From humble beginnings to the pinnacle of the designer enterprise, the story of Sherita Moss is a testament to overcoming adversity and flourishing in creativity. Using her craft as a coping mechanism and a source of livelihood, she ventured into the world of fashion and design during her childhood. This was birthed out of necessity, as Moss, while living with a foster family, adapted thrift store and hand-me-down clothes to make them unique and stylish.
Without a formal fashion design education, Moss’s journey in the industry has been about learning, experimenting and growing, be it through YouTube tutorials, collaborations with other designers, or her own modeling experiences. Her inspirations include self-taught mavericks of the industry, including Virgil Abloh and Dapper Dan, as well as advocates for diversity, like model agent Bethann Hardison.
In 2020, amidst the uncertainties of the global pandemic and personal turmoil following her husband’s job loss, Sherita found a silver lining. She launched her fashion brand Moss Kouture, fusing together her lifelong passion and a necessity brought on by the new normal.
Moss’s day begins with affirmations, prayers, and a healthy dose of exercise. The steady rhythm of footfalls and the motivational words of speakers like Les Brown set the tone for the rest of the day. Striking a perfect harmony between her family and working life, she ensures her schedule revolves around her family, prioritizing collective family moments and punctuating them with her business engagements.
Her mantra for up-and-coming designers revolves around the idea of comfort in discomfort. Sherita places high value on expanding one’s skills and learning new things. As a working mother, she underscores the importance of self-care. “It’s okay to have days where you’re not okay. It’s okay to take a break, even take a day away from the work life. Every week, I pick a day to permit myself to have a break and even cry if I need to. My days are full but that is my one day to be vulnerable and breathe,” she shares.
For Moss, the future is bright and full. Her vision takes the form of partnerships, showcases, TV appearances and fashion shows. January will see the launch of her lingerie line and a celebration of her TV network deal. Every design she creates manifests her commitment to upcycling and sustainability, harking back to her roots of updating thrift store finds. Additionally, from a heartfelt incident where she impressed an audience at a Minneapolis gay club with her voguing dance, her love for fashion was truly solidified, pushing her further into the realm of fashion and modeling.
Despite minor representation, Moss was one of the few black models in Minneapolis at the time. Today, she draws inspiration from designers with similar narratives – those who grew from the hood and resorted to resourcefulness to catalyze their ambitions. Furthermore, her journey is actively transparent and relatable on social media, where she often incorporates her children into her work since they share her love for fashion.
In December, Moss showcased her work with Raw Artists LA. Today, her designs are a testament to her journey – from an ambitious young fashion enthusiast to a successful entrepreneur leading a sustainable fashion brand. To see more of her exquisite works or to draw inspiration from her journey, visit her website (www.mosskouture.com), or follow her ventures on Instagram (@saucy.mossy, @mosskouture). Sherita Moss’s story reminds us that the journey to success is not always straight and smooth. It often requires resilience, adaptation, and the courage to thrive in adversity.
Published by: Martin De Juan
