www.youthearykhmer.com/
modelmayhem.com/thearysim
http://www.thearysim.com/
Were you born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia?
A- no, I was born and raise in Oregon. I am first generation Cambodian American. I lived in Hillsboro most of my teenage life until I left to college in Corvallis to attend Oregon State University on a full academic scholarship. I realized that I had to leave the state to pursue my dreams. So I left my family, friends and free education behind and moved across the country to Atlanta. I worked part time, held a full time internship and was in school all year round until I graduated. Now its going on seven years here in Atlanta and never looked back.
How do your parents look at your career in comparison with the larger tier of careers?
A- coming from an Asian American background I was raised in a traditional household. My entire family lives on the same block. So, being the first member of my family to attend and graduate college the assumption was I would get a business degree or go into the medical field. But, my family always knew I was creative and that fashion came to no surprise. They are 100% supportive of my career choice. I'm very lucky to have a family that supported me when I chose to move across the country and break the barriers of a struggling artist. My father pasted away on a vacation to Cambodia, he was a humanitarian. He was always wanted me to excel on whatever my heart desired. So, at the end of the day what pushes me to fight past the obstacles is the strength of my father inside of me.
Do you at all incorporate the Cambodian style/culture into your work?
A- culture is a big factor in my designing process. My heritage plays a big role on how I select textiles and color schemes. My attention to detail is derives from how Khmer culture interprets fabric. Quality made materials are used to in most traditional dancers attire. The designing process has always amazed me on how detailed the costumes were. My family was traditional dancers and I would always watch the process of assembling an outfit. There's a certain way you fold the fabric and wear the jewelry. This goes back to tradition and culture . When designing my collections I always incorporate my heritage in everything I do. I want my clothing to be treated with the same value and pride.
Where do you get your inspirations from when coming out with a collection?
A- when creating a collection, it all starts with inspiration. Most of the time it's never planned out, it just hits me and I go straight to my sketch book. I could be something I saw walking down the street or the way I felt listening to music. Whenever I get inspired I usually lock myself in my studio and develop my collection until its finished. Most artist work differently, but once I have a vision I don't stop until its complete. I'm inspired to inspire others.
What do you consider to be the highlight of your job?
A- I love fashion shows, photo shoots and seeing celebrities wearing my clothes but there's no better gratification then giving back. I developed a non-profit organization titled Pretty Perfect. It's geared toward curvy teens ages 11-17 to empower, mentor and promote self confidence. I want to bring the curvy community together and give back to our young woman and show them that we are more than a pretty face.
What advice do you have for aspiring Designers and Stylists who are starting out?
A- when starting out as a wardrobe stylist it's very important to have a travel kit that has everything that you would need when your working. Anything from, safety pins, double sided type, lint brush, to shout wipes. Being prepared is important. It is the stylist job to create the vision of the producer through wardrobe detail. Develop relationships with local boutiques and designers. They will be your best friend when it's time to pull wardrobe for different projects. If your an aspiring designer, creativity, inspiration and education is key. You are consistently needing to be ahead of the trends. Developing your brand is a statement of who you are. What do you want the world to know you as. Fashion evolves and so should you, find your inspiration and run with it. Designing is a process but if you proceed with passion then success will go hand and hand.
A- Atlanta has a lot of offer in general. It's a melting pot for artist and entrepreneurs. So, as you can assume there is a lot of talent is in this city. What makes me different is my background in the fashion industry. I was a model at a young age. I had the opportunity to see this industry in and out. As I got older, I realized that I wanted to be more on the creative side of the fashion industry. So, styling and designing came naturally to me. I am able to take what I learned in front of the camera and apply it to behind the scenes. I represent the company and the consumer, so I know what will work or not. At the end of the day, it comes down to your supporters. You can be the most talent individual but if you don't have a support system it's hard to make an impact.
What legacy do you want to leave behind?
A- I want to be known as a well-rounded woman. I don't care to be wealthy or famous. I just want to effect change in this world. If I can gain acceptance on how one views fashion and beauty, I will have accomplish my greatest goals. As a full figured woman, it's so important that I design to uplift others. I want woman of all shapes and sizes to feel confident, classic and chic. At the end of my journey I hope to have left footsteps that trail my purist to happiness.
Where do you see yourself in 10 or so years?
A- When Im 36 years old, I'm going to be a dedicated wife and loving mother. I am very family oriented. I work very hard now, so that I can prepare and provide for my future family. I have always been career driven, I want to develop a brand that is known for quality, innovation and passion. I never make long term goals because I don't want to sell myself short and cut the journey. As long as I live each day abundantly then I know the possibilities are endless.
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