We recently had the chance to connect with Vincent Williams and have shared our conversation below.
Vincent, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Setting boundaries in my business and in my personal life. It’s something that I’ve always struggled with, because I always try to show up for everyone and even overextend in order to make sure everyone is happy.
I wouldn’t necessarily say I was afraid to do it but I never considered myself before others, especially when it comes to business.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Vincent Williams. I am a 30 year old bridal and formal-wear designer. I started living my life long dream 10 years ago. Literally stepping out on faith , buying a sewing machine , and teaching myself how to sew. My brand is special to me because it’s faith in action. It’s my life story. A young boy who held on to a childhood dream and made it his reality.
I have been afforded the opportunity to design for women and girls all over the country.
I am currently a student at the University of Memphis where I am studying to receive my degree in Fashion Design. I released my first collection this year during Memphis Art and Fashion Week , where I was a featured designer for the runway show. I may have one or two more collections to release this year, BUT we’ll see where life takes me.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I have always been the kid that was different in every way possible. I always knew I had IT, whatever it was. Especially in the fashion world. I always felt like I had to minimize my ideas and dreams because it was something outside of the norm. Fashion has become extremely popular now, so standing out and dressing in certain styles is more accepted. Even as a male designing gowns, NOW it’s ok because more and more people are doing it.
I feel like having that reassurance at a younger age would have taken me a lot further than I am now. However, I am proud of myself for holding on to that dream and taking the leap of faith. I had to make a way for me and my dreams, regardless of how anyone felt about it.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
YES, YES AND YES! I still have those moments, even in what seems to be success to others. Running a business and being a human is hard enough. Try adding being a student, along with other life responsibilities. It can be a lot for one person to handle. I don’t talk about it often, but for years I overworked myself and never took time for me and my mental health. In 2023, I was pushed to a point to where I had a severe breakdown and I considered closing business for good. I was forced take months off to find myself and see if this is really what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
Im happy that I found my love for designing again. It came in a new way for me. It came with those boundaries, and those hard no’s. It also came with breaks and time for me to rest and reset.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that my relationship with God is the thing that matters most to me. Especially at this stage in my life. I wouldn’t have lasted this long in the business if I didn’t just sit back and let my path be directed, instead of trying to figure everything out myself. So many things have worked out for me in the past year by me just praying and waiting for it to be answered.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I know for a fact that I’m doing “some” of what I was born to do. My gift of designing came natural to me. Once I learned to use a sewing machine, everything else just took off. I’m self taught and still learning as I go. Each gown comes with its own set of challenges, so I’m constantly learning.
My gift of designing transcends fashion. I love interior design and decorating as well. I really want to venture off into that in the next few years.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vincedee.as.me/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vince.deee/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vincent.d.williams.2025/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@vince.dee
