5 Ways the Founder of Donna Leah Designs Stays Inspired & Confident
Donna Leah stands out from so many other designers with her unapologetic love for metallics, bold colors, and an inner strength that is energized and inspired by the world around her. Donna Leah Designs is based in Miami, Florida and offers a stunning collection of evening gowns featuring details that feel powerful, yet feminine, with rich hues and dynamic textures. Donna Leah offers her top five ways to stay inspired and confident as a designer and entrepreneur.
Being mindful of what inspires you
Donna Leah Designs is the brainchild of Donna Leah and speaks to a desire to be confident and express yourself through what you are wearing. It’s this laser focus on what she finds inspiring that has captivated fans that are not a specific age, but a powerful emotion. When it comes to designing, there is a commonality with each piece that tells the story of a woman ready to accept who she is and how she wants to dress. She explains, “Donna Leah Designs is inspired by giving back, nature, old Hollywood movies, and the art around me. When I wear my designs, I feel confident and ready to try anything because I believe in myself. This is an emotion that resonates with so many women and I’m grateful to have my dream of being a designer come true.”
Giving back to help others achieve their dreams
Ever since Donna Leah was a small child, she dreamed of one day designing gowns and owning her own company. In 2018, her dream came true with the launch of Donna Leah Designs. “Everyone needs to have a dream and be able to achieve it. My dream of becoming a designer has come true and I feel that now is the right time to help others. I was moved by the amazing work of the Milagro Center and the sense of empowerment they are able to provide to the community. It inspired me to create this line of t-shirts that helps bring awareness to the organization and much needed funds,” says Donna Leah, founder of Donna Leah Designs.
The SuperHero t-shirts will retail for $30 and be available at online with 5% of the proceeds going to The Milagro Center. The organization offers uniquely integrated programs that focus on empowering children and their families to succeed, both in school and in life, having a resounding positive influence on the local community.
Wearing what makes you feel good about yourself
Getting dressed in what we love is a great way to start the day with a positive vibe and Donna Leah believes that it also gives confidence. “I’ve always felt that eveningwear shouldn’t be just for special occasions. Wearing metallics and clothing that shines gives me energy and makes me feel glamorous. It’s too special to not enjoy it from the moment we start our day!”
She continues, “You can never make everyone happy, no matter how hard you try. Be mindful and make a conscious effort to be yourself and follow your dreams. It’s amazing that being happy often takes effort yet can help you to achieve what you originally wanted.”
Watching glamorous Hollywood movies
Donna Leah says that her love of glamour started at a young age when she would watch old Hollywood movies and be mesmerized by the sophisticated gowns. “Watching these movies inspires me to create my own contemporary vision. From the moment that I can remember watching my first movie, I became hopelessly inspired by the designs of the actors’ dresses. I love overflowing skirts and the level of detail that went into each creation. I also love how they got dresses up for every occasion, even eating dinner at home!” says the designer.
Trying something new without being afraid
A graduate of New York’s famed Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), Donna Leah always knew that she wanted to be a designer. But that has not stopped her from dreaming about other ways to express her creativity and vision. “Expressing your creativity is like a constant stream of ideas that are influenced by art, nature, spirituality, and exposing yourself to trying something new. This year, I am taking my passion for film and will be exploring acting. By trying something new, and not being afraid, it drives what I can accomplish as a designer.”
