Teenage Designer and Entrepreneur, Phoenix Bess, Grabs the Spotlight in Vogue Knitting Magazine

MATHEWS VA (PRWeb) March 12, 2007 -- Teenage Designer, Phoenix Bess, (www.phoenixbess.com) described in Vogue Knitting magazine Winter 2006/07 as "poised to take the knitting world by storm," is a successful entrepreneur at 14 years old.

Her line of self-published knitting patterns sell through online retailers, catalogues, and yarn stores. With a book in the works and an upcoming line of handbags and accessories, this young designer labeled a "precocious wunderkind" in Vogue Knitting magazine, is a successful entrepreneur at 14 years old.

Phoenix Bess knitting patterns include sweaters, skirts, accessories, pants, and leggings. Her award-winning designs have appeared in fashion shows across the country, and her work as a designer showcases the yarns of popular manufacturers including Tilli Tomas, Tahki Stacy Charles, Muench, Brown Sheep, Cascade, Plymouth, Elann, and Lorna's Laces.

The busy teen has been selling her designs since the ripe old age of thirteen, when she launched a line of hand knitted accessories sold in upscale boutiques throughout Eastern Virginia. Phoenix Bess knitting patterns followed, and in January of 2006 she began designing for yarn manufacturers.

Now, Phoenix finds her designing plate full to capacity. She is currently producing her self-published Fall 2007 pattern line, designing for knitting magazines, knitting retailers, and yarn manufacturers, working on her first book of knitting patterns, and launching her HOT new line of hand knitted accessories and handbags.

The multi-talented designer adds dancing, singing, acting, and modeling to her repertoire of skills. Her acting resume boasts numerous musical theatre productions with Williamsburg's Community Alliance for the Performing Arts. Her TV and film credits include Discovery Channel's Critical Rescue and 2005's Terrence Malick film, The New World.

The five-year veteran of the stage danced with luminaries such as Travis Wall, darling of "So You Think You Can Dance," in American Youth Ballet productions for many years. Equally comfortable on stage or in front of the camera, Phoenix serves as her company's icon, modeling her designs for ads, marketing materials, and patterns.    

And, if performing, designing, and studying aren't enough to keep her busy, Phoenix also finds time to devote herself to charitable causes. Last year yarn manufacturer, Tilli Tomas, learned of a young girl's need for a wheelchair and teamed up with Phoenix and online retailer, Dream Weaver Yarns, to help raise the money.

Kyann, a bright 14 year-old diagnosed with Charcot Marie Tooth muscular dystrophy, has lost the use of her legs and experiences difficulty holding her body upright due to nerve deterioration. By the fall of 2006 she needed a new $12,000 electric wheelchair with a power tilt seat, whose cost was only partially covered by insurance, to help support her and take the pressure off her spine.

Phoenix donated a limited edition design and Tilli Tomas donated the yarn and purse form. The resulting kits, Kyann's Midnight Cherry Blossom Rucksack, sold on Dream Weaver Yarns website for a fraction of their retail value, and all of the proceeds from the sale of the kits went to Kyann. She got her much-needed wheelchair in pretty midnight blue with sparkles.

Many find inspiration in Phoenix's entrepreneurial spirit and write to tell her that she is a role model in their own lives or the lives of their daughters. Her success as a designer gives hope to other young women and teens dreaming of some day achieving similar goals.

Phoenix's appearance on the knitting scene comes not a moment too soon. Creative Leisure News reports, "There's a new trend emerging in craft design and it's not cute. It's fueled by a younger demographic, consumers looking to express their individuality rather than following preset rules, and they prefer a more sophisticated look..." Sophisticated but fresh, Phoenix's designs express creativity without being trendy. Younger knitters are taking notice. Finally there's a designer who gets it.

Whether she is designing "breath-of-fresh-air patterns" for knitters, inspiring other young women to follow their dreams, or providing luxury garments and accessories for discriminating shoppers, Phoenix is poised to make her mark.

For additional information, visit www.phoenixbess.com

Phoenix Bess is an award winning knitwear designer, dancer, actress, model, jewelry designer, and homeschool student. For more information on Phoenix Bess and Phoenix Bess Knitwear, contact the company's Marketing Director, Beth Bess, or visit http://www.phoenixbess.com. Phoenix Bess knitwear patterns are available online, through yarn stores, and catalogues. Find a listing of retailers on the Phoenix Bess website under "Patterns."

Contact Information:
Beth Bess, Marketing Director
Phoenix Bess Knitwear Design
804.725.1478
http://www.phoenixbess.com

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