I lost what made me unique. Attached to my hands and feet were imaginary string. I was a puppet in a horrible joke.

I looked myself in the mirror staring back at me was a face I no longer recognized. One day my Mom called me into the living room. She told me I was different from Everyone else. God blessed me with enormous talents and I should use them all. I remember her saying you are unique like no other. Not knowing what I was going through she spoke words of encouragement. As only a mom could, she knew what I was going through without a word being told to her.

With her words the chains that bound me were broken. Through color of gray gently faded away I prayed on the situation and felt so much better. That different and unusual kid came back. I realized I was different for a reason. I learned to be my self no matter what people said. I am original and cannot be replaced.

Being myself has taught me to stay creative. The road to success is not easy, but you will through it. I’ve had to over come self doubt and peoples perceptions of who I should be. I’ve learned every storm won’t last a minute, but until then enjoy the weather provided.

I want the world to know It is okay to wear a bullet proof vest, but I need you to be okay knowing you don’t always have to wear it. My brand is about creating yourself for yourself. Through the art of fashion and writing I’ve bloomed. Being featured in GQ and my debut bag wore by a movie star during his movie press week and more. “I’ve watered myself with tears I’ve cried from days with no sunlight yet I still grow as if there was” – werdna.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Monday we’d make a huge breakfast at my place while music carries us into a comfort like no other. I am a lover of Pasta so I’d make us dinner one night with my favorite bottle of wine by Invivo X Sarah Jessica Parker Sauvignon Blanc. Jazz records would fill my home as we stare at the ceiling thinking about the good old days. Cool places we’d visit would be Cactus Garden. I love their record store and the many vintage items they sale. I’d take us to the Burger joint for a piece of heaven. I’d order an impossible burger trying to convince them to as well, a side of fries, water or another fountain drink and side of their famous spicy ketchup. When I’m with my bestfriends we are always spontaneous so discovering new places in Houston are always a plus. We’d check out the contemporary art museum for new exhibits then have lunch in the park reminiscing on what it was like to be on a field trip in elementary school. We’d visit the Houston Arboretum for a grand nature walk. Visiting our other friends would be on the list as well. The night might end with us drinking a glass of wine, then randomly driving to Voodoo Donuts or dancing a bar we cant remember the name of that so happens to gave a bowling alley is it You just never know what we’d do next. Simple nights in watching movies and fresh baked brownies are also a favorite.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to shoutout my beautiful mother for planting the seed of my foundation. Without her words of encouragement and countless prayers I have no clue where I would be. She is a true representation of a warrior. I am so proud to call her mother.

Website: https://www.beyourownvogue.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/werdna290/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-campbell-93169a105/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/werdna290

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndrewTheCeleb/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/werdna290

Image Credits
Special Thanks to my muse. Faith , James , and Kylina