Desiree Monique Custom Designs

Fashion – Raleigh

My name is Desiree Monique Hedrick, and I was born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina. I knew my future was in fashion from one simple question. My uncle asked me, “What would you do for the rest of your life, even if you were never paid a penny for it.” I answered, “Design Clothes!” With zero amount of experience and a pocket full of faith, I took a risk and pursued it. I attended NC A&T SU studying Fashion Merchandising and Design. My hard work and dedication paid off as I began to win and participate in many sketch contests, design contest, and fashion shows throughout college and within my community. Early in my colligate experience, I knew I wanted to expand my knowledge and travel the world, so I went abroad to Florence, Italy studying Fashion Marketing and Italian. That life changing experience, sparked an everlasting burning passion to pursue my dream of being a fashion designer. October 2016, I started my Business “Desiree Monique Custom Designs” which provides custom apparel, fabric, and costumes for women all over the United States. To develop my design skills, I traveled to NYC as a design intern, and worked for Maison de Papillion, a luxury women’s brand. To challenge myself, I began participating in more competitive design competitions. My “Power meets Beauty” design won first-place and I received $1,000 in the Inspiring Beauty: EBONY Fashion Fair at the NC Museum of Art. During my senior year, I was the only student designer to represent NC A&T in the 6th Annual Big Hair Ball Charity Fashion Show and the Goodwill Rock the Runway fashion show. Following those show, my work was featured on Fox 8, YES weekly, Midtown Magazine, News and Record, WFMY News 2, Crabtree Valley Mall, WUNC 91.5 Public Radio, North Carolina Museum of Art, Fashion Blogs, and my school’s homepage! When I’m not designing for clients and shows, I educate and mentor students from local school in fashion design. Even with all the responsibilities and achievements, I graduated Sum Cum Laude, was awarded Outstanding Senior from my college, and received the Chancellor’s Award out of the entire university. I plan on continuing my education in Paris, France while still operating my business on the slide. I have experienced much success in the fashion industry this far, and I can't wait to see what's next!