Joria James

Much of my childhood is filled with memories of my mother teaching me to embrace my personal style. Growing up, she use to tell me, “You have a natural eye for fashion Joria. It’s one of those inherent talents that runs in our family, but you can be the first one to actually do something with it.” Because of her influence, I decided at an early age to pursue a career in fashion.
No family member had ever pursued a career in style or design, so the idea of being a first-generation college student studying fashion was my motivation. I applied to the Savannah College of Art and Design as a Fashion Marketing major and I was accepted and awarded scholarships. I arrived on campus the Fall of 2015 with excelling in mind and I did just that. I completed my freshman year a 4.0 for the spring quarter and a 3.7 overall GPA. I was also an active member of the Black Student Association. I collaborated with students and SCAD's Collaborative Learning Center on paid and unpaid projects, helping with makeup and styling for films.
I am blessed to have a mother that taught me the importance of embracing my personal style. Not only did that encouragement feed an appetite for fashion, but it helped to boost my self-esteem and encourage to further my education. I feel that I have found my contribution to society; my God-given purpose which is to encourage others to embrace their originality and follow their dream in the same way that my mother continues to encourage me.