Entrepreneurship alum embarks on fashion journey at Portland Fashion Institute

Faith Evans, a 2024 graduate of Ivy Tech Indianapolis’ Garatoni School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, is set to pursue her passion for fashion design at the Portland Fashion Institute (PFI) this fall. 

“I'm so excited I get to be creative while in school. I love learning. I love art. I'm excited to work with other people and help each other grow in our art," Evans said, expressing her excitement for getting into PFI. 

Evans, who dreams of launching her own inclusive clothing brand, credits Ivy Tech for providing the foundational skills and support she needed to take the first steps toward her entrepreneurial goals.

“I absolutely loved everything about Ivy Tech,” Evans said. “I have always been more of an independent person, but with the [Entrepreneurship] program, I’ve not been afraid to ask for help and I was able to trust that the people around me will guide me to the right place … I’ve grown so much, not only intellectually, but as a person.”

Choosing Ivy Tech: A Smart Financial Decision

Evans chose Ivy Tech primarily for its affordability. 

“Solely the cost,” she said when asked why she decided to attend Ivy Tech. “I spent maybe five grand on my degree.” 

For Evans, the low cost of tuition allowed her to pursue her dreams without the burden of overwhelming student debt. This practical decision has set her on a path to success, enabling her to focus on her passion for fashion and entrepreneurship at PFI.

A Passion for Inclusive Fashion

Evans’ journey into fashion design is deeply personal. 

“Obesity runs in my family, and I’ve personally struggled with finding garments that fit different proportions on me,” Evans said. “I'm also allergic to a lot of metals. So, certain jeans, or anything that has, any sort of metal on it, causes me to break out.”

Inspired by her love for fashion and leadership roles, Evans aims to create a custom clothing brand called Form Fitting. She has always been drawn to the idea of creating clothing that allows individuals to express themselves confidently. 

“Fashion is a form of art, and what you wear expresses how you feel and how you want people to perceive you,” Evans shared. 

Her vision for her brand is rooted in inclusivity. Evans aims to create custom clothing that caters to diverse body types, purposefully including those often overlooked by mainstream fashion. 

“I want to do something that is more customizable to different body proportions,” she explained. “With pre-made garments, I don’t feel like you actually get to express who you are. I think custom clothing will help people feel more confident in what they wear and how they get to express themselves.”

Evans’ inspiration for Form Fitting also stems from her own experiences and those of her friends, especially those who are transgender or non-binary, who often face challenges finding clothing that aligns with their identities. 

“I want to help my trans and non-binary friends express themselves and help them find clothes that will make them feel how they want to feel,” Evans emphasized.

The Ivy Tech Experience: Building a Foundation for Success

Evans’ time at Ivy Tech Indy was transformative, both personally and professionally. She credits the entrepreneurship program and the Ivy Venture Club with providing her with essential business skills. 

“It hasn’t helped me design-wise,” Evans laughed, “but it has helped me more business-wise,” she said. “I learned a lot about marketing, how to budget, and how a successful business should run.”

One of the highlights of her Ivy Tech Indy experience was participating in the Ivy Business Showcase and Pitch Competition, where she placed third. 

“It was really scary,” Evans admitted. “I am not the best at public speaking, but I made a lot of good connections and networked with a lot of people, including the judges.”

Evans also highlighted the support she received from Ivy Tech faculty and her peers. 

“Mr. Thrash held my hand throughout the program and walked me through the steps,” she said. “When I got to Tearra Dotson’s class, that’s when I was kind of thrown into the deep end to see if I could swim. And I did. I did great.” 

Evans praised the class structure in the entrepreneurship program as well, saying it fostered a collaborative spirit among classmates. 

“We all supported each other. Any time one of us would have an idea, we would question it or give positive feedback. We all pushed each other and supported each other in the ways that we needed.”

Looking Ahead: A Sustainable and Inclusive Future

As Evans prepares to begin her studies at PFI, she is excited to further develop her skills in apparel design and technical development. 

Evans' long-term dream for Form Fitting is to build it into a sustainable corporation that reaches a global audience. 

“I want to be more earth-friendly, which is also why I want to do more custom clothing. If it’s customized, then you’re not going to just throw it out super quick.” 

She also envisions a diverse team of designers who can bring multiple perspectives to the brand. “I want to reach every type of person,” Evans added.

Advice for Future Ivy Tech Students

Evans’ journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone. Her advice to current and prospective Ivy Tech students is simple yet powerful: “Follow your dreams. No matter how big they are, your dreams are supposed to scare you. You’re not supposed to live your life in your comfort zone. Doing something that is scary will help you grow, and you can do it as long as you believe.”

With her passion, determination, and the skills she gained at Ivy Tech, Evans is well on her way to making her mark in the fashion industry.