Today, we’d like to introduce you to Viva Lewis.
Hi Viva, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My journey, marked by resilience and guided by faith, led me to embrace a dual passion for sewing and therapy, each reflecting a facet of my desire to heal and create.
Amidst the trials, my three daughters taught me the essence of love, laughter, and simply being, transforming my perspective and fueling my determination to safeguard others from the adversities I once faced. This resolve deepened as I navigated the complexities of childhood trauma, the challenge of feeling like an outcast, and the joy of overcoming odds that once seemed insurmountable.
Despite initial intentions to sew solely for my family, my crafting journey evolved into a vocation, spurred by divine guidance and the encouragement of those who admired my work. My venture into fashion design, culminating in participation in Charlotte Fashion Week and engagement with The Charlotte Fashion Collective, was a testament to the unexpected paths our passions can take us on.
My academic and professional journey in psychology and counseling has been equally transformative, allowing me to extend support and guidance to those navigating their own life transitions. Currently, my life is a balance of creating for my clients, both in sewing and counseling, each aspect of my work imbued with therapeutic value and a sense of fulfillment. The essence of my sewing business, Viva Shaliek, embodies a celebration of life and inherent creativity, while Newly Defined Counseling, Coaching & Consulting LLC (ND3) reflects my dedication to fostering growth and redefinition in others’ lives.
Central to my ethos is the motto, “His masterpiece, my hands,” a humble acknowledgment that my ability to create and heal is not merely a personal achievement but a divine gift, allowing me to serve as an instrument of grace in the tapestry of others’ lives. This motto encapsulates my journey, my work, and my purpose, reminding me daily that through faith, resilience, and compassion, we can craft beauty from adversity and offer hope to those in need.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey has been anything but easy. Dealing with the challenges of being visually impaired in one eye and navigating my career as a middle-aged individual, I’ve often faced imposter syndrome. My lack of formal education in fashion and sewing meant I frequently doubted my abilities, feeling overshadowed by those with traditional training.
To combat this, during creative phases, I deliberately avoid social media and fashion trends, focusing instead on my models and what suits them best. Prayer and worship become my refuge, guiding my choices in design and materials and helping to quell my self-doubt. The fear of not meeting clients’ expectations lingers, yet the moment I witness their joy or the audience’s reaction at a fashion show, I find solace.
In pursuing my career in therapy, the road was equally fraught with obstacles. I failed the National exam five times, often due to inadequate preparation amidst the turmoil of an abusive relationship, and a habit of second-guessing my instincts during tests. Each failure, despite knowing the material, bred frustration. I nearly gave up, but encouragement from my current husband led me to trust my first instincts, and on the sixth attempt, I passed.
The elation was short-lived when I attempted to obtain licensure in North Carolina, only to learn that my education did not meet new regulatory standards due to changes in accreditation requirements after my graduation. The North Carolina licensure board’s rejection, coupled with their advice to retake my counseling courses, was a bitter pill to swallow.
However, turning to the South Carolina Board of Licensure brought a glimmer of hope, and thankfully, they recognized my qualifications, granting me licensure. This journey, marked by both trials and triumphs, underscores the resilience and persistence required to navigate the professional landscapes of fashion and therapy.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
I have two entities that are allowing me to serve as an instrument of grace in the tapestry of others’ lives. My fashion company encompasses specialization in custom pieces, upcycled clothing, sewing classes, and other pieces. I am known for creating pieces that bring life to one’s closet. I am very strong in my faith. Therefore my clients experience a consultation with me which also links some of my skills in counseling.
I focus on enclothed cognition and finding the custom piece that changes how my client feels about herself. Even if only at the moment she is wearing my piece. I am most proud of working in integrity and building trust with my clients. I want my readers to know that I am accepting new clients for Coaching and therapy. In addition, I am currently working on a new collection so I want them to stay tuned for that as well.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Risks can sometimes be frightening. However, the truth of the matter is if I didn’t take a risk, my passions would just be passions without a purpose. As a designer, I took the risk of having my own fashion show before I knew anything about creating one. Upon taking that risk, I was blown away!
Not only was the show sold out, but the impact it made on others was such an encounter. I also took a risk with my therapy business. Although it was the new baby on the block, I stepped out on faith again and put myself out there in spite of the negative, scary thoughts in my mind.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vivashaliek.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivashaliek/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VivaShaliek/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@vivascloset4687/videos
- Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sew-chronicles/id1504623961
