Lena Kasparian – Fashion Designer & Creative Director

Mum of two and fashion entrepreneur, Lena is the lead fashion designer, creative director and owner of her company, Lena Kasparian, creating stunning eveningwear for men and woman and donned by celebrities including Tyra Banks.

“I am doing what I love and have proven to myself and others, that there are no limitations.”

What did you study and what are the steps you took to be where you are today?

Work experience and natural skill have given me the required tools to start my own business, being a stylist and in the fashion, trade helped me find my way as a designer.

What inspired a career in fashion?

I have always enjoyed fashion, as a child I was fascinated with models and modelling and the clothes. I used to create my own look and style, my mother, I guess I had a natural back for it as a kid. I grew up loving fashion but I never follow trends, I liked being unique.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

I wanted to be an actress and a model, which I did dab a little in for a while.

What was your first job?

I worked for my parents in our jewellery stores. I studied diamond grading and jewellery design and managed one of our stores.

Tell us little bit more about your brand and what a typical day at work is like

I am an evening wear boutique, I design gowns and cocktail dresses and dashing suits for men, basically after 5 wear.
I am a workaholic, store opens at 10 am, I usually get there at 9:30 am, check emails and pay bills, chase up orders, check in on the marketing team and my PR agent. Then I open the doors and serve customers and before I know it its 5 pm!

What’s the most interesting thing that’s happened to you in your career?

Working with so much talent, meeting stylists and dressing celebrities. Every day is a learning experience and a new challenge, which keeps it exciting. Tyra Banks wearing my dresses on America’s Got Talent was a huge honour and career highlight!

Name the best and worst parts of your job

Bets part would be that I make my own rules, and worst part would be online shopping destroying the market and competition.

What’s the most important career tip someone has given you?

To be honest, I have never received advice or tips from others, it is usually the other way around. My tip would be to never give up and be resilient!

What do you wish someone had told you before starting your own business?

Be prepared to lose sleep.

What qualities and skills should people have if they want to start their own business?

Passion and confidence.

What qualities and skills should people have if they want to be a fashion designer?

Vision and flare. Artists don’t learn to be artists, it is a gift. If you have what it takes then use that to your advantage.

What’s next for you?

Preparing for Vancouver Fashion Week 2018 and relocating my store to Sydney’s premium fashion hub in Paddington.

What’s life outside your store like for you?

I LOVE cooking and art, I paint in my spare time and I sketch up to 100 dresses at a time.

Want to make your own mark in the wonderful world of fashion? Start with a Course in Fashion Designing!