A New Haven artist with skills in writing, music and art shared his journey into the fashion world.

Tea Montgomery, a local New Haven artist, dedicates his time and creativity to creating wearable art.

“These are luxury clothes and accessories that we make here by hand and are suitable for every body,” he said.

Montgomery said he initially started designing clothes for himself, but then decided to turn it into a business when he noticed the growing interest. He said: “From designing my own clothes and people seeing them and talking to me, I got to a point where I started making more clothes for other people than for myself, and that's when I decided to start a business.”

Montgomery also spoke about why he chose to keep his talents in New Haven, saying, “Growing up, there were a lot of great opportunities that came my way, but then there were also a lot of things that I couldn't find, and that's why I want to give back to this place.”

He added how he wants to give back to the community that he said has given him so much.

“I want to put people in position and create opportunities. I want to create jobs and feed families. And I think that's why it's really important to me to do this here.”

As his business continues to grow, he offers this advice to other local entrepreneurs: “To bet on yourself and believe in yourself, I would say take the risks and challenges. Work together and realize that you don't have to do everything yourself.”

Montgomery dreams of one day seeing his fashion pieces at the Met Gala, either on a person or in an exhibition.