Despite being an insurance professional with a job in the insurance industry, Fashion Designer Curtis Callwood continues to use his knack and love for designing to create one-of-a-kind designer gowns and dresses that incorporates the culture of the Virgin Islands. Photo: Provided

After graduating from high school in the [British] Virgin Islands, Curtis Callwood enrolled at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) but the following year he relocated to Atlanta, GA where he attended the American Intercontinental University (AIU) and graduated in 2004. In 2017, Curtis successfully completed his MBA degree from Strayer Online University. Photo: Provided

Dress designed for his mother for while in Highschool for graduation. Photo: Provided

Curtis Callwood has worked in the customer service industry for his entire life, proudly providing consistent service including at Bloomingdale’s Nordstrom, Zara Customer Service, and Walmart amongst other roles over the years. Photo: Provided

Curtis Callwood proudly stated he recently had the opportunity to honor his mother, described as Supermodel Cherel Callwood, for her birthday in a Callwood Couture customized two-piece ensemble. Photo: Provided

Early Beginning

Curtis, who currently lives in Florida, grew up on Tortola where he attended the Althea Scatliffe Primary School and the then BVI High School [now Elmore Stoutt High School].

After graduating from high school, Curtis enrolled at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) but the following year he relocated to Atlanta, GA where he attended the American Intercontinental University (AIU) and graduated in 2004.

In 2017, Curtis successfully completed his MBA degree from Strayer Online University.

Our Young Professional said his passion has always been designing and creating, along with spending quality time with family and close friends.

“I enjoy the fact that I am able to incorporate my personality on a daily basis through diverse interactions with members and share words of encouragement and positivity to make a significant impact on their lives while representing the company in a manner that demonstrates the ‘CurtisC’ experience.”

Fashion & Customer Service

With fashion on one hand and insurance on the other, Curtis told reporters he actually stumbled on insurance but has since learned a lot about it.

“As it pertains to insurance, it is the one job I never wanted, and immediately turned it down when I was approached by the recruiter.

"However, God has a sense of humour. It was the only one that was willing to move forward at the time, as I was either overqualified or didn’t have experience for other roles applied. I am grateful to be learning while making a difference.”

He added that he has worked in the customer service industry for his entire life, proudly providing consistent service, including at Bloomingdale’s Nordstrom, Zara Customer Service, and Walmart amongst other roles over the years.

Meanwhile, Curtis aspires to be a successful fashion designer. "It is something that after many years I am very passionate about and still working towards my goal. I continue to use each experience to prepare me while I continue to brand myself.”

He said an initial challenge about his current career pertains to adapting to new positions, and learning unfamiliar materials all while adjusting to various personalities. “Now that I am in control of my role, I take charge of each interaction and create a memorable impression with confidence."

Curtis shared that growing older has meant he had many valuable life lessons; “however, the greatest has been through the understanding that once you change your perspective, you change your life. This lesson was manifested through forgiveness; forgiving everything and everyone that ever wronged me, including myself.”

Putting mom in the spotlight

Meanwhile, Curtis said he recently had the opportunity to honour his mother, described as Supermodel Cherel Callwood, for her birthday in a "Callwood Couture customised two-piece ensemble".

Mrs Callwood was also given a local photoshoot at Allamanda Estate Villa by Kelvin Titley, Eye Catcher VI/JTV, and Camroy Peters of Frost Media Production, which gained the attention of the local press and a feature on “The Big Story with Cathy Richards of JTV.

Curtis said Ms Richards and JTV were also the Production Director for the photoshoot, which resulted in the remarkable story also taking social media by storm. “This was a follow-up to the design made for my mom to wear to my high school graduation, Class of 96."

The talented fashion designer reminded that above all, he remains a creative and passionate person and wants to do so much but has to narrow his focus.

“I have a passion for motivational speaking and would also like to become an advocate for Mental Health Awareness for the many who suffer in silence to let them know they’re not alone and can get through the struggles.”

Staying afloat

Curtis said as it pertains to funding, he would never allow himself to fall victim to the famous sayings that he is a  “struggling artist” or “starving artist” but he does experience some challenges.

“There have always been challenges in getting funding! For years, I have been weathering the storm and working to pay bills and invest in my business, which has limited my ability to succeed profusely.

“As a proud ambassador for the BVI of many years, I am petitioning our local government and local business professionals for help to advance in my career which would ultimately allow me to use my success to be more instrumental for positive changes while providing opportunities for our youth and people of the BVI.”

With faith in God, Curtis said he knows God did not bring him all this way to fail and that his desire is to become very successful and take care of his family, his passion for fashion, and the smile that he sees on his mother’s face whenever he is able to do something special for her.

Curtis said he hopes to one day design for the red carpet and ultimately return to the VI to introduce a Caribbean Couture House that caters mainly to celebrities and other affluent individuals.

Advice to youth

In parting advice to other Young Professionals, Curtis encouraged them to never give up. "Trick your mind into believing that you can make it until you do. Always be true to yourself and your craft whatever it may be. It is ok to seek inspiration elsewhere but at the end of the day, you have to be unique to your calling. Most importantly, remember that manners, respect, and the willingness to learn take you far in life.”

Curtis also encouraged people to trust God and trust the process. “We all have our journey to travel in life so never try to be who you are not,” he said while adding that he remains humbled by life’s experiences, good, bad, or indifferent, and thanks God for the gift of creativity.