Meet Kiyomi Strickland of KOS Stylez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiyomi Strickland.

Kiyomi , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always loved fashion and how the right outfit can completely change the way you feel. That’s really where KOS Stylez started for me. I wanted to create something that felt feminine, confident, stylish, and still affordable, but also something that felt like me.

Starting KOS Stylez was one of those things where I had the idea for a while, but eventually I had to stop just thinking about it and actually do it. Seeing something that was once just in my head turn into a real brand, website, products, and something I could call my own was such a big moment for me.

I’m also balancing working full-time and being a full-time mom while building KOS Stylez, so sometimes everything doesn’t move as quickly or look as perfect as I imagined it would. But I think that’s also part of my story. I’m learning that there isn’t always a perfect time to build something for yourself.
Sometimes you just have to start with the time and resources you have and continue growing from there.

I’m still figuring out exactly what I want KOS
Stylez to grow into, but I’m proud that I started and that I created something that belongs to me.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been trying to give everything the attention it deserves. Between working full-time, being a full-time mom, and trying to build KOS Stylez, there are times when I feel like one area gets more of me than another.

Another challenge has been learning that having a vision for a business and actually running one are two very different things. I’ve had to learn about marketing, content, inventory, websites, customer experience, and all the little things that happen behind the scenes.

The inventory side has also taught me a lot.
Shipping dates can change, items don’t always arrive when expected, and sometimes the material, fit, or quality isn’t what you thought it would be. As the owner, I have to decide what l’m comfortable putting my name behind.

I’ve also had moments where I questioned whether I was doing enough or moving fast enough, especially when I had to step back from posting or being as consistent as I wanted to be. I’m learning not to look at those moments as failure, but as part of figuring out what works for me and what I really want KOS Stylez to become.

I think the biggest lesson has been learning to give myself room to grow. I don’t have everything figured out yet, but I’m still learning and still building.

As you know, we’re big fans of KOS Stylez. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
KOS Stylez is a women’s fashion boutique created for women who want to feel confident, feminine, and put together without feeling like they have to spend a lot to do it.
My goal is to offer stylish, current pieces that are easy to wear and can fit into different parts of a woman’s life.

What I enjoy most about the brand is putting together a collection and overall look that feels cohesive and true to the style I love. I pay attention to fit, quality, presentation, and how everything comes together as a brand, not just the individual pieces themselves.

I’m most proud that I took an idea and turned it into something tangible. From creating the website to developing the branding and learning the business side along the way, KOS Stylez has given me the opportunity to build something of my own and continue figuring out what I want it to become.

The brand is still growing, and I’m excited to keep developing it and creating a shopping experience that feels stylish, feminine, and accessible.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories is spending time with my family and how so many of those moments also shaped my love for fashion. I was always the one paying attention to what everyone was wearing and figuring out my own style from a young age.

I also remember watching movies and music videos and being obsessed with the fashion. I loved seeing women like Nia Long, Gabrielle Union, Regina Hall, Meagan Good, and Beyoncé and noticing how they put looks together. I especially remember going into the back room at my auntie’s house with my cousins because that was the room with the good AC, and at 6 o’clock we’d watch 106 & Park together. Seeing all the new videos, the outfits, the jean skirts, rompers, and all of that early 2000s style definitely stuck with me.

Looking back, I think those moments were some of the first times I realized how much I loved fashion and how much fun I had expressing myself through clothes.

Pricing:

• Most pieces under $50
• Affordable, trend-forward styles
• Free shipping on orders $75+

Contact Info:

• Website: www. kosstylez.com
• Instagram: Kosstylez