Today we’d like to introduce you to Kel Cadet-Lyons.
Kel, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Like most small businesses, R-KI-TEKT began as a hobby. After becoming a new mother, I was eager to stylistically redefine myself. I didn’t have a disposable income that allowed me to toss out my whole wardrobe, so I used the resources I had. I have a degree in Fashion Design from SCAD, but as you can imagine it takes a bit of time and space to whip up an ensemble so I decided to focus on creating accessories. I began with using recycled remnants from materials foraged from the scrap fabric bins during my senior year at SCAD as well as some vintage fabric I collected. Having limitations might seem like a hindrance to some, but it allowed me to unearth the beauty in simplicity, stretch my resources down to the centimeter, and really hone in on exactly what I was looking to create,
I saw myself in other women experiencing similar transitions in life. I wanted to give them the same opportunity to easily change their look without having to completely tear apart what was already established. The idea of being the architect of my own building (read: my body) and being able to review, design, and curate the world around me helped propel me into seeing it more as a lifestyle brand in the making vs. just a hobby.
As the brand has evolved, I have leaned closer to my island roots and ancestry as inspiration. I create pieces for the modern bohemian that has an affinity for pattern, color, texture, and play.
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 has certainly been a lesson filled journey, but that is preferred. If there aren’t any stumbling blocks, then it means that there is no risk or play involved. In order for there to be successes, there must be a contrast to some degree, Thankfully I have a strong support system to help me remain focused and positive even during times of adversity
We’d love to hear more about R-KI-TEKT.
R-KI-TEKT is currently a team of one, where I manage production, order fulfillment, client correspondence, marketing, etc. We’re definitely becoming known for being more whimsical in our category. Many have leaned towards a more minimal aesthetic, which I have an appreciation for. However, I definitely enjoy offering something that not only feels luxe in quality and function but also serves as a visual feast. Customers love the serene, abstract take of the Palm Print collection and enjoy the bold, graphics of the Suri Print. I don’t believe in limiting the offering to one aesthetic.
I believe in being honest with what inspires me and finding a path to marry what stimulates me artistically with the ethos of the company. It is something I take great pride in.
The market is fickle and occasionally seems over-saturated. I have found that monitoring what I consume as an artist keeps my work authentic to who I am. I may be aware of what is trending, but if I find that it is not in alignment with the roots of my company or what I am genuinely interested in creating, I won’t create it for clout’s sake. I truly make what I love and many don’t understand that aspect of slow fashion. We are always in a hurried state. I definitely prefer to savor a consuming experience.
What was you like growing up?
I definitely had a few quirks. I had a thick New York accent, was raised in a Caribbean household and proudly wore lime green stirrups and purple plaid. I was against the southern current. When I moved to Atlanta as a kid, I came from having to wear Catholic school uniforms to go to a public school. I felt free. At the time, Punky Brewster was my fashion hero. I loved a good colorful, mismatched moment. I definitely did not fit in with everyone else.
I expressed interest in art and design pretty early and was incredibly focused on immersing myself anyway I could. Thankfully my mother supported me. She allowed me to draw on my bedroom walls, paint questionable still-life’s, cut up my clothes and attempt to redesign them. I recall staying up into the morning hours painting Maya Angelou’s poem “Still I Rise” word for word on my jeans for the following school day. My friends took notice and would bring me their old clothes and have me reconstruct them or paint on them. I was pretty care-free and lived in that art space in my head. it was my escape from math.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shoprkitekt.com
- Email: hello.rkitekt@gmail.com
- Instagram: @shoprkitekt
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shoprkitekt/
Image Credit:
Kel Cadet-Lyons, Kimberly Murray, Morgan Blake
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.
