By Rhonwyn Learner on July 6, 2025
How a nine-year-old’s fascination with a sewing machine at an estate sale grew into a thriving custom fashion business that celebrates individuality.
In a world where fashion often feels mass-produced and cookie-cutter, Cary Dante Heard stands as a beacon for those who dare to be different. The Pittsburgh-based designer and owner of CDH Label Clothing Company has spent the last 15 years creating custom garments that celebrate curves, embrace boldness, and reject the ordinary.
“Fashion for those who are not normal or boring” isn’t just Cary’s business slogan—it’s his life philosophy, born from a deeply personal mission that began in high school.
Cary’s journey into fashion design wasn’t driven by glamour or fame, but by love for his family. As a sophomore in high school in 2010, he watched his mother and sister struggle to find clothing that fit their curves in traditional stores. Rather than accept the limited options available, Cary decided to create solutions.
“My dream was to make clothing for people who don’t fit the mold and have problems finding things in stores,” Cary explains. “My mother and my sister were my muse and inspiration because they both are beautiful, fuller figure women, and they were who I started out helping—working with them and making them different clothing items.”
This personal mission has never wavered. Today, CDH Label serves clients who want to look and feel extraordinary, offering everything from custom prom and wedding gowns to a bold streetwear collection available online through Bonfire.
What makes Cary’s story even more remarkable is that he’s entirely self-taught. His sewing journey began at age nine during an estate sale, where he became fascinated with an old sewing machine. Family friend Miss Evon noticed his interest and made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.
“She said, ‘I’ll buy it for you, but you have to promise to practice on it every day,'” Cary recalls. “And that’s how I learned how to sew.”
Long before YouTube tutorials became commonplace, young Cary was teaching himself through books and trial and error. “I was YouTube University before YouTube University was YouTube University,” he laughs. “I was sticking my head in books trying to figure out how to do something on a sewing machine.”
This self-reliant approach shaped not just his technical skills, but his entire business philosophy. When he later attended Kent State University for fashion design, the formal training only enhanced the solid foundation he’d already built through determination and practice.
Cary’s breakthrough moment came in 2014 when he showcased his designs at Pittsburgh Fashion Week. The exposure led to an appearance on Pittsburgh Today Live, where he displayed his creations on television for his hometown community.
“It became this really big thing within my hometown community of Penn Hills because everybody watched it, everybody saw it, and I was on TV,” Cary remembers. “That definitely made me more determined to do what I do and do it better.”
More recently, his work caught the attention of the entertainment industry with some TV costuming on the horizon.
What sets CDH Label apart in Pittsburgh’s competitive fashion scene isn’t just Cary’s technical skill—it’s his approach to client relationships. While working full-time in various roles, including his current position doing payroll for Pittsburgh Regional Transit, Cary has maintained his business as a passion project that prioritizes the client experience.
“When clients choose me, they definitely choose a good personality and somebody that’s going to look out for their best interests versus a designer that’s just in it to make money,” Cary explains. “When they have a design in mind that they want to have come to life, I take that as inspiration, and I look forward to making that inspiration come as true as possible to their expectations.”
This personal touch extends to his design process, which has evolved through experience. After learning some hard lessons early in his career, Cary now works with clients through a detailed process of sketching, fabric selection, and contract agreements to ensure everyone’s vision aligns perfectly.
Beyond his business success, Cary remains deeply connected to his Pittsburgh community. A lifelong resident of the city’s east side, he appreciates the convenience and accessibility that Pittsburgh offers. As a Steelers fan and former volunteer mentor for clients with intellectual disabilities, he understands the importance of giving back.
“It became second nature, working with clients who have intellectual disabilities because it’s easy to relate to them and advocate for them once you learn who you’re working with,” Cary shares. “I like the fact that it was something to do to be able to give back.”
Currently, he’s partnering with Project Matters, an LGBTQIA+ organization that serves Pittsburgh’s Black gay community through events and mentorship, to raise funds together for his upcoming fashion show.
Speaking of that fashion show, Cary is preparing for his most ambitious project yet—a runway event scheduled for September 13th, which happens to be his birthday. When asked how he’d like to celebrate, his answer was immediate: “I would like to do a fashion show, of course. Why not?”
The event represents more than just a birthday celebration; it’s a comeback statement from a designer who’s ready to reclaim his place in Pittsburgh’s fashion scene after taking some time away from the spotlight.
CDH Label’s aesthetic perfectly matches its clientele—people who love color, patterns, sequins, and glitter. Cary’s home studio is a testament to this philosophy, with glitter seemingly permanently embedded in every surface.
“If there’s not glitter in the house from a garment that I made, I can make a garment in July and the glitter is gone by September, but the glitter will be back by November because of the Christmas tree going up,” he laughs.
His ideal clients are open-minded individuals who embrace bold color palettes and aren’t afraid to stand out. Custom pieces range from $150 for basic tops to $2,300 for elaborate gowns, with each piece reflecting the client’s personality and vision.
Cary’s five-year vision includes expanding beyond his current one-person operation. He dreams of incorporating AI and technology to automate certain processes while maintaining the custom touch that defines his brand. His goals include working with manufacturers, opening a storefront, and building a stronger online presence.
“I would hope that at the very least, there’s an app designed around me being able to automate and create a design at a larger scale, but still have it be custom,” he explains. “Working with manufacturers, having a mini storefront and online presence—that would be the ultimate goal.”
None of this would be possible without the support of Cary’s family and partner, who have backed his dreams “100% on whatever endeavor I want to do.” His parents, brother, sister, and extended network of family and friends continue to be his foundation, especially as he prepares for his upcoming fashion show.
In an industry often dominated by standard sizes and safe choices, Cary Heard and CDH Label represent something different—a place where personality takes precedence over conformity, where curves are celebrated, and where fashion becomes a form of self-expression rather than self-limitation.
For those ready to step away from boring, normal fashion and embrace something truly unique, CDH Label offers more than custom clothing—it offers the confidence that comes from wearing something designed specifically for you, by someone who genuinely cares about bringing your vision to life.
Ready to create something extraordinary? Visit CDH Label Clothing Company online or connect with Cary to discuss your custom design needs. Because life’s too short for boring clothes.
About CDH Label Clothing Company Founded in 2010 by Cary Dante Heard, CDH Label specializes in custom garments for weddings, proms, and special occasions, plus a streetwear collection available online. Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company serves clients who value bold, personalized fashion over mass-produced alternatives.
Contact: Visit www.cdhlabel.com for custom consultations and streetwear collections.
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