From Guyana to Botswana, with love
Guyanese designer Delayna Scott
Guyanese designer Delayna Scott

–An odyssey in fashion with designer Delayna Scott

By Ariana Gordon
DELAYNA Scott, a 30-year old Guyanese designer living in Botswana continues to proudly fly the Guyana flag.

Delayna Scott stands alongside a model who wears one of her designs
Delayna Scott stands alongside a model who wears one of her designs

Migrating in 1999 to Botswana with her mother, Scott knew from an early age that she was talented. She would mirror her mother, who was a part-time seamstress while she lived here.
“As a child, I would look at my mom sew clothes for relatives and friends, and I developed a passion for style and fashion. I always loved dressing up; a fashion statement was always important,” she told the Pepperpot.
Before migrating, Scott attended the Stella Maris Primary School and then the St. Joseph High School. She migrated while in Third Form, but continued her secondary education at Gaborone Senior Secondary School and the New Era English Medium. After completing high school, she read for a Diploma in Graphic Design at Genetics College and a Diploma in Pharmacy Technician from the Penn Foster College and in both instances graduating with distinctions.
With a passion for fashion, Scott enrolled at the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology’s Botswana campus, where she obtained a degree in designing.

Emelia wears a Delayna Scott dress
Emelia wears a Delayna Scott dress

A student ambassador for the University, and more so Guyana, Scott said it was her responsibility to ensure that everyone she interacted with knew that she was Guyanese.
“I would tell everyone I meet that I am Guyanese. I would tell them about my beautiful country and our people,” she said via a telephone interview with the Pepperpot.
“My fundamental role as an ambassador was to help prospective students learn more about the University and their programme of choice. I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to represent the University at the Swaziland and Lesotho official campus openings, both of which my role was to give a motivational speech to the new students.”
In 2010, she was awarded the best graduating student for her faculty while winning the presidential award certificate.

MODELLING
Scott started modelling in 2000 with a modelling agency called “Newlook Network”. She won best catwalk model at the South African Modelling convention in 2002; and second runner-up best photographic model.
Scott has done numerous fashion shows in Botswana; music videos for Botswana musicians Apollo Diablo, Mosako, Eureka & Juju Boy.
She has also had appearances on television in 2010, after which she ended her model career to concentrate on her passion.
Now the owner of Delayna Scott Fashions in Botswana, Scott barely has time for a break, as her clientele is ever increasing.
Her designing career did not begin recently, as she started her own fashion label while at University with a classmate. The label, DelaTash, was a combination of the two designers’ names, Delayna and Natasha. However, due to creative differences and circumstances beyond their control, the two designers parted ways.
In 2010, Delayna started her own label, ‘Delayna Scott’.
“My designs are for the woman who wants to feel good, loves her body, is comfortable in it, confident and not afraid to explore different styles of

Miss Teen Universe International Judith Kgwadi who placed 2nd runner up in an evening gown designed and worn in Nicaragua
Miss Teen Universe International Judith Kgwadi who placed 2nd runner up in an evening gown designed and worn in Nicaragua

designs,” she told the Pepperpot.
She admitted that no one thing inspires her. “My inspiration depends on my mood and how I feel at the particular time. I can be inspired by my surroundings, or sometimes simply the personalities of my customers. I first dream it, then I believe it, then achieve it,” she explained.
According to Scott, striving to achieve a dream is a process, and it comes with lots of hard work and determination. “From sketching the design, to drafting the pattern, cutting it, seeing it, and the masterpiece is created all by my magical hands,” she said with a chuckle.

THE FUTURE
Though a young designer, Scott’s aim is to become globally recognised. “I plan to showcase my designs at home; that is in Guyana. I want all Guyana to know about my work. But I also want to globalise my fashion brand,” she said.
The **former Costello Housing Scheme resident said, it was also her desire to establish a fashion school in Guyana that could mold future designers. “A fashion school in Guyana can help those desirous of being designers realize their true potential; their dreams will become a reality,” she added.
She explained that with her experience, she was sure she could make a positive impact on the lives of future Guyanese designers.
“In this world of many designers it is not easy to make your mark; you need lots of motivation, inspiration and most of all determination. I believe that with the right guidance, young designers can make that mark. I want to see that in Guyana. I want to see more Guyanese designers showcasing their designs; their products.”
Challenges
Scott is a firm believer that challenges are a necessary component of success. “In every industry there will be challenges, and sometimes it is more difficult trying to operate a business in a foreign country.”
She said, “I am a living testimony of that…being Guyanese and designing in Botswana has not been easy; it was not an easy road to get here but through determination, I managed to rise above my challenges and stay focused.”
Today, Scott says she can boast that she has done Guyana proud. “Though I have a long road ahead in my career, I am a proud Guyanese; I am glad that as a Guyanese I can live in another country, despite the odds, and accomplish what I have.”
Scott owns her own fashion studio and is classed among the best designers in Botswana. She has designed clothing for many popular personalities in Botswana, South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique.

PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Scott is the recipient of several awards including the overall winner of the Botswana Fashion Week 2011, and Colour Desert Fashion Show 2012. Her designs have also been showcased at Miss Teen Universe Botswana 2013- Best evening gown; Miss Teen Universe International- 2ND runner-up- Evening Gown worn in Nicaragua, Miss Universe 2013- Evening gown, Miss World Botswana 2013- evening gown, Miss World Supermodel overall winner- Evening gown, and Miss Africa 2015- winner of Best Evening gown. She also designs wedding and bridesmaid dresses.

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