Runway Dallas is back again with its annual Fashion Week, rolling out around September 13th. At the Ten Ten Event Center in Arlington, there will be a full week of different attractions celebrating featured designers. The events range from art exhibits to boutique tours and really gives unique perspective to local organizations making a difference in fashion. The founder, Marcella Jones, has cultivated exposure by bringing together skilled models, stylists, and influencers. These collaborations will be on display at various networking events throughout the week and finalizing on the Saturday’s designer showcase. Some of the designers who will display their quality products on September 18th will be Keith Garner, Pat Billups, and Audrey Austin. This event wouldn’t be possible without valued sponsors like Taste of Gaia and Ella B’s, who have helped with the event set up and creation of ongoing logistics. The founder, Marcella Jones, has agreed to reach out and speak with me on her work with this concept.
.How were you able to leverage your ongoing real estate experience into starting Marcella Collection and Runway Dallas?
Believe it or not I had also added to that list running for local political office. Especially having to switch gears all the time from one task and career to another. And it had actually been pretty trying in previously to do that– till recently…So what I have done as of recently is to step out on faith and trusting God to do what I know I’m supposed to do. With me it was easy because I’ve known since I was a child that I was called to fashion. So I put my real estate career aside so that I can focus on the fashion more purposefully. In building this business it’s about so much more than me and that’s where I find great joy in helping others.
.Which was the larger sense of accomplishment, when you received the Certified Acknowledgement of Recognition from James W. Pitts or when you received Buffalo’s Best Designer award in 1992?
Well as a youth to receive that kind of recognition was awesome. And it just helped me to confirm that I was on the right track. Over the years, in every phase of my life, even if I work other jobs or did other things- it always came back to Fashion whether it was me building my brand or helping others to do the same or both. People would always tell me that they knew I would not be in that City for long or that I’d be out making my dreams happen. And things like that can really help a young person have confidence in their given direction and thrive- these are the kind of things that I want to do for others as well.
.After growing up in New York and experiencing the fashion industry on your fashion pursuits, is there any cultural influences that impact your fashion designs and/or work ethic?
I believe all my experiences in Corporate America, running real estate business for 18 years, helping to developing leaders in the marketplace, all work together in this industry for me. And it shows up and the clothes that I design for the career woman. I’m inspired by some of the most unique things- Buildings, Graphics or design, office supplies (lol- yes that was not an error), etc. I believe inspiration is all around us and each designer has their own story to tell. And as we look around in this beautiful world, herein lies the opportunities to create and allow God to work through us. It’s a wonderful thing. And regarding a work ethic, this is absolutely something that I get from my mother. The most hard-working and diligent person that I know.
.With Runway Dallas’s endorsement of the Gospel Union Shelter, what has caused your special affinity towards working with the homeless?
Working with the gospel Union shelter was an amazing experience. We got a chance to give makeovers and new shoes two women and watch them be transformed right in front of us. Now they were there for various reasons, and I believe short-term, but we had the opportunity to show these women how beautiful they are. Shortly after some of them went on job interviews with their new makeovers and I believe that because of that confidence that was in them it made a difference- a positive difference. And I was glad that the Runway Dallas team got to be a part of that. We now partner with Mission Arlington.
.You moved into the Dallas area around 2014 shortly before the start of Runway Dallas. What was the biggest highlight and biggest setback with starting a business in new territory?
We actually moved to Arlington Texas in 2003. A job transfer family situation we move back to Buffalo in 2008 and returned in 2014. When I moved here in 2003 is when I got my real estate license. And obtaining that license allow me to learn the DFW area. In returning in 2014, just a year prior is when I restarted my fashion brand and was having events in my area and in New York showcasing my collection. So when we moved back here in 2014 the momentum had already begun. Started a Meet-up Group, built a team and it took off from there. I always want to be mindful to give credit to God because that’s where it belongs. Runway Dallas was well-received the DFW area we look forward to continual growth.
.Has there been any initiatives or amenities that you want apart of Runway Dallas moving forward?
With Runway Dallas we have a full calendar events and activities we will hold throughout the year- not just the semi-annual Fashion Week and Designer Showcase. We also have our Designer sample sales, Youth Fashion Frenzy (Fashion and Talent Event for youth), are networking events, our collaboration with other Area events, our charitable events and more. We are working on becoming a 501 c 3 to also incorporate Partnerships and collaborations with schools and other groups. We have also held fashion events in other places like Houston, New York City and California.
