We had the good fortune of connecting with Prisca Milliance and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Prisca, why did you pursue a creative career?
I originally went to school to become a journalist because it was the only compromise I could make early on that I thought would lead me to a creative career as a fiction writer while providing the financial security I thought I needed as an immigrant. However, 2005 was sort of the beginning of what I thought was going to be the end of traditional journalism as the internet exploded and blogs like the Huffington Post started shifting the industry in a different direction. When I realized opportunities were scarce in a shaky industry, I decided that there were no safe bets in life and put it all on the table for fashion school. I wanted to go to a European school at first but again compromised due to financial circumstances and went to the only east coast school offering a Master’s degree in the field at the time with the intention of teaching as a contingency. Being creative keeps me sane but I’m responsible for paying my bills so building a career as an artist is always a bit of a tango.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

I launched The Digital Fashion Institute last summer in order to accommodate requests from a few of my ex students who were now professionals working in the Miami apparel industry. But the idea came to me shortly after the onset of COVID and I began learning how to teach online. Technology has been a very significant part of my process as a designer from the start. When I discovered 3D technology and CAD in design school, I was at the point where I was considering dropping out because I wasn’t the best patternmaker/seamstress but I was full of creative ideas. With those digital tools, my work went from OK to really amazing almost overnight and that’s something I’ve wanted to share with my students since I started teaching.

The DFI is just a combination of all of the skills I’ve acquired (and a few more that I’m still working on) over the years to create something that I really think the fashion industry needs in order to move it forward. As a teacher I’ve learned that students like the flexibility of online learning but many lack the focus and discipline to do it consistently without accountability. Unlike my competitors who offer pre-recorded/self teaching class models only, I deliver a course that walks through the steps and troubleshoots as we go in order to address minor technical issues before they become a source of frustration for the student which gives them the opportunity to really learn. It’s those simple things I’ve found, that discourages people from exploring their creativity as designers via technology.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I always want my friends to have the best time here when they visit so that they look forward to their next trip. I’ve lived in Little Havana for the past 6 years and spend a lot of time on Calle Ocho so I love to support the businesses in my neighborhood (specifically those owned by women and POC). My favorite spots of late here are Bar Nancy (karaoke night is always an adventure) and La Trova for Happy Hour. I also spent some time up in MiMo when I first moved to the area and The Anderson was and remains a fave as well as Bar Meli. To feed my creative soul however I’ve been keeping an eye out for events at The Artisans Playhouse in Hialeah and The Center for Subtropical Affairs. Both feel like off the beaten path havens for artists in an at times very superficial environment.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family has always been incredibly supportive throughout my trials and efforts to build a brand and business over the years. My mother especially has made a huge effort to build my confidence and help me financially when she could. I’d also like to give a shoutout to my students specifically at the Miami Fashion Institute for their support and encouragement. Many of them saw that I was interested in pushing fashion education forward and wanted to learn what I wanted to teach them.

Website: Www.thedigitalfashioninstitute.com

Instagram: @thedigitalfashioninstitute

Linkedin: The digital fashion institute

Twitter: @digifashionINST

Youtube: The Digital Fashion Institute

Other: TikTok: @thedigitalfashionist

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