You might remember her from Season 5 of Project Runway. Since then, Korto hasn't slowed down a bit, she has gone on to design for the female president of Liberia - a place where she hasn't t been since her family fled to Canada in 1990 to escape the civil war, to having her first solo show at New York Fashion Week in 2010.
Korto Momolu now dedicates her time to being a mother, a wife and running her own company. I had a quick chat with her to discuss some of the key things that have happened so far in her career.
Hi Korto, thanks for doing this interview with me, how are you doing?
I’m fine thanks
Can you give us some background information so the YHP readers can get to know you better? Who is Korto Momolu?
Korto is a designer of fine things, a mother, wife and all around family woman who is deeply rooted in faith
Take us back a little, how did you get into Fashion?
I began designing in my senior year of high school and had a great mentor that helped me tune into my passion
When did you decide to start taking it seriously?
Upon graduation from high school I applied to design college
Talking about early days, what difficulties did you encounter in your early days of designing and tell us how you got out of it?
I could not sew very well going into school so it was very difficult to stay on top of the class and gain praise from instructors
Who is your inspiration and why?
I am very inspired by Oprah Winfrey and her sense of morals and character. She continues to set great examples for women of color and I appreciate that
When you create something, what goes through your mind? What’s your creative process?
I begin draping every item I create it’s a calming and intense process once I decide on my theme for the collection or piece
What is most challenging about a career in fashion design?
Having thick skin and knowing it won’t happen over night
What else do you get up to in any spare time that you manage to have? Is there anything other than designing that you like to immerse yourself in?
I love to read and travel for leisure. the Simple things bring me joy these days
What's exciting for you right now in fashion?
Lots of color and color blocking is great. I love that people continue to layer
Tell me how you got involved in Project Runway?
I was a fan of the show and decided to apply to be on it after the 4th season wrapped. I auditioned for season 5 and made it on the 5th season
What was the experience like, being in the show?
It was life changing and extremely rewarding!
What would you say has been some of the key things that you’ve learnt on your journey so far?
Everyone is not going to like you but its ok, love yourself and continue to grow daily. Life is about finding new ways to live out your dream
What would you say has been key in growing your business to the stage its at, at the moment?
Perseverance, persistence, confidence and last but never least FAITH
What would you say has been your most memorable moment so far?
Going to my home town in Liberia in May 2011 after 23 years of exile
What key advices would you like to give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
Dream… Believe…have FAITH …REPEAT
What can we be expecting from you in 2012?
Sky’s the limit! www.kortomomolu.com for those who want to come along on the ride
