Designer Brings ‘Denim in Wonderland’ to Dallas
To have a vision is a blessing. To execute the vision is awe-inspiring. To affix your name to your dream and ship it around the world requires a degree of faith that far surpasses fear.
Jente’ Carter embarked on the path of entrepreneurship several years ago. She had no blueprint but trusted her intuition. She could visualize the pieces of denim that she held in her hands transitioning into unique designs that the world deserved to behold. She began patching denim, hand stitching, sewing and creating custom pieces in the corner of her bedroom on a nightstand.
With every post she made on social media, regardless of the feedback in numbers or the lack thereof - she began to believe in herself more and more.
Denim By Jente’ was born in 2017, but the journey to “becoming” comfortable and confident in her own skin was brewing long before.
Carter vividly remembers being in an abusive marriage that caused her to lose her daughter. She remembers attempting suicide. And then she remembers her desperate search for an outlet that would allow her to heal from the trauma.
“I was like hey I’ve got to do something to save myself,” Carter says. “God gave me denim.”
In a life-saving transition of narrative – Carter began modeling and became a designer almost simultaneously. This fortunate turn of events saved her life, and she doesn’t mind telling anyone who will listen. She speaks through her clothing. Eight years later, she still deals with the grief, however, designing helps her with her day-to-day life.
Carter will host her first fashion gala: Denim in Wonderland this month in Dallas.
Planning for the fashion show has spanned more than two years – truly a passion project for the evolving designer. The event will serve to celebrate creativity, individuality and the transformative power of fashion. Amid planning in 2023, Carter quietly picked up her life in Dallas, Texas and moved to Waterloo, Iowa with her children and her fiancée who is a native of the area.
“I live in the middle of nowhere,” Carter jokes. “I still work with customers in Texas, but Iowa represents such a peaceful transformation. I live on true farmland with deer, wild turkey, geese, ducks, foxes and the sounds of several trains. There is one freeway, the town has no malls, and we drive two hours to get to a major store.”
Denim in Wonderland is in essence a reflection of the storied life Carter has led.
“I started out just cutting and not knowing exactly what I was doing,” Carter reveals. “I was just creating to save myself. I’ve since learned the true meaning of having things done precisely. I didn’t go to school for this - I’m self-taught. A lot of praying and crying has gotten me to this point.”
Before she became a designer, Carter was a plus-size model. It was a challenge. She would often have boutiques trying to put her in medium-sized pieces.
“I was 400 pounds at the time,” she says. “They were trying to put me in clothing that was too small and not appealing. I didn’t want to represent myself or any brand in that way. I went back to God again and prayed that I’d be able to do my own thing in developing a line for plus size models.”
Back in high school, Carter had created her own prom dress. It was camouflage. She didn’t know at the time that the material was denim but believes that was God introducing her to the world of denim. She began cutting and painting and soon designed jeans for a plus sized model who wore a size 30. The business took off from there. Carter has been featured in over 30 fashion shows around the country, been invited to New York Fashion Week and even shipped pieces to Ghana.
Like so many entrepreneurs, Carter couldn’t immediately walk away from her day job.
From 2014 - 2021 she worked for the post office as a mail handler and at one point as a supervisor. She would sometimes get into trouble because she would call in about needing to go to a fashion show. Her colleagues saw her passion for pursing her dream and a former supervisor even gave her an initial financial investment.
“I also worked at the store, Torrid as a sales associate and then became assistant store manager,” Carter says. My Facebook friends would come up to the store wanting me to style them.”
Designing for plus size models was truly a dream come true for Carter, but one night she had a dream that she passed away. “I knew I needed to do something,” she says. “One day I was in the restroom and had a heart scare. I immediately made an appointment for a surgery consultation.”
In 2021 Carter made the decision to have the sleeve surgery. She lost over 150 pounds very quickly. After dealing with blood clots, she further acknowledged the surgery to require a lifestyle change. She had to give up some of her favorite foods.
While Carter is now under 200 pounds, her designs are still inclusive of those who are plus size. She also makes it a point to engage with both patrons and supporters who inquire about her weight loss.
“I’m going to a doctor’s appointment with one of the women I met on Facebook,” Carter shares. “I’m flying back to Texas to make this happen.”
Fashion has become an act of love for Carter. Not only does she help clients by designing and styling, but she also assists with personal shopping. She is excited for all things reflective of her life to come to fruition in Denim in Wonderland.
“I can promise an unforgettable experience for all who attend,” Carter promises. “We will not run short of reasons to celebrate.”
Denim in Wonderland
Location: Unique Visions Upscale Event Center, Dallas, TX
Date: June 21, 2025 | Showtime: 6 PM