Meet Kierra James of Project Yingg in Marietta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kierra James.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always been blessed with a creative and artistic mind, and most definitely a fashionista. The summer of 2013 changed my life after attending an annual HSO picnic in Memphis, TN, my hometown. I posted a picture of my outfit on Instagram and to my surprise, my thrifted denim pants that I cut and distressed into shorts, colored into a faded pink denim, and studded my two front belt loops would start my journey as an entrepreneur at the age of 16. The girls in Memphis loved my custom denim! Then my brand name was Yinggs Jeans and I was a master at distressing. I continued to sew pillows, scarves (with teaching from my aunt Tanisha James) and customizing anything denim! My aunt taught me various techniques and how to read and create from patterns. Persevering and practicing on my craft is why I possess the talents I have today.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
This road of being an entrepreneur has definitely been challenging. I attended MTSU for three years and decided to withdraw after being denied from the fashion program twice. At the time, it felt like I was literally starting from the bottom because I always expected to have a professor, but to my surprise, I taught myself how to sew apparel from scratch. This made my journey more challenging because it was up to me to search for the information and knowledge that I needed. In the long run, it was appreciated. Fashion has created several moments of fulfillment and success knowing your skill is getting more advanced and loved by the people. On the contrary, I’ve had moments of meltdowns and feelings of doubtfulness, anxiety and depression. Thankful I’ve learned how to grow through pain and express it in my clothing and art. I take the good with the bad and pray to God consistently. During this entire process to greatness, I’ve had no choice but to get closer to God in order to be standing ten (toes) down today.

Please tell us about Project Yingg.
Project Yingg is the name of my brand. Yingg is the acronym for Y.oung I.ndependent N.on- Stop G.o G.etter. My brand’s purpose is to inspire others to be steadfast and consistent with any goal they have for life and to embrace their edginess while following their dreams. My style as a designer is the combination of both street and vintage wear. I want every woman to feel classic, sexy, bold and one of a kind. Project Yingg is known for creating detailed 1-of-1 garments, free-hand painted garments and repurposing. A brand notorious for creating designs that you don’t just see, but feel and interpret. My proudest moments as a brand was when I ventured out to my other hidden talents, such as painting, drawing, styling, creative directing and visual merchandising with the use of paper, cardboard and unconventional objects. The heart of Project Yingg is fashion design and what keeps the blood pumping is art. Thinking as both a fashion designer and artist allows my creative processing to be free and impulsive from the soul and that’s what makes me most proud.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over when I became an entrepreneur at the age of 16, I would’ve marketed and branded myself more strategically and I also would have become more business savvy. Lastly, I would have not attended a four-year institution and instead, I would have chosen a fashion design school.

Contact Info:

• Website: projectyingg.com
• Phone: 9012826423
• Email: projectyingg@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com
• Other: https://www.projectyingg.com

Image Credit:
Alexis House

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.