A Long Island fashion designer created a successful clothing line inspired by her mother and her culture. 

Judith Gaffney, of Wheatley Heights, has been teaching fashion for most of her life. In 2018, she decided to change course and follow in the footsteps of her mother by creating her own brand called Culture Tree Designs.

“Way back she had a fashion business called Broadway Fashions. So, she always had the desire to do fashion. I worked alongside her, but then in 2018 I decided to start my own fashion company,” Gaffney says. “…I always had a flair, a love for fashion. I love color, I love brightness, I love vibrancy.” 

Gaffney's clothing has been featured in New York Fashion Week and Orlando Swim Week. 

However, Gaffney says her most rewarding job may have been creating scrubs caps for doctors and nurses in need during the pandemic. 

“When the doctors and the nurses received them…they said, ‘These colors brighten our day.’ They brighten such a dark, dismal place,” Gaffney says.

 As Gaffney continues to grow her own business, she has one piece of advice for women like herself looking to break into areas they never thought they would reach.

“There will be doors, there will be people who don't understand why you do what you do.  But one thing you have to be is confident in who you are. Know who you are, know your product, know your purpose. And don't stop pursuing your purpose. Anything you hit long and hard enough will break,” Gaffney says.

To check out Gaffney’s clothing line, head to Culture Tree Design’s website.