Today we’d like to introduce you to Kierra Nichole.
Hi Kierra, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up sketching and teaching myself how to sew, creating looks to wear to school. After studying and earning a degree in Fashion Design, I started my first brand, KierraNichole, with an e-commerce business model. I put out individual pieces, marketing on social media, and eventually got the attention of SheIn who launched my full 5 look collection on their site. Soon after, however, I discontinued the brand in order to pivot. Something was missing in my designs and in me as an artist. After some soul searching, I finally found what I wanted to say, and I knew I needed to amplify my ancestors. That’s how my brand, RosaByrd, was born. Rosa is the first name of my maternal grandmother’s grandmother, and Byrd is the maiden name of my paternal grandmother’s grandmother. These women and the women before them forged a path for me to create these stories through my work in imaginative and inspired ways. This past February 2024, RosaByrd showed our debut 8-piece collection at two different New York Fashion Week shows and was featured in Elle, Glamour, Fashion Week Online, and many other amazing publications.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I think the biggest ‘struggle’ thus far has been finding myself, my creative voice and what I want to say with it. I know the type of designer I am now, and I know that finding your style in any discipline of art is a whole journey in itself. I’ve used this time as a playground to explore different ways of expressing an idea until I’m now finally happy with where I am and where I’m going.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a womenswear designer specializing in wearable art, and my practice comes from first-hand experiences and storytelling. For example, my last collection was influenced heavily by the soft goods factory I used to work in. Shapes, silhouettes and even materials came from the products I was seeing and sewing every day. In that way, I’m telling a story in a way only I can through my unique perspective.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I’m kinda obsessed with my family, so any memories involving us all being together. For gatherings like Christmas or summer break there was always some sort of competitive element like a bakeoff or a talent show. Of course, I always shined when it came to doing something creative and they always gave me my spotlight.
Contact Info:
- Website: rosabyrd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosabyrd.studio/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kierra-nichole
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPbV-tleMEyq5sq4j0eyFzA
Image Credits
Small Circle Cinema
Perpetue Mia
Zamaya Ford-Gaddist
Ilya S. Savenok
