Meet Saida Carter: Style Curator & Designer

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

Hi Saida, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
As a small business owner and creator I can spend my time thinking about giving up a lot. However, I’ve found that it wastes time that I could be gaining inspiration or focusing on a plan that would push away that doubt. I recently caught a clip of a Diana Ross interview. In that interview she reminded me that every time you create a positive thought, your mind creates a negative one. So since the mind creates both, which one are you going to give out of your time. So my thinking is, I will keep going and I will be successful on my now terms. If there is anything that gets in the way of that, that is life but I won’t waste time mulling over the negatives.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
To be honest, If you dream it, spend time visualizing, and have the faith to believe that it is possible, then make a goal and shoot for it. What has set ERA apart from others is entering the fashion world not only through curating style using vintage and sustainable clothing but designing and upcyclying clothes for the runway. I’ve designed and styled various socialites, provide clothing for some of Houston’s dopest stylists, maintained a business and continued to push the envelope of what it means to go after all the crazy ideas in my head. Not easy. There’s always the nagging fear, the imposter syndrome, etc. However, once you start, you don’t want to let yourself down. I’ve always been good in every area of my life and even though this is a new venture, I want to maintain that same status of trying to be the best I can be. Every single day I’m learning and I’m learning how to be open to learning and giving in to the unknown. I taught myself how to sew having never attended classes, I figure there’s a world of information on the internet. LEARN! I’m always stunned when I get messages about how a certain outfit, photshoot can affect someone’s life or sense of being and its profound. I want the world to know that they are looking at potential that is tapped all the way in. Potential that is bursting at the seams. ERA is about more than just style, and clothes, aesthetics and design but the desired human connection. ERA is about using fashion to elevate how we feel about ourselves. ERA is about amplifying bodies, existences, beliefs and attitudes. ERA is here to create joy, increase style and decrease waste.

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?
This is tough because I’m such a homebody, but when company comes I must show off the city. Hop in loser, were going to Eunice for Happy Hour and Oysters for the ambiance and so that you can see what the gulf tastes like with Rose’. Not too far off we can check out Levy Park and grab a dessert at one of the food trucks. We can head to the Montrose area for a little antique, vintage and resale shopping. Let’s take a break and pick a cafe Common Bond Bistro or Tout Suite for coffee and conversation. You have to touch the grass and see the white walls at the Menil. Walk around the Museum District and grab a cool gift from Carl Jung Center, visit local artists at CAM Houston, Museum of Fine Arts, Japanese Garden and Diverse Works. Clear our minds in modern art and meditation at the RothKo chapel and reflecting pool. Pool, omg we have the best rooftop pool in the shape of Texas – Let’s go to the Marriot Marquis and lazy river. Since we need snacks and groceries, we have to check out Phoenicia or Central market. Catch a movie at the Rooftop Cinema. I’m not the best at night clubs but I think the Flat still has a live DJ set, Chapman & Kirby, Prohibition, Davenport, Conservatory Underground or AxelRad for the chill vibes. On the itinerary is Bayou Park and Discovery Green where we can bike, picnic, skate, skateboard, walk, dance, and talk and view the city skyline. Grab you a few souvenirs at Cactus Music or Half Price books. Before you leave you have to try out a few restaurants that I love: La Lucha (get the snapper collar and crawfish bread), KAMP (get anything), Hughies, Mai’s, Bloom & Bee, Good Co. Cantina, Sunshine’s, Green Seed Vegan, Edubalicious Treats, or Lucille’s and Voodoo Doughnuts. Speaking of voodoo, we should hit up Magick Cauldron on Montrose for a little mysticism. Before you leave I’d like to show you around the Mahatma Ghandi District and Asiatown there are way too many places to go here, things to do, and FOOD to fall in love with. Last stop Galveston – Surfside or Matagorda Bay, wait does the beach count? Of course.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I often joke about giving myself props because often times I have to change roles and become the model, photographer, stylist, designer, salesman, and the list goes on but I do have a healthy group of people in my life that support in a very beautiful and needed way. My forever life partner Dennis Holt @art2factfilms has helped in so many ways. He has been my brainstorm partner, photographer, videographer, encourager, and organizer on more days that we can count. Also, our visual curator Ariel Bounds, who have been here during major moments pushing my brand’s visual aesthetic. Special thanks to every single model that has ever been over and worn ERA’s clothing.

Website: www.eravintageshop.com

Instagram: e.r.a.vintage

Facebook: eravintagelovers

Youtube: ERA Vintage

Image Credits
Dennis Holt Filnenna