Carmen’s Passion for Fashion
By Savannah Britt
Fashion is Carmen Bethea’s big dream. Ever since she was eight years old watching That’s so Raven, the Disney TV show sparked her interest in fashion. At the age of 12, Carmen started her first fashion business making pillowcases from scratch. From jewelry to lipstick to every article of clothing, Carmen truly loves it all.
“I thought I was going to give up on it, but when you find something that you really enjoy it’s important to stick with it,” Carmen said. “I like recreating the clothes that I have in my hot mess of a closet and making them different.”
In the future Carmen hopes to work and write for a fashion magazine and become an entrepreneur. She reads every issue of Vogue and Cosmo to keep up with all the latest trends. Carmen plans to base her senior project around designing original outfits and putting on a fashion show.
“I’m going to display three unique outfits that describe my style and me as a person,” Carmen said.
Having grown up in Greensboro, N.C., Carmen is very passionate about community service and helping contribute to diversity. She regularly volunteers with the elderly by reading and talking to them. Additionally she started a fashion club and works on the high school yearbook staff. Her favorite part of working on yearbook is being able to share her own words and pictures. She recently earned the honor of becoming editor next year.
“I’ve learned so much about journalism so far especially to give credit when it’s due,” Carmen said.
Not only does Carmen love fashion, she has also been involved in dance, acting and photography. Carmen calls her biggest role models by the names of mom and dad because they have always been supportive and encouraged her to follow her dreams.
“They are just good, smart people who have inspired me to experiment new things,” Carmen said.
Carmen believes that diversity is special and is influenced by the people that surround you. Carmen’s goal as a journalist is to help people express themselves through fashion design. “I can express myself through how I dress and I love that.”
She would like to learn more about public relations in college. Carmen hopes to travel to Paris, France because it is the center of the fashion world and full of excitement. Her bubbly personality allows her to have fun in any situation and makes other people feel comfortable.
“Journalism has helped me exit the shy zone, and eventually my personality outshined my shyness,” Carmen said.