Local fashion designer takes part in overseas competition despite health scare
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Not only is a local southeastern neighbor making a name for herself across the country, but also globally. Phalandra “Leka” Squires, who lives in Columbus County, will showcase a new fashion collection at a beauty pageant in Italy on Saturday.This is a significant achievement for her following a serious health scare that nearly cost her her life this year. Squires is a self-taught fashion designer. She says she comes from a small town in Virginia. She made North Carolina her home years ago and currently lives in Whiteville. Squires initially learned to sew in high school. Her career direction shifted during college when she became a nurse and worked in that profession for several years. Over the last ten years, she has rediscovered her passion for clothing. She st...










