Self-portrait of Trinidad and Tobago native Allison Carr, who now lives in Brooklyn, and runs her fashion boutique Collection by Ally.
Photo courtesy Allison Carr
Allison Carr grew up in the San Juan area of Trinidad & Tobago with eight siblings, the last three of whom were very close in age. Describing her childhood, Carr shared that she and her siblings spent many days playing hopscotch, picking mangoes, and eating many local fruits and vegetables. On Sundays, they would go to church.
What sparked Carr’s interest in sewing was seeing one of her sisters sew dolls’ clothes, and I enjoyed helping her. In addition, one of her siblings encouraged her to take a sewing course, which she passed with flying colors.
“Soon after, I landed a job as a seamstress with a clothing company called ‘Little Angels’ and subsequently, I continued to hone my skills at a clothing boutique named ‘THE CLOTH’ and worked for well-known designer Robert Young. However, while living in Trinidad, I was invited by a family friend to visit New York, so I jumped at the opportunity to visit the Big Apple to see for myself what New York is all about,” she added.
After coming to New York, she realized the city was full of opportunities and that she could use her sewing skills to build a good life for herself here in Brooklyn.
Currently, she lives in Brooklyn because many people from her Caribbean culture live here.“I love it because it is a beautiful mix of diversity, culture, and easy access to transportation, and filled with many lively activities,” she stated.
Soon after arriving in New York, Carr’s friend encouraged her to open her own fashion boutique, titled “Collection by Ally,” because he saw her talent for sewing. Almost a year later, she took the leap into opening her fashion boutique.
For Carr, the short-term goals for her boutique are to keep the business running efficiently, remain profitable, and continue expanding the clientele. A long-term goal is to expand its online presence.
“My biggest success story so far in running my business efficiently was having the opportunity to design clothing for a well-known basketball player, Marcus Smart, and also sew outfits for other celebrities including Beyonce, Busta Rhymes, etc.,” she continued.
Carr sees two-fold changes impacting the fashion industry that she must stay ahead of. She stated that there are two aspects: alterations and custom work.
She is not involved in alterations.“However, because of the economy, getting Clientele is harder, since many of my clients do not have the funds to afford custom-made clothing. One way of overcoming this challenge is through advertising,” she explained.
According to Carr, the most memorable and impactful experience in her career as a fashion designer so far was meeting social media influencer Nicolas Nuvan, who interviewed her. “That Interview went viral, which increased my clientele and brought in a large number of new clients. I also made him a uniquely designed outfit, which he loves,” she added.
The impact Carr would like her work to have on the community, long term, would include holding yearly fashion shows and events, as well as a Meet and Greet Block Party that showcases her line of clothing and accessories. The funds earned would be used to support kids in the neighborhood who are going to school by providing backpacks and school supplies.
Carr wants people to know that starting a business isn’t easy, but once you stay focused on the goals of making your business a success and putting God first, all things are possible.
“So, if I can come to New York and work hard and make a successful life for myself, then my life can be an example to others to use their talents and abilities to change and improve their lives for the better,” she continued.