Busta’s Phenomenal Woman of the Week: Storytelling fashion designer turned rejection into success in the fashion ministry

By Busta Brown

The feeling of rejection for many adults can lead to an emotional breakdown. So, imagine how alone and empty a child must feel, as well as the strain it has on their character and self-esteem. 

“In elementary I sucked my thumb for comfort, so I didn’t go outside much to play with other kids. I was also a speech baby. When the teacher would come pull me out of class, I didn’t understand why I was pulled away from the other students. So, I looked at that as rejection. I didn’t understand it until I started my career in special education. 

“Now as an adult, I understand that it was God’s way of showing me that if you spell the word rejection out, the word ‘eject’ is in rejection. God has ejected me from an unhealthy relationship, which was the ejector. And God placed me where I needed to be, and now I’m able to move into my calling,” shared Swynette. 

You’ve heard it said, “A family that prays together, stays together.” Every Sunday, Swynette Stone and her family did just that. “After Sunday service we still came home as a family. We would gather in the living room, read scriptures and then prayed together. Keeping God first was the most critical foundation that my parents instilled in me as a child. So as an adult, that foundation is solid,” she said. 

God used those childhood feelings of rejection and molded Stone into the phenomenal woman that she is today. The sweet spirited mother of two has become somewhat of a guardian angel in her 23 years in special education. “I see a need to be a bridge as an extended parent. I see so many students coming to school where the parent is not available for one reason or another. So, the grandparents and foster parents are providing care for the students. My goal is to tap into and provide early intervention with young ladies, so they can know their value, the power of their voice, and worth.” 

In 2019, in her efforts to build character and confidence in people of all ages. Stone gave the audience at Winston-Salem Fashion Week an unforgettable moment with “UP CLOSE.” One of the most memorable was the children’s tale, “The Ugly Duckling,” which is the story behind her designs. She was very open about her experiences of rejection at a very young age and used “The Ugly Duckling” to inspire and empower her audience. 

Swynette Stone is also the owner of Swan Te’ Designs, Nove’ Impressions and Accoutre Bridal Boutique. The genuine love for her students goes far beyond the building. Stones’s company Swan Te’ Designs’ fashion shows are a must see. She brings the vibe, fashion and energy of New York Fashion Week to the Triad. It’s an amazing sight to see! Her designs are comparable to the top designers in Paris. 

But the scenes that will melt your heart, “some of my models come straight from the special education program. I challenge them to get on the runway and it is amazing to see what it does to lift their self-esteem. And they rip the runway! I mean they rip it! That means a lot to me because of my feelings of rejection at such a young age. 

“One of my students is now an adult and married with three kids. She’s also an amazing spokesperson. So, parents, let’s start early with intervention and our girls will know their self-worth and the power of their voice,” shared an emotional Swynette. 

Swynette has been doing God’s work since 1998. Her beauty salon, Styles from Heaven, partnered with the Salvation Army women’s shelter and the community to provide mothers with fresh hairstyles for job interviews. “Even back then my goal has always been about building confidence, self-worth, job readiness, appearance, education, and beauty enhancement.” 

Currently, her company, Nove’ Impressions, provides full service professional planning for weddings, event coordination, event decor and designs. Along with a variety of packages to accommodate your dream of love. 

Stone caught the fashion bug one day while watching her aunt sewing and braiding hair. “Me, my sister and cousin had the opportunity to be a part of the marching groups at the YMCA with Mo Lucas. We needed uniforms and my aunt was a seamstress. From that day I saw her sewing those uniforms, I always wanted to be like my aunt. 

“In addition to that, my mom and dad didn’t have much money, but mom knew how to take nothing and made sure all seven of her children were freshly dressed and kept our hair looking good. She knew how to bring our clothes to life, because if it didn’t fit, she knew how to make it fit like it was bought from the store. So, my aunt and my mom were my inspirations to do what I do today.” 

It was during middle school when Swynette really tapped into her gift. “My mom would dress my sister and I like twins and I didn’t like that. So, I started dressing how I felt. I always stood out because my style was different, because I didn’t keep up with the trends. I am the trend,” boasts Stone. 

After graduating from high school, she attended North Carolina A&T University. During that time, she faced a few challenges. “There was no fashion program there. So, A&T tried to give me classes that were close to fashion merchandise and design. I was there for a year and got pregnant, so I had to come home, and that was a huge challenge,” she said with a heavy heart. It was crystal clear as I looked into her eyes that she was still saddened by the situation. 

The brilliant Winston-Salem native has earned a degree in sociology from Salem College in Winston-Salem. Pursuing her special education interest, she continued her studies at Grand Canyon University, earning a master’s degree in special education in 2005. Yet, the fire was still burning to obtain a degree in fashion merchandise and design. 

As you’ve read thus far, she’s a fighter and quitting is not an option. So, what’s next? “Thirty years later at the age of 56, I will be enrolled in college soon. It’s never too late,” said Swynette. She’s a perfect example of naturally gifted and an inspiration to anyone with a dream, hard work, and of course, prayer. 

“I put God first in everything I do. So, I trusted God and just started sewing. No classes, and no type of training. It’s just a gift and my ministry. I use my designs on the runway to minister to people. I love telling my story to people that are hurting like I did. I’m a storytelling fashion designer. I heard someone say, fashion is a way of speaking without saying anything,” she said with a soft and sweet smile. 

What’s Swynette’s favorite scripture? “Psalm 23! But there’s a difference in knowing the word and applying it. As an adult, I also understand it.” 

My phenomenal Woman of the Week is Swynette Stone.