RisAnne Martin is a Fashion and Costume Designer, Published Stylist and Youth Mentor. Her fashion brand Brown Cotton Caribbean has been making waves in the regional Fashion Industry specifically for her work in Visual Direction in the Entertainment and Advertising Industry. Brown Cotton Caribbean thrives on creative collaborations and youth mentorship, as the team facilitates Confidence Building and Styling workshops throughout the Caribbean region and Martin is currently featured facilitator at First Citizens Secondary School Tour : Girls First Festival 2019.
Some of her popular Styling work can be seen on television and billboards across the island of T&T and in music videos featuring Patrice Roberts, Nailah Blackman, Destra Garcia, Machel Montano and Olatunji to name a few. Her dynamic costume design work can be found at The Lost Tribe Carnival Band of which she has been a designer for 3 years, the team claimed 2019’s Large Band of the Year Title. Her Brown Cotton Caribbean Boutique was opened in January 2018 and is located in the scenic Buccoo, Tobago and has been very instrumental in her development as an Entrepreneur.
RisAnne holds a BA. Cultural Studies from UWI MONA, shortly after pursuing a MA. Cultural Studies at UWI St. Augustine. She studied Fashion Design at London College of Fashion. Martin and the Brown Cotton Caribbean team plan to expand their enterprise and continue creative collaborations.
Why did you decide to choose fashion designing as a career?
Fashion designing chose me. This career path allows me to fulfill my purpose while mentoring many who have an eye for fashion to develop their own skills.
What according to you is your favourite part of being a fashion designer?
My favourite part of being a fashion designer is that continuous journey of becoming, growing and seeking further knowledge within the craft.
What was the biggest challenge you have had to overcome and how did you deal with it?
My biggest challenge will always be losing my mother Iris to cancer a few years ago. The grief truly broke me but also made me unstoppable.
Tell us something about you that people may not know?
I am an award winning actor. Before my career as a fashion designer and stylist, I pursued a Bachelor Degree in Theatre and trained as an actor/director for 4 years, winning an award for a role in a JAMaican Production in 2013.
What are you most grateful for?
Grateful for my family and their ongoing love and support every day.
What is something you know for sure, that you wish the rest of us knew?
That our ancestors guide our steps and that being grateful daily can change everything.
Why do you do what you do?
I do what i do to create a legacy of fashion mentorship and entrepreneurship.