SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – International designer Justin Haynes has taken the world of fashion by storm while putting his hometown of Springfield, Mass. on the map along the way.

Sketch by sketch and stitch by stitch, Haynes has grown a personal dream into a worldwide business through his Jus10H designs and creations.

“To be there now is totally amazing, and I thank God for it because I did not think that I would be a global name,” said Haynes.

The Sci-Tech Hich School grad worked his way up the retail ladder for 19 years before branching out to create his own line.

“What really got my foot into the door is when I started working at the Gap, when I was at high school and the world of retail really helped me. And then my classmates. When it was time for prom and senior banquets and things like that, they would call me. I would go do their shopping and their styling. After that, it got to the point that I was actually making their clothing and so that’s what got my hand into it,” Haynes, now a CEO.

He didn’t know then that his clothing would one day be showcased during fashion weeks in Milan, Paris, Budapest, Singapore, Japan, Miami, LA and New York. His designs would also catch the attention of talk show host Kelly Ripa, one of Justin’s biggest supporters.

“It’s a dream come true. You never think that anyone of her caliber or any of the other celebrities that I work with will say ‘Here I need you to look at who Justin is.’ Didn’t even think that, that would happen,” he recalls.

The record of success has earned Haynes awards and titles, including 2nd Vice Chairman of the Tokyo Fashion Council, Sustainable Fashion Designer of the Year, InStyle Fashion Innovator, and even the Fashion Icon Award during New York Fashion Week last season.

“I always want to do something that’s not being done, so that’s what sparks me. I want to make sure that when you do see my brand, you know this is Justin. I don’t want it to be something that’s every day. People can get that from the mall they can get that from their local department store. I want this to be something that’s unique, that’s creative and that’s one of a kind. And those who wear it know they’re wearing something that was made just for them.”

A message he hopes resonates with the next generation of creatives, asking parents to support their big-picture thinking too, adding if you can dream it, you too can do it.

“Go ahead and nurture that, find them somebody who can mentor them and bring them up. Because those are prime times now that young kids are going to be able to actually develop what it is they want to do in the art and creative industry. Those that are working in the creative side now, stay consistent if there’s something that you’re working on and you know this is what you want to do. Stay consistent let the world know this is who you are,” Justin Hayes.