In this episode, Alex Blake (@alexblakephotography) interviews Shawna Marino (@shawna.marino_), a Charleston-based wedding dress designer who went from a small town in Indiana to leading runway shows at New York Fashion Week. Shawna shares her inspiring story, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the fast-paced fashion world, and reflects on her experiences as a young designer navigating the competitive fashion industry. Now settled in Charleston, Shawna reveals how her life has changed since transitioning from the New York fashion scene to a slower-paced life. In This Episode: - From Small Town Indiana to Fashion Success: Shawna talks about her humble beginnings and how she broke into the world of high-fashion wedding dress design, building a successful career on the runways of New York. - Behind the Scenes at New York Fashion Week: Discover insider stories from one of the biggest events in the fashion industry, including the pressure, excitement, and challenges that come with it. - Challenges of Being a Young Fashion Designer: Shawna shares her personal journey of being a young designer in a competitive field, discussing the obstacles and rewards that come with breaking into the fashion world at an early age. - Relocating to Charleston: Learn how Shawna made the bold decision to leave New York and what it's like running a wedding dress design business in Charleston, SC. Key Takeaways: - How Shawna Marino's journey from Indiana to New York Fashion Week shaped her as a designer. - The realities of working behind the scenes in the fashion industry. - Balancing creativity with the business side of wedding dress design. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast! ______________________ WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@Alexblakephotography FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/alexblakephotography PHOTO CAMP INFO: http://photocampinfo.com SHAWNA MARINO IG: https://www.instagram.com/shawna.marino_/ SHAWNA MARINO BRIDAL: https://www.shawnamdesigns.com/