Meet Danielle Clarke Petrie | Fashion Designer, Fashion Consultant, Wardrobe Stylist, Seamstress

We had the good fortune of connecting with Danielle Clarke Petrie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Danielle, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
Expect Failure. Not to be too hard on myself when I fail. Failure is better than quitting. When I fail I have another chance to try again until I get it right. When I quit I gave up on myself.
Failure is not the end of everything but the chance of a new beginning.
It’s okay to start over.
Stay focus, learn, believe in myself because my success depends on the love I have for my brand/ business.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
With the intention of creating pieces that served every body type and shape. Have women feeling comfortable, beautiful, sexy and confident without being completely naked.

I present to you, Xandra’s Style
Our Motto: “Fashioned to Stand Out”

My journey to where I am today wasn’t easy but it was definitely worth it.
I was born and raised in Jamaica, migrated to the US.
Growing up I didn’t have many options in clothing. I would always get creative in wearing a mixture of my clothes with my mom’s clothing. There are times I’d go to the salon with my mom and I’d get super excited to view the magazines because I love seeing “pretty models in pretty clothes” and wish to make clothes like that some day.
Fast forward to high school. “The Manning’s School” I took part in my first fashion show, made my 2 of my first outfits, I was so proud, from that day I’ve decided I wanted to have a career in Fashion.
Graduated high school, attended Garmex Heart Academy, School of Fashion in Kingston, Jamaica.
Graduated from Garmex, Most Improved, certified in Fashion.
Had no idea how I’d start a business.
Decided to get a job and see where it goes.
I started working at Payless, spent ONE WEEK at the store and started my business with $5000 jmd. Yes $5000 jmd at the time that was $41 usd back then.

I started my business in 2014, by making outfits and wearing to events. With continuous outing, being recognized by people, sparked interest. As they say “Word of Mouth= Best Marketing”
I stayed consistent with wearing outfits until I didn’t have to attend events to receive orders. My work spoke for itself.
I’ve received critics and a lot of disappointments but I used those as a stepping stone. I learned from the mistakes I’ve made and corrected myself as I go along.

My mom became very ill (cancer) iand I had to migrate to the US to take care of her. She passed away 8/6/2020. I thought my life was over. I’m the only child for my mom. It was always Scotty and Dee. She built this brand with me. I felt like it wasn’t right for me to move forward without her.

Few months passed God blessed me with amazing people who helped me get back on my feet and to learn the Fashion Industry in the US. Took my small steps in the midst of grieving, tried my best to stay strong and push. My mom always wanted to see me happy and always wants the best for my brand, Xandra’s Style.

I’m in the phase of rebranding Xandra’s Style. Bigger and Better.
Daily reminder: I love my brand and I won’t stop until it’s where it’s suppose to be. I’m learning, my brand is growing and blossoming.

Never give up, even when you fail, get up, start over if you want, but never quit.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Wynwood Art District is a vibe

I’ve never been but Little Hen, Sexy Fish and Komodo seems like a definite vibe.

Jaya at the Sentai food is chef’s kiss.

I’m definitely a chill on the beach at nights. Just the air and the vibe. The Caribbean in me.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mother played a major part in my life. On my journey of choosing a career in the Fashion Industry. She was my number ONE cheerleader. She would always tell anyone she exchanged words with about my brand.
Helped me deliver orders to my clients, my clients loved her dearly.
My mom was and is the reason why I keep pushing myself to continue chasing my dreams in the field of Fashion.
Friends and Family who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, only showed love and support in many different ways. Forever thankful for them.

Website: www.xandrastyle.com

Instagram: @xandrastyle ||. @xandrastyledesigns

Facebook: Xandra’s Style

Other: Tiktok: xandrastyle Snapchat: xandrastyle

Image Credits
@archixart (yellow jumpsuit image)