Meet Frank Mena | Costume Designer

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

Hi Frank, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve always been involved with the arts, starting from about 5th grade. It was only when I was 15/16 that I started getting into costume design. Before then, I was singing and acting. But I think the main force behind moving this from a hobby to a small business was just the realization that the clothes and costumes I make have a positive effect on the people that wear them. Its always my goal to make sure that ANYONE who wears anything I make is comfortable and makes them feel the most beautiful.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I really enjoy getting to know my clients and their story. I try to make sure that I infuse some of what makes them who they are and put that into the clothes. Its never a 100% “No, this is what I’m gonna build for you and you’ll like it.” That’s what makes the first look so special really. I’ve taken an idea of something in their head, mixed it with my creativity, and put it on their body. But that doesn’t mean its always easy, I always have a point during every project where I want to quit and just throw the dress away. But when I feel that way, I stop what I’m doing and just walk away for a bit. It allows me to clear my head a bit and come back with a fresher set of eyes, that’s really a huge lesson I learned about the way I work.

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?
I LOVE going to the zoo and the museum here in Houston. We would probably start there, then visit one of my favorite places to eat which this amazing food hall at Post Houston. Its an old post office that they have converted into an entertainment venue, food hall, and workspace that’s incredibly modern and the entry staircase literally takes your breath away a bit. The bars downtown are not to be missed either, my favorite is (get ready for the name) Captain Foxheart’s Bad News Bar & Spirit Lounge. Its this really cool speakeasy-type bar that serves amazing ambience and the drinks are not to be missed. Of course, in Texas we cannot forget about Whataburger! We’re definitely getting one before the end of the trip.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh wow, there are so many people who have had an impact on where I am today. I’ll always be grateful to my family for their constant love and support, and my friends who have seen the best and worst parts of me, lol. But its really my mentor and friend Kelly Cochrane who deserves a lot of credit of who I am as a designer. When I began making historical costumes, I was kind of “winging it”, based on what I saw and my own interpretation of the period. When she took me under her wing and literally dragged me into her group, I saw what things should have looked like. She’s always the small voice in the back of my head telling me “You know better, don’t do that.” I wouldn’t be the designer I am today without her in my corner.

Also, thanks to Mitchell and Scott Antesky for telling you guys about me!!!

Website: https://frankmenadesigns.blogspot.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankmdesigns?igsh=ZGNjOWZkYTE3MQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094250486878&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
All photos are taken by me.