Designing for Community: Meet the Entrepreneur Who Overcame Obstacles to Turn Her Hobby into a Business

What do you like to do in your spare time? While some people use their free time to pick up a side hustle or hobby for enjoyment, others may view it as the source behind a promising future. For Trenessa Sewell, what started off as a hobby soon became the start of her living out her dreams. 

Trenessa is the owner of Designs and Styles, a business dedicated to creating customized apparel, bags, tumblers and home décor. “I’ve always had an eye for design and fashion since I was a little girl,” she said. “It’s always been a dream of mine to be a business owner. Crafting over time became my therapy.”

In the process of starting her business, Trenessa admits that between her health, her youngest starting a new school and her middle son going off to college, reaching her dream became difficult. “Everything in my life felt like it was crumbling down and hitting me hard at one time.”

In September 2016, Trenessa’s passion for keeping up with the latest styles and fashion trends led her to start her business. She began to create designs that were reflected in the community, especially in the Columbus, Texas area. From making personalized shirts for parents of young athletes to designing wreaths for their homes, Trenessa takes pride in designing products for people within the community. “I believe in providing quality products,” she said. “I wouldn’t sell my customers something that I wouldn’t buy myself.”

Like many entrepreneurs, Trenessa also maintains a full-time job. She has been employed with the 2nd 25th Judicial District as a Juvenile Probation Officer in Colorado County since November 2007. Maintaining a job, family, and trying to make her dream a reality brought its challenges. She found herself wondering if she could “pull it off” or if it was a waste of her time. “Me, doubting myself and my capabilities almost cost me my lifelong dream.”

Now she is able to live her dream and sees a future for her business. “I see Designs and Styles flourishing to unspeakable and unbelievable levels,” she said. “There are times when I look back and think to myself, ‘I made my dream a reality,’ and the tears start falling down my face. I keep pushing every day because I enjoy what I do beyond a hobby…..this was my DREAM!”

For current entrepreneurs and those who are thinking about following their dreams, here is some advice from Trenessa: “Be patient, stay humble, stay focused, keep the faith, keep trusting, and keep BELIEVING in God’s word and his plan.”

To shop her designs, visit https://designsandstyles.org

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