Meet Diane Linston | Fashion Designer, Businesswomen, Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Diane Linston and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Diane, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Ever since I was a kid in home economics class, I knew I wanted to be a fashion designer. From there I went to college and received my degree in fashion designer and fashion merchandise. One year after I graduated, I opened the smallest boutique you can imagine (lol) only about five people could be in the store. I was proud of myself. From there I worked hard to bring customers into the store. I would tell people about my dreams of becoming a fashion designer to anyone who cared to listen. I didn’t realize I was putting my dreams into fruition. My customer would always say never give up. That became the name of my clothing line. (N.G.U. Designs by Diane Linston) Never give up. Since then, I never gave up. I owned a clothing Manufacturing business, a fabric store. My collection is sold in various stores around the United States.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
When I started my collection, I had no money I had no idea with I was doing. I learned everything I needed to learn about how to start a manufacturing business. I never gave up. (N.G.U.)
My manufacturing took me beyond just designing my collection. I started receiving commercial contracts and government contracts.
When the pandemic hit my boutique closed and a lot of the boutiques that were selling my clothing line also closed. I didn’t know what I was going to do. I received a phone call from my coach who advised I should start making masks. I laughed. I told him I am a fashion designer, and what I look like making masks. I could not have been more wrong. The pandemic saves me. I made nearly one thousand masks. Cleveland Hopkins Airport called me and asked me if I would open a kiosk inside the airport.? I said yes, this was a great move. At that time, we had to wear masks. Why not wear a fashionable mask?
2022 Styles of Imagination created the transitional chemo blouses, these blouses are for women who are going through chemo treatment. The blouses are easy to insert their port. They are helpful for women who are dealing with arthritis. They can be found in the hospital gift shop and on the Styles of Imagination website.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Cleveland Ohio has the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. We also have a beautiful place called the Cleveland Cultural Garden. A lot of people go there to take wedding pictures.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have blessed, all my customers over the years that have supported Styles of Imagination. One person particularly. Her name is Lady Gilmore is one of my bonuses, Mom. If anyone could tell my story it was her, she has been with me from the beginning up until now. I started in the basement of my house to owning one of the most high-end boutiques in Cleveland Ohio. My friend Lottie Collins gave me the opportunity to be a part of her television show. “Help I need a make.” Definitely my family who gave me nonstop support.

Website: www.stylesofimagination.com

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Image Credits
David Clinkscale -Photo