A Love Affair with Fashion: Interview with Timmithea Leeds

The influence of Southern California and a love for fashion and art are evident in the creations of Timmithea Leeds. The designs of this San Diegan are influenced by the lifestyle here in San Diego. Timmithea's clothing line is inspired by the beach and reveals her lifelong passion for making beautiful clothes. The best way to describe these creations is youthful, sophisticated, casual and timeless all wrapped up into one. In an interview with this talented designer, we were able to find out how she developed this trendy collection.

Have you always lived here or are you new to San Diego?

My husband was in the Marine Corp so we moved around a lot. In 1990–93 we lived in Fort Collins Colorado. In 1994–1996 we lived in El Toro in Orange County and then moved to Mira Mar in 1996. I love living in San Diego and think living here is like living in "Vacationland." 

When did you learn to sew?  Have you had any formal training?

I come from a background where my grandmother was a tailor for men’s tailored suits and my mom was a seamstress who began teaching me to sew in grade school.

My Mom would make all my clothes. We would go to the fabric store and pick the material for the entire year. By the time I was in 4^th grade, my Mom took me to the store to pick out fabric and then said "you are on your own now." I started making clothing such as jumpers and shorts. 

I am mostly self–taught because we moved around so much. For a short period of time, I took sewing classes at Pasadena City College and was encouraged to take as many classes as possible. I spend a lot of time reading and watching videos and have taken classes with Susan Khaljie, a contributing editor of Threads Magazine, and fashion designer Angela Wolf. I seek out other designers for their feedback on everything from my name, fabric and attention to details.

What are the benefits of making your own clothes?

The three pluses of making your own clothing is that you will wear something that fits, you feel good that you look great and the garment is made to last. 

How did you come up with your name and who is your inspiration for your designs?

I named my business Beachy Chic Couture when I first got started. After getting feed back from everyone on the name, I decided to change it to just my name Timmethea. My inspiration comes from the Southern California lifestyle. I developed my demographics and found that my market is a woman from the ages of 20 to 60 years old. Recently a mother and daughter come back stage and looked at my collection. They both liked something in my line so I knew that I was right on target.

When did you develop your Collection?

Last year I decided to create my first line for Fashion Week San Diego '15. The name for it was Beachy Rose Collection. The collection was an exciting line with stripes, prints and bold colors that are all paired together. I collaborated with a jewelry designer, Kacia Castello, who created beaded jewelry to compliment my line. The collection was the ultimate in beachy chic and perfect for any wardrobe.  

Taking part in this show defined who I am and gave me the opportunity to develop my "Look." This participation has been a growing and a learning experience for me. It has opened my eyes for new possibilities. For the future, I am looking forward to creating my 2^nd Collection for FWSD16. Buyers attend FWSD and that will give me the opportunity to get into stores and boutiques.  

How do you juggle being a mom, teacher and a wife?

Currently I am a Regional Manager for a Montessori School. I fell in love with their philosophy and it really spoke to me. I am a California Credentialed teacher with Montessori training for Lower Elementary (6–9) from the Montessori Center for Teacher Education in San Diego.  

I have three children and my boys are grown now, which gives me more free time. I sew in the evenings and during the weekends. Since I have been sewing my entire life, I always make time for it. Sewing is relaxing and gives me a creative outlook on life.

Where can people find you?

I have set up my website so it is easy for ordering and pricing. In the future, I will be doing a spring showcase for FWSD, and then plan on creating a 2^nd Collection, which will debut in October. Check out my Timmithea Leeds website.