Young Daniel Island designer has a passion for fashion

Daniel Island resident Mina Schaafsma will be making Daniel Island proud at the upcoming Charlotte Fashion Week. The 17-year-old Academic Magnet High School junior’s clothing designs will be featured in the Emerging Designer Show on August 30, 2019.

Recommended by a local shop owner, the self-taught designer applied to showcase her clothing at the event. Mina made the cut and will be showing up to eight items.

Mina is thrilled to be part of Charlotte Fashion Week and is already working on her new collection to premiere at the show.

“Ever since I received confirmation that my work would be displayed as a part of Charlotte Fashion Week’s Emerging Designer Show, I have not stopped envisioning potential runway designs,” she said.

Her “Stitched By Mina” line launched in 2019, but her interest in creating fashion started at a young age.

“Ever since I was little, I loved crafts and activities that resulted in a final product that I could confidently claim as my own handmade creation,” added the teen.

After receiving a sewing machine as a Christmas present, Mina was on her way.

“From there, I was able to explore the excitement of textile design, which then really sparked my continuing interest in fashion.”

Mina’s parents, Doug and Cara, can’t wait to see their daughter’s creations come to life.

“Doug and I are very proud of what Mina has created,” said Cara. “Her sewing career began as a 12-year-old’s Christmas wish. It went from there to a hobby and quickly blossomed into a passion. In fact, our family mud room has now turned into Mina’s sewing room!”

Although Mina is not currently planning to pursue a career in fashion design, she continues to find joy in her creations.

“I definitely want to continue investing time into sewing and fashion design in future years because it is something I really enjoy doing,” she added.

Mina’s friends often reap the benefits of hanging with the talented fashionista. Sixteen year old Rosie Booker loves wearing outfits designed by Mina.

“Her clothes are so fabulous and I always get compliments when I wear them around,” said Rosie. “She is so talented and her work really reveals her personal eye for design and fearless style.”

Lilli Heinrich, 17, is also impressed by her friend’s style.

“The amount of care and dedication that goes into each ‘Stitched By Mina’ piece is incredible,” said Lilli. “Mina is an incredible hard working young lady and it is really shown through her work. Each article of clothing is not only fashionable and stylish, but you can tell that it was made by someone passionate about her work.”

Mina’s advice to newbies interested in designing is to, “Make everything a statement. Whether the statement is an expression attesting to your character, interests, or beliefs, it’s important to develop a unique style that shows off your personal panache.”