Dawn Ramu

Hails from: California

Dawn Ramu (ENLARGE)

Looks from Dawn Ramu's spring collection available at Veruca, Kaleidoscope and Beehive Co-op.

Dawn Ramu (ENLARGE)

Looks from Dawn Ramu's spring collection available at Veruca, Kaleidoscope and Beehive Co-op.

Dawn Ramu (ENLARGE)

Looks from Dawn Ramu's spring collection available at Veruca, Kaleidoscope and Beehive Co-op.

Where to buy: Veruca, Kaleidoscope, Beehive Co-op

Background: Ramu began sketching and sewing in middle school, influenced in part by her mom. After graduating from Berkeley and doing a stint in corporate America, Ramu started making samples. "I decided I wanted to try a collection of classic and timeless dresses for young women," she said. The colorful dresses with ruffles and other accents got attention whenever she wore them, and the rest is silk knit history. "Atlanta is a great place to start something new. It is growing," she said.

Signature: Ramu is inspired by growing up in California and trips to the Caribbean. She creates feminine breezy dresses in soft fabrics, including a healthy dose of silk and silk chiffon. Some newer designs also use intricate beaded silk fabric.

Price range: $150 to $450

Challenges designing in Atlanta: "Atlanta is a bit more conservative of a city ... but as the city grows, there will be more demand for new designers or new talent. I hope more women will start to try out new designers."

The future: "I'm trying now to get into a few boutiques in California, New York and Chicago. It's important to find the right boutique."

www.dawnramu.com