A NakedlyUnderConstruction Feature

Sometimes the most powerful stories begin not with “I decided to…” but with “it chose me.” For Sherida Jones, the creative force behind Sheri Amor Couture, her journey into fashion design wasn’t a calculated career move—it was a calling that couldn’t be ignored. While working as a Revenue Specialist—a big difference from the glamorous world of fashion—Sherida found herself drawn to the needle and thread in ways she never anticipated.

Based between Tampa and Lakeland, Florida, this multi-talented artist has always identified as creative. “I’ve been an artist my whole life,” she explains, “but I’ve been sewing for almost two years.” It’s a timeline that might seem short to outsiders, but speaks to the intensity and dedication that true passion demands. In just two years, Sherida has transformed from a curious beginner to a recognized name in Tampa’s fashion scene, when her designs walk down the runway; heads turn and wallets bleed as the ache to wear her styles is awakened.

(Afreekah Collection)

The Reality Behind the Runway

What sets Sherida apart isn’t just her rapid rise, but her willingness to acknowledge the dual nature of her existence. By day, she processes revenue for the state; by night and weekend, she’s crafting collections that spark intrigue and passion, that tell stories of cultures and times past. She spends many of her nights working into the wee hours to design eclectic, bold styles that are searing her mind and must be brought to life. It’s a reality many creatives know intimately—the balance between financial stability and artistic expression that claws for breath while the demands of society weigh down like chains to human demand- food, shelter, and transportation. But is this only a war between reality and the unknown? Or a war between self and life purpose and societal expectations that only feed the world machine?

This duality doesn’t diminish her artistry; it intensifies it. When you’re working within constraints, every moment spent creating becomes precious. Every design decision carries weight. Every fashion show represents not just artistic expression, but proof that passion can coexist with practicality.

(Golden Hour Collection)

Beyond the Seams: A Multi-Faceted Creative

Sheri Amor Couture represents just one facet of Sherida’s creative identity. As both a painter and stylist, she approaches fashion design with a unique perspective that extends beyond mere garment construction. Her artistic background informs her design sensibility, while her styling experience ensures her pieces don’t just look good on a hanger—they transform the wearer.

“Making others look good” is what inspires her, and this philosophy permeates everything she creates. It’s not about the designer’s ego; it’s about empowerment through clothing. In a world where fashion can often feel exclusionary, Sherida’s approach is refreshingly inclusive.

(Sacthrifitique – the painting collection. Photos by @ceceislens)

Artistic Accomplishments

In less than three years of business (officially since 2022), Sherida has already accomplished what many designers take years to achieve:

  • 3 complete collections designed and sewn
  • 10 fashion shows participated in throughout Tampa Bay
  • A growing social media presence across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube (@Sheri.Amor.Couture)

These aren’t just statistics—they represent late nights, early mornings, and the relentless pursuit of excellence while maintaining a full-time job and the inner artistic turmoil, “ Is it enough?’ “Can they feel it?” “ Can they feel me?” “When will my art feed me instead of just bringing more craving?”. Each collection tells a story of growth, each fashion show builds confidence and connections.

When asked what drives her, Sherida’s honesty is refreshing: “Hoping to get discovered. Trying to follow my passion and hone my craft.” There’s no pretense here, no false modesty. She acknowledges the business reality that talent alone isn’t enough—visibility matters, discovery is crucial, and passion must be paired with strategy.

Her message resonates beyond fashion: “Pursue your passion but let God lead and use you.” It’s a philosophy that acknowledges both human ambition and divine guidance, suggesting that true success comes from aligning personal drive with purpose greater than oneself and that we do not always know the path but we must have the faith of a mustard seed to water the gifts buried inside us and know that there will be a reason for it all.

 

The Designer behind the Dress

Sherida values loyalty, realness, and dependability above all else—qualities that might seem disconnected from fashion but are actually essential to building a sustainable creative business. In an industry often criticized for superficiality, these values ground her work in authenticity.

Her guilty pleasure? Pizza. Her musical inspiration? Old school 90s R&B. These details matter because they reveal the person behind the brand, the human experiences that inform the artistic choice-check out her collections 

Collection List

  • The Denim Lab
  • Golden Hour Collection
  • Afreekah Collection
  • Sac Digital Collection
  • Sacthriftique- painting collection
  • Modi Chroma
  • Pain’s Hope

“Art reaches people in ways other methods cannot because it’s expression,” Sherida explains. Through fashion, she’s not just creating clothing—she’s providing a means for others to express themselves, to feel confident, to step into their own power. It’s expression multiplied, the designer’s vision enabling the wearer’s self-expression.

With recent appearances at Tampa Black Expo (July 26th), Sherida continues building her presence in the Tampa fashion scene. She’s “public but still up and coming”—a perfect description of someone who’s established enough to be taken seriously but hungry enough to keep pushing boundaries.

Her decision to stay in Tampa isn’t just geographical—it’s strategic. She’s building something in her community, contributing to the local creative ecosystem while developing her craft.

The NakedlyUnderConstruction Truth

Sherida’s journey exemplifies what NakedlyUnderConstruction is all about: the real story behind the success. It’s about showing up consistently, balancing dreams with reality, and allowing passion to guide you even when the path isn’t clear. It’s about being chosen by your calling and having the courage to answer.

In a world that often celebrates overnight success, Sherida’s story is a reminder that authentic achievement is built thread by thread, design by design, show by show. She’s not just constructing garments—she’s constructing a career, a brand, and most importantly, a life lived in alignment with her purpose.

Fashion chose Sherida Jones, and she’s choosing to honor that calling with every stitch.

This is just a quick taste of what can be viewed as a deeper dive as NakedlyUnderConstruction also recently posted a podcast episode exploring the design of the artist Sheri Amor Couture. 

Written By: Writerreyes

Follow Sheri Amor Couture’s journey on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube @Sheri.Amor.Couture

https://www.sheriamor.com/sheri-amor-couture

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