Today we’d like to introduce you to Kay Nicole Carter.
Hi Kay Nicole, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m the owner of Clara’s Closet. I launched on Sept. 19, 2020. I named my boutique after my Grandma Clara, who was a traveler and fashionista. She was always my roommate on family trips around the world. I designed travel totes, duffle bags. passport cases, coats, T-shirts, and sweatshirts. My Mom creates all the knitted pieces you see on the website. I love travel, fashion, and I’m proud to be a Black woman. Loving the skin you’re in is so important. I saw a demand for having products designed specifically for us in travel. Representation truly matters and it’s important for me to create for who I’m most passionate about. I have traveled to 26 countries and lived abroad. My goal is to inspire as many Black women, men, and children as I can to book the trip, take the flight and see the world!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been easy. I launched during the pandemic. There have been shipping delays, damaged inventory, production delays, etc. Starting a business is hard in itself. Starting during a health/ economic crisis has made entrepreneurship even more challenging.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I designed travel totes, duffle bags. passport cases, coats, T-shirts, and sweatshirts. I created the slogan “This Black Woman Is Going Places” on an airport departure sign. From there, I trademarked the slogan for men and children. The gate numbers on the logo all have personal meanings. They are the initials and birth years for my parents, grandmothers, my son, and myself. I’m most proud of that my designs have been featured all over the world. It’s amazing to think that my sketch turned into a business. I’m proud that I’m honoring my Grandmothers. They are still living through me and my business is my greatest success story.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I knew starting a busy during a pandemic would be risky, but I felt Clara’s Closet would be successful. I invested money in a business not knowing the outcome. I’ve lived abroad in Europe and Asia. I taught English as a second language in South Korea. I had never been to South Korea, and accepted a teaching position not knowing much about the country. So, I definitely take risks. It’s always important for me to try at least once.
Pricing:
- $45 Departures Tote
- $100 Departures Duffle
- $25 Departures canvas
- $25 Departures passport case
- $70 She’s Going Places travel shirt
Contact Info:
- Website: www.claraschicloset.com
- Instagram: Claraschicloset
- Facebook: Clara’s Closet (Black owned)
Image Credits
All photos are of me and my merchandise.
