Fashion Is My Voice

Fashion has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a little girl, I fell completely in love with self-expression through clothing—especially anything pink. Pink has always been my signature color. It represents confidence, femininity, and joy. Even then, fashion felt like more than just clothes; it felt like a way to show the world to who I am.

Between the ages of five and six, I began dreaming of becoming a fashion designer and entrepreneur while playing fashion games on my computer. What started as play quickly became purpose. I realized I had a strong eye for color, shape, and style, and my passion for fashion only deepened as I grew older.

In high school, I discovered graphic design, which became another powerful creative outlet for me. I took several fashion and graphic design classes and learned how visual storytelling can bring ideas to life. Although I cannot sew due to my cerebral palsy, I never saw that as a limitation. I collaborate with others to bring my designs to life, and I rely heavily on digital technology to create clothing, accessories, and fashion graphics.

In my early twenties, I became deeply interested in adaptive fashion—clothing designed for people with disabilities. I know firsthand how challenging buttons, zippers, and tight fasteners can be. These everyday struggles inspired me to think creatively about inclusive design. I am confident in my ability to develop innovative, stylish solutions that make dressing easier without sacrificing aesthetics.

Beyond design, I excel in fashion styling. I love curating wardrobes that make women feel confident, happy, and empowered. Whether it’s identifying trends, offering fashion advice, or styling complete looks, I see fashion as a tool for self-expression and confidence-building.

Over the years, I’ve created several pieces that mark important milestones in my fashion journey. One of my earliest projects was a T-shirt scarf made from knotted peach and aqua-blue shirts during my sophomore year of high school. It was displayed at school and remains one of my favorite fashion memories.

In April 2021, I designed the Daisy Yellow A-Line Dress for my first fashion show when I initially launched my namesake womenswear line. Inspired by the 1960s, the dress celebrated vintage femininity. In May 2022, I followed with the Roselle Blush Pink Sheath Dress for my second fashion show—a piece inspired by the women in my maternal family who wore similar silhouettes in the 1960s. I also continue to create fashion sketches that reflect my personality and signature style.

In addition to my womenswear line, I started my own graphic t-shirt shop for women in October 2023 via Etsy - “Tees by Marisa”. My mission is to empower women-including women with disabilities- to pursue their goals and succeed in their lives. I design graphic t-shirts featuring my own quotes, motivational messages, and words of wisdom. 

Although I am currently taking a break from my womenswear line due to challenging circumstances, I am incredibly proud to have hosted two successful fashion shows in my hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio. My long-term goal is to promote inclusion, break barriers in the fashion industry, and share my story. I hope to relaunch my line someday.

Thank you for reading. Stay tuned for what’s next.

With love,

Marisa Conners

Remote Blog Intern @ CorMission

My fashion design portfolio https://marisaconnners-fashiondesign.myportfolio.com

My Etsy shop “Tees by Marisa” https://teesbymarisa.etsy.com 

My Scarf, made of old t-shirts - peach and aqua blue knotted. My sophomore year of high school, 2013.

Me wearing a Daisy Yellow A-Line Dress I designed at the fashion  show as I initially launched my own fashion line. The dress was inspired by 1960s. April 2021. 

Me wearing a Roselle Blush Pink Sheath Dress I designed at the fashion show. The dress was inspired by my maternal family’s 1960s fashion. May 2022. 

Me wearing “Dreams Do Come True” T-shirt I designed - Tees by Marisa. October 2023