Rachel Ellis
Visual Journalist

Amaya Jackson, 17, had to learn how to get out of her comfort zone and discover who she was after moving from Heritage High School to Saginaw High for her last two years of school.

Once a shy, quiet person, Amaya learned to immerse herself in a variety of activities. From doing cheer and playing softball and running track and field, to being a worship leader at her church and president of the Teen Advisory Council, every minute of her schedule has been dedicated to being a part of something bigger than herself. But her most recent passion has been fashion and design.

Now she’s in her final moments of her senior year, where instead of stressing over finding the perfect dress, she’s spent the past three months making her own, customized outfit.

“I’m a hands-on person, so most things that I do are self-taught. I have a lot of leaders in my family, so it’s in my blood,” Jackson said.

Jackson has learned how to re-create clothes and transform them into something unexpected. Whether it’s making a halter top out of boxer shorts or turning a dress into a cardigan, shopping for clothes at stores like Goodwill and Walmart allows her to add a unique spin to everyday attire.

“Everyone has their own personal style. I like to make things from scratch rather than wear designer clothes. I’m really inspired by ’90s fashion, all the neon, baggy sweatpants, and big hats," Jackson said.

But her inspiration for her look for prom was inspired by her imagination, her tendency to think out loud, and...her dreams.

“I dreamt I was at a concert and saw what the performer on stage was wearing. It’s how God tells me that I need to do something, so the outfit I saw in my dream became my inspiration,” Jackson said.

From there, her vision became a reality. Jackson selected all the fabric and material for her one-of-a-kind creation, and also decided to give her escort’s suit something extra so he could compliment her look. Balancing her school work and extracurriculars didn’t stop Jackson from dedicating four hours most nights to cutting, pinning and sowing.

“I’ve always taught my kids that if you sign up for something you have to see it through,” said Jackson’s mother, Melanye McGregor.

“I’m overwhelmed by the support I receive from my family, they always show up for me and help me see things in a different way. Without them I’d be lost,” Jackson said.

When it finally came time to attend Saginaw High’s prom on Thursday, May 23, 2019, Jackson was surrounded by her mom, younger sister Adia, and her grandmother Ora McGregor, who drove from Tennessee, and other family and friends as they eagerly waited to see her in her very own handmade dress.

Jackson designed a white strapless dress, with beaded pearls on the bust and waist and a sheer bottom, which had pockets on both sides with an opening down the middle, allowing her to reveal one of the most unique parts of her design: iridescent, sequined pants.

The hype around prom meant so much more to Jackson and her family. This was a chance for Jackson to follow through on something she became passionate about and enjoy one of her last formal parties before she plans to serve in the U.S. Air Force in the fall. "Prom was so fun for me. Even though I didn’t win the best-dressed category, I still loved showing off my creation to my community, Jackson said. “I know one day my hard work will pay off.”

Moving schools has helped Amaya discover new interests and ways to be involved and, more importantly, how to go after what she wants her own way.

“If you would’ve told me I’d be this person today, I wouldn’t have believed you," Jackson said. "If it wasn’t for my move, I wouldn’t be exposed to all the things I have been. I wouldn’t be Amaya.”