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

Hi Yottis, how do you think about risk?
When starting a business from the bottom with no loans, a large capital funds or running a company experience is a big risk to take. I use to work full time positions to cover my bills & make clothing after work as a hobby. As I did it for a year, I realized I could make more money creating custom garment & making my passion into a career. So I quit my job to be a full time designer not know if I would get any clients to cover my responsibilities. As my business grew over the years, I decided to go attend the Art Institute of Philadelphia for Fashion to gain more education with the fashion industry. I moved there by myself with not knowing no one in the city & putting my business on a pause. Taking that risk made me gain a lot of experience in the fashion industry when it comes to design, marketing, & meeting ppl who share to same passion as me. When I came back to my home town of Pittsburgh, PA. I decided to open up my own storefront selling my brand Sittoy & work at my business as a full-time employee/owner. As I had my location for 3 years I decided I wanted to relocate in a fast paced city with events all year around to expand my business at a higher level. So now I’m here in Houston TX, ready to be more successful in my business. You have to be brave & take risks. Nothing can substitute experience the biggest risk is not taking any at all.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a fashion designer who creates exquisite garments that detail each clients style or personality. When creating for my brand I am able express myself through my work. Shop Sittoy creates original one of a kind pieces. I’ve customized items for weddings, proms, celebrity appearances, video shoots and birthday parties.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For brunch: Graces, The Breakfast Club, Taste Bar. Lunch/Dinner: Butter Beans Kajun Kitchen, Turkey Leg Hut, Kamp, Kiss, The Warwick, Steak 48, Bungalow Houston.

Clubs: Ador, The Address, Lost & Found, Kamp, Spire, Bar 5015, FAO, Area 29,

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like dedicate my motivation of my business to my daughter. She is the reason why I work so hard to achieve my dreams & to never to give up. Being a young mother at the age 18 you tend to lose focus on your dreams but it made me want to go harder with my success. I would also like to thank my family & friends who supported me thru my journey with my career. Especially my parents who supported me in every way they could.

Website: shopsittoy.com

Instagram: shopsittoy

Facebook: shop sittoy

Image Credits
Photographer: B LaRae Photography & Grimey & Friends Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.