Today we’d like to introduce you to Raven B. Pulliam
Hi Raven B. , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Raven B. Pulliam and I am 29 years old. I live in Saint Louis, MO, but was born in Springfield, Illinois. Growing up I was quite an active child, playing competitive softball, singing in my church choir and always drawing sketches. I believe this is where my curiosity with all things creative sparked, always surrounded by music and the arts. Once I knew fashion was what I wanted to pursue I quickly became fascinated with learning to sew and creating my own designs. I learned how to hand stitch from my dad, and started making purses and little doll clothes. Still sketching and make dress designs, hoping they could one day be a reality. I soon realized I needed a sewing machine and saved all my money to buy my first one. My junior year of high school, I looked into fashion design schools in my area and found Lindenwood University’s Design Program. I attended all 4 years, presented in many fashion shows, exhibitions and even had my own window display. Shortly after graduating college, I moved to Saint Louis permanently. Moving to Saint Louis was one of the best things I could have done! Coming to a bigger city afforded me much more opportunities in my career and helped me form such purposeful connections. I love all that this city has to offer and how the art and fashion scene have truly shaped me as a creative and an individual. My entire life I have always had a passion for all things fashion, art and community. Since I love community and also supporting local businesses, I decided to create a coffee club. Cool Girl Coffee Club was created for all the coffee lovers looking to find community, connect & network in the Saint Louis area! This coffee club was started to help girls like me make meaningful connections. It has been an idea of mine to start for some time now, and I am so excited it has finally come to fruition. Today, I am thriving with wonderful friendships, a supportive community, great family, a healthy relationship and a successful career. I honestly couldn’t ask for anything more!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey has not been easy! I moved to Saint Louis, MO by myself shortly after college and honestly had no idea what to do. Thankfully, I had landed a job with an apparel design company in the city, but shortly after moving I missed my family and felt lonely. I had to push through and look forward to better times, really doing my best to rely on the support of my friends, family and relationship with God. After some time, I finally felt comfortable in my new city, but next was my challenge in the workplace. I was fresh out of college and had no real hands-on experience working in the apparel industry, so it was quite challenging to find my footing at first. I had a great team around me who were very supportive, and eventually I felt comfortable with my job. Here I am 7 years later still working in the same industry. But in-between those 7 years I faced many obstacles, adversities, and hardships but the key was never giving up and having an optimist mindset. I took any “no” or set back as a sign that something even greater was going to happen in my life!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Fashion Designer and Apparel Support Sales Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the apparel production industry for the last 7 years. I am an art and design professional with a BFA in Fashion/Apparel Design from Lindenwood University. I have always had a passion for fashion and seeing my vision come to life as I create my designs for Cool Girl Studios. I am most proud of my ability to create from my ideas and visions. Being a creative and able to fully execute ideas from a small, simple concept all the way until completion is truly a blessing!
How do you define success?
For me, there is no great measure of success. Success to me is simply being able to do what you love in life!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/ravenbpulliam?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=491db9a1-1e3f-4821-863d-8c5cadc8c2a5
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ravenbpulliam/
