Today we’d like to introduce you to Aerial Sanders.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Aerial. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Knittings & Things was founded in November of 2012. I had recently broken my ankle and needed something to do so I wouldn’t be bored while sitting at home with a huge cast on my leg. I remembered I had some knitting needles in an art container I had stashed away along with some yarn. I searched Youtube and one video later I was knitting! At first, my knittings weren’t that good. They were holey, uneven and messy but after a little practice and a lot of determination I began to make amazing things with my little set of needles.
I have always loved fashion and loved the idea of making my own clothes. A lot of the designers I saw didn’t have anything that I really liked and that made me feel like most of the things I saw in ads or in stores weren’t made for me. I thought how cool would it be if I had a say so in what is being made for me to wear. I got the idea of letting my customers tell me the specifics of what they want from that. Knittings & Things is a combination of my own style and creativity. I make what ever the customer wants. I call myself a jack of all trades because I can literally make almost anything with my hands. You name it, I can most likely make it. I love having the opportunity to show my creativity and change the lives of others one stitch at a time.
My brand has no labels on it. So often we label ourselves this or society labels us that, why should the clothes we wear label us? Clothes are supposed to comfort you and that’s just what my brand does, makes you comfortable with who you are and shows the world that you are more than just a label.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It’s never a smooth road with entrepreneurship. Finding support from friends and family, supporting my family with the inconsistent amount of money I make from orders, trying to get on bigger runways and get people to believe and invest in you can really make you feel as if your dreams are worth nothing. Nobody wants to help you until you get to a point where they see you are really serious about what you are doing and start getting recognition from people in the industry. It’s all a struggle until you make it because you are trying make a name for yourself in a world that only cares about brand names.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Knittings & Things – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I am the designer, maker, promoter, photographer, agent and face of my brand. I specialize in custom knitwear designs while also adding textiles in to my designs. I make everything with yarn. That is the main staple of my business. I am known for my creativity, my drive and my willingness to bring other black businesses on the journey with me. I promote lots of people with my brand. I am most proud of the fashion shows I have done to showcase my work. I always told myself I wouldn’t work for anyone else and once I had it set in my mind to be my own boss, I stepped out on faith and God has walked with me ever since. What sets me apart from others is that I hand make every single garment. It’s not manufactured in a factory or purchased online from wholesalers. Every stitch is made by my hands. I pride myself in knowing that not only am I original but nobody can ever copy my style.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My plans for the future are to get a storefront where I can set up shop and teach classes. I’ve already started taking the steps to creating the biggest knit fashion house the world has ever seen. I’m looking forward to being in every household, working on movies as a costume designer and getting my name out there as a major force in the fashion world. I would love to be on a runway at fashion week NY and Paris someday.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.aesanders.wixsite.com/knittingsandthings
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/knittingsandthings
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/AerialandtheKnits
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/flavainyourgear
Image Credit:
Fitzframes Photos, Irie Photography, GoodPeopleVisuals, Justin Jacobs, DevineDynasty
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
