Singer-songwriter Kelly Price began her career penning songs for the likes of Mary J. Blige, 112, Brian McKnight, Brandy and Total, and has gone on to enjoy success with her own recent debut album, "Soul of a Woman."

Now Price tells the MTV Radio Network that she plans on branching out into the fashion industry. Price initially had a problem getting her own recording deal started because of a weight problem, and admits that she originally began designing her clothes out of necessity.

"Well, I'm gonna be honest," Price said, "I didn't have a choice but to design my own clothes, 'cause it's not like I can actually go pull stuff off the rack and wear it."

Price sketches out the clothes and then passes her designs on to a New York-based tailor named Frances Hardy. The singer is working on two separate lines of clothes. "The Kelly Price Collection" will feature formal attire and will soon be available in Nordstrom's and Bloomingdale's, while Price's "Big Mama Wear" is a sportier

line that will be carried in Lane Bryant, The Avenue and Ashley Stuart shops later this year.

Price will kick off a tour with R. Kelly, Busta Rhymes, Foxy Brown and Deborah Cox on May 5 in Richmond, Virginia.