January Alumnae Spotlight, Laura Arnette McPhail, Sioux of 1990

Ursuline really helped me to realize how much I love art and design. My art teacher pushed me to be more creative and that aided in my decision to pursue an art degree.

 

Ursuline taught me confidence. Even when I wasn't great at something, my teachers gave me the support I needed to keep trying. When I excelled, Ursuline challenged me to push myself further. My sisters at Ursuline have always been a source of support as well.

 

Sisterhood. The bonds that I made with my sisters at Ursuline have held together for 20+ years. It's amazing that after being gone for so long, we just pick up where we left off. Our friendships and sisterhood are a real gift.

 

After graduating from Ursuline as a Sioux of 1990, Laura McPhail studied visual arts at several universities and graduated from Our Lady of the Lake in Texas. Knowing that she wanted pursue a career in fashion Laura worked at the Dallas Market Center for a non-profit fashion organization that led to a job at the JCPenney corporate office. She worked in the trend department until she realized that she really wanted to design. JCPenney has a rigorous training program in product and textile design that Laura was accepted into. After successfully completing the program, Laura designed women's career wear textiles as well as contemporary and modern work wear.

 

In early 2014 Laura, her husband Cord, and son Will decided to make the move back to New Orleans. Since arriving Laura is working on a line of children's play clothes inspired by the NOLA culture. Monkey Hill Apparel launched in November with three tee shirt and onesie styles and will be followed with more styles as well as dresses, shorts and tees for bigger kids and adults.

 

You can find Monkey Hill online at www.monkeyhillapparel.com.