JANS – Besides her family, and perhaps close friends, no one could be prouder of Elizabeth Keyes’ success in the fashion industry than Sharon Knott, her first sewing teacher at age 11, and her high school days seamstress, Margaret Stribling, who refers to a seam ripper as a tool for perfection, not destruction. 

The native Mississippian recently landed a deal with SHEIN, the world’s largest fashion retailer. Keyes’s spring collection, consisting of six posh designs, was unveiled March 19, 2024, at the Westin Hotel in downtown Jackson, MS. The collection is now available on the company’s website. SHEIN is headquartered in Singapore with U.S. offices in Los Angeles. 

During the unveiling reception, Knott presented Keyes with her original sewing class application and four journals to document her journey, plus a monetary gift to assist with future projects. Of course, tears found their way down the cheeks of many in the room, especially the overwhelmed apprentice. Elizabeth also presented gifts to her parents and siblings for their never ending support, as well as special thanks to everyone in the room for believing and participating in her dreams. 

Keyes currently resides in Atlanta, GA and will graduate in June from Savannah College of Art and Design. However, she’s been hard at work for the past few years, operating House of E. Keyes “to motivate and style the leaders of tomorrow.” In 2020, she established Girls for Grace, a program to assist the next generation to become successful women in society such as longtime family friend Debra McGee, Senior Vice President, BankPlus, who was on hand for the festivities. 

Keyes has been featured in the Council of Fashion Designers of America, Gucci Change Makers, the National Black Arts Festival, Black Fashion World, Black Talent in Design and Fashion Fund, and the Black Design Collective. 

Our rising star is the lovely daughter of Victor and Cantrell Keyes of Madison, MS.