From Bennettsville to the runway

BENNETTSVILLE — Every small town has its dreamers, but not every dreamer turns vision into reality. For Suarez McDonald, a native son of Bennettsville, the road from humble beginnings to the bright lights of the fashion world has been nothing short of remarkable.

Once a young creative with little more than determination and raw talent, McDonald has now carved out a name for himself in the competitive world of fashion design. His journey has taken him from sketching ideas in obscurity to showcasing his work on major platforms, including Charlotte Fashion Week, and appearing on WCCB’s News Rising Show in Charlotte.

McDonald’s path wasn’t paved with privilege or shortcuts. Growing up in Bennettsville, he faced the same challenges many small-town youth encounter: limited resources, fewer opportunities, and the constant pressure to “play it safe.” But instead of shrinking his dreams, those obstacles fueled his drive.

With persistence, he began developing his own label and aesthetic, blending bold creativity with messages of empowerment. His designs, often tied to themes of resilience and social awareness, quickly caught attention for their originality and heart.

The turning point came when McDonald’s work was selected to appear at Charlotte Fashion Week, one of the Southeast’s premier showcases for emerging designers. His collection (Tears Of A Saint) stood out not only for its artistry but also for its message, proving that fashion can be both beautiful and meaningful. Soon after, his appearance on WCCB’s News Rising Show gave him a platform to share his story with a wider audience. Viewers saw not just a designer, but a visionary who had transformed adversity into artistry.

For Bennettsville, McDonald’s success is more than personal—it’s communal. His rise serves as a reminder that talent from small towns can shine on big stages. Parents, teachers, and young creatives alike point to his story as proof that perseverance and authenticity can open doors once thought closed.

“Suarez shows us that where you start doesn’t define where you can go,” said one community member. “He’s proof that Bennettsville has stars of its own.”

McDonald’s journey is still unfolding. With each appearance, each collection, and each interview, he continues to build momentum. What began as a dream in Bennettsville is now a growing legacy—one that blends artistry, advocacy, and ambition.

And while the fashion world may see him as a rising star, back home he’s something even more powerful: a symbol of what’s possible.

Social media is buzzing with the announcement that Suarez will be doing a Pop Up Shop during Marlboro County’s Homecoming…This may very well be your chance to add the Tears Of A Saint collection to your wardrobe. At the rate he’s going, you may not get another one!