Today we’d like to introduce you to Janiya Lamisere
Hi Janiya, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started my business during my sophomore year at the illustrious Howard University as a way to express myself creatively and explore a career path that aligned with my true passion: art.
Growing up, I always told people I was going to be a doctor. It was what my parents believed was best for me, ensuring financial stability and success. But deep down, I had a burning passion for the arts—especially design, technology, and fashion—that I never fully acknowledged because I was focused on living up to my parents’ expectations. I struggled with this until I arrived on Howard’s campus, where everything changed.
At ‘The Mecca,’ I was surrounded by an inspiring community of students and staff who were driven, creative, and fearless. They showed me that I could follow my passions and still be successful. Fueled by that energy, I started my business, The Kustom Club, on a whim, using denim bags I had made during the early stages of COVID. For two years, I carried my one-of-a-kind bag and received compliments from people of all backgrounds and that’s when I knew I had something special. I also made affordable, custom tote bags that I knew college students could appreciate, and the support from both my Howard and Atlanta communities was overwhelming—selling out within weeks. Everything I released after that point was met with love and encouragement and I became a consistent point of contact for custom items any of my peers needed.
Though I paused the business to focus on other career paths, I’m now in the process of reviving it with new items and a refreshed brand. My vision for The Kustom Club over the next 10 years is to evolve it into a multi-dimensional platform. Not only will it showcase my custom-made items, but it will also amplify the voices of Black creators, giving them opportunities to share their talents and engage in meaningful advocacy work. With the connections I’ve built—like those with Nike and Steve Madden—I plan to collaborate with brands to elevate artistic visions while creating an inclusive and supportive space within the creative community. My ultimate goal is to be a pillar for those like me, who refuse to be confined by a singular path.”
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As you can imagine, independently running a creative business has its highs and lows. On one hand, it can be mentally draining since I personally handle everything—hand-making all the items, marketing, photography, and more—so there’s constant pressure to keep pushing out creative ideas and finding the energy to do so. Like many other creatives, I sometimes get caught in the cycle of perfectionism, which can hold the business back if I don’t break free from it. But despite the challenges, the highs are incredibly rewarding. When I first launched my business, I did it on a whim, not knowing where it would take me. Since then, I’ve received so much love, interest, and support. And there’s no better feeling than knowing people truly enjoy what you create—that’s when it becomes bigger than just the money.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Kustom Club?
My business, The Kustom Club, is a clothing and accessory brand where I handcraft denim tote bags and clothing items upon request. I started this business because I’ve always loved wearing unique items that you can’t easily find in stores, and what better way to do that than by creating them myself? That idea became my tagline: ‘A place to keep you unique.’ That’s exactly what The Kustom Club is—a space where you can stand out with one-of-a-kind pieces you won’t find anywhere else. And when you buy from me, you’re not just making a purchase—you’re joining the club.
As I previously mentioned, I also have bigger aspirations for The Kustom Club. My goal is to grow it into a platform that goes beyond fashion, one that highlights the creativity and voices of Black artists like myself. I want to give other creators a space to showcase their talents and engage in meaningful advocacy work. As someone with many passions across art, community service, and fellowship, I don’t want to be confined to just one thing. I want my brand to reflect all those facets of who I am and bring that same energy to others.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories is spending summers with my grandmother in Florida and taking end-of-summer trips with my family. Those summers gave me the chance to dive into creative activities like drawing, painting, making music, and even sewing. I remember sneaking into my grandmother’s sewing kit, cutting up old t-shirts to make clothes. Looking back, I think that’s where my love for creating really started.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekustomclub/
Image Credits
Janiya Lamisere, Marlyn Reed, and Zoe Cummings
