Tajma Graham is a young fashion designer from Richmond, Virginia, studying fashion design at Virginia Commonwealth University with minors in fashion merchandising and costume design. Her passion is creating clothing that empowers people to express their true selves through unique, custom pieces they will cherish—wearing them until the seams fray. She loves collaborating closely with clients and theatre productions to bring visions to life, whether for everyday fashion or costume design. Growing up shy, fashion became her voice and a way to express her inner identity. Inspiring her to curate original outfits and upcycle garments rather than follow trends. This personal journey inspires her approach to design, where the goal is always to make others feel seen, understood, and confident, finding styles they truly love—not just what’s trendy or expected. She wants to subvert the narrative.
Alongside her studies, she works as a costume shop assistant, costume designer, wardrobe supervisor, and box office assistant at several local theaters, gaining hands-on experience that complements her academic growth. She is honored to be a Dean’s List student and a recipient of the Ukrop’s Scholarship, balancing rigorous academics with real-world practice year-round. She hopes to foster a more inclusive and understanding fashion world, one that listens to and truly understands its clients because, don’t we all just want to be understood?
