Born in Waverly, Florida, Talaya Jessie studied Fashion Design at The Art Institute of Los Angeles and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts.
From the start, it was evident that her path would extend far beyond the classroom.
During her time in Los Angeles, Talaya immersed herself in both the creative and operational sides of the industry. She gained hands-on experience in bridal production with Katie May, where she developed a deep appreciation for precision, craftsmanship, and luxury construction. In parallel, she contributed to wholesale marketing efforts at Big Buddha, strengthening her understanding of consumer behavior and the business mechanics behind successful fashion brands.
Following graduation, she returned to Florida and began producing charity fashion shows in Tallahassee. Through these initiatives, she seamlessly merged design with purpose—creating platforms that elevated emerging talent while raising awareness for causes such as domestic violence. This period marked a meaningful expansion of her work, positioning fashion not only as an art form, but as a tool for impact.
As her career evolved, Talaya continued refining her design perspective through bespoke garments that captured the attention of stylists, editors, and a growing audience of style-conscious women. A defining milestone came in 2023 when she collaborated with Flying Solo and debuted her collection, Full Bloom, at New York Fashion Week. The collection highlighted her signature design language—bold color blocking, sculptural silhouettes, and a modern interpretation of womenswear that bridges structure with fluidity.
Now based in Atlanta, Talaya Jessie is focused on expanding her namesake brand into a refined womenswear line centered on versatility, confidence, and intentional design. Her work is characterized by a dynamic interplay of shape, movement, and expression—offering garments that empower women to feel both grounded and elevated in their everyday lives.
In addition to her design work, Talaya is the founder of TJ Sewing Studio, an educational platform dedicated to teaching aspiring designers how to sew, create, and build with confidence. Through digital courses, downloadable patterns, and ongoing content, she provides practical instruction alongside transparent insight into her own journey—bridging the gap between creativity and execution for those called to create.
Across every facet of her work, Talaya leads with faith, discipline, and a commitment to purpose—continuing to build a body of work that not only stands out, but creates space for others to step into their own.