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It has been a quick rise to fashion fame for Jazmin Whitley, the 21-year-old designer behind popular line Li Cari.

With a dedicated-and growing-fan club of celebrities (think Paris Hilton, Christina Ricci and Aimee Teegarden), there’s been nothing but admiration for the pint-sized couturier since she sewed her first stitch while still at high school.

Her talent has not only turned the heads of fashion-aware women, but alos of the execs at Santa-Monica based MTV, who have created a reality show just for her, to help inspire others who want to follow in her successful footsteps. Those who know Jazmin and her designing prowess agree she will soon become as popular as the celebrities she dresses.

“(My love of designing) began when I was very young,” she told WT at her recent Diane Merrick boutique launch. “I have just always loved drawing, colors, fabrics, sewing and creating something from an idea.”

However, it’s not just her fresh ideas and business savvy that’s making Jazmin stand out in the fashion crowd. Her commitment to keeping every step of her garment production within the United States is winning her praise, at a time when some companies are looking for cheaper, offshore options.

“I will only make my clothing in the USA,” she says, which includes her recently launched street wear collection, unveiled in March at the University of Southern California. In fact, the young entrepreneur has gone as far as to challenge other American designers to make their product in the USA, to stop child labor and support the American economy.

Her success, she says, wouldn’t be possible without the support of her family, including her manager mom Susan, her younger brother and her Italian grandparents who live next door to the family home.

“My family and friends have always been a very important part of my life,” she says.  “They have always supported me and told me to go after my dreams.”

While success at such a young age is worth celebrating, Jazmin admits it has often been a disadvantage.

“It has not always been an advantage, that’s for sure. I have always had to prove myself more so than someone older,” she says. “When I walk in to a buyer’s office they already form an opinion before they even see the collection but then are always pleasantly surprised.”

Jazmin, who was bon in Houston, Texas, also has the backing of iconic fashion store Fred Segal, which has enlisted her as an exclusive designer for their Fred Segal collection, set to launch in August.

However, it’s her fans that keep Jazmin continually motivated and looking toward creation of her next collections-fans that range from teenagers to middle aged women. Her fall/winter 2009 collection features earthy tones of tans, gold, sages and browns-a range she says has something for women of any age.

“I try to be a good role model,” Jazmin says of her younger fans.  “I just want to show that if you have a goal, it is attainable and you can get there if you’re dedicated and always putting in your all, it’s hard and a lot of work but, it is achievable.”

Comments to date: 6. Page 1 of 1. Average Rating: Todd   Los Angeles 9:51pm on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009  saw her LA fashion week runway it was crazy, I loved every look love her line love her Sara   Santa Monica 9:49pm on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009  I love her show "House of Jazmin" houseofjazmin dot mtv dot com Jessica   Los Angeles 9:46pm on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009  I went to her fashon show it was amazing what a talent this young lady has. I met her after the show she was very sweet jesse   los angeles 3:52pm on Wednesday, October 7th, 2009  met this girl at an event in LA. TOTALLY RUDE and classless! Her mom parades her around, and is just as rude. Notimpressed. Frank P   Los Angeles 8:19pm on Sunday, August 30th, 2009  Happy for Her...... Love her Designs. Frank P   Los Angeles 8:19pm on Sunday, August 30th, 2009  Happy for Her...... Love her Designs. Your Name: Your Location: Vote: Choose 1 - Dreadful 2 - Poor 3 - Fair 4 - Good 5 - Excellent Your Comment: Security check *