Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiara Tyler.
Hi Kiara, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Flint, MI. After graduating college in 2014 with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, I moved back home and was unable to find a job. I started making custom shoe boxes to earn money and the venture gained the attention of Deion Sanders and his son. After a brief conversation with the two, I was given advice to take a different route. That advice led me to making the decision to create a clothing brand originally named “Fly By Air” but it didn’t stick so “Kalm” was birthed. I eventually found work and used leftover money to source manufacturers and buy samples for about two years. After finding a manufacturer, I started Kalm with $500. The first item was released on October 15th, 2016.
I made over 100k from the trunk of my car and apartment in the first 18 months. Driving state to state making door deliveries was my speciality. April of 2018 I moved into the Ferris Wheel Building & started receiving much-needed mentorship. This move allowed Kalm to structure as an actual business. That led to March 30, 2019 when I signed an investment deal with 100K ventures. An investment firm of 12 influential people including Draymond Green, Victor Cruz, Soledad O’brien, Frank Thomas and Michael Strahan.
Kalm now has thousands of followers, a store in the mall and is growing and thriving. On its way to becoming an enterprise with a strong emphasis on innovative Fashion and Design.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The beginning was smooth, things seemed simple for the most part. I started a supply chain overseas from my cell phone. I would sit and draw with crayons & computer paper for hours, send the drawings to my manufacturer, talk through the details. The clothes would arrive and I would drive around selling them. Things started to get rough for me when it was time to structure Kalm and run an actual business. I had no prior experience and was learning on the fly. I made a ton of rookie mistakes and I had to quickly force myself out of the dreaming phase, the phase I would be in when I used to just sit and draw. Those mistakes can be very painful and if you don’t analyze them, they can cost you your dream. But they have to happen in order for you to be more aware and continue to level up.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
To date, I’ve released over 400 items, taking concepts from paper to reality. I specialize in innovative silhouettes and best known for monochromatic looks. What sets me apart is my ability to blend colorways that aren’t traditional.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as the ability to use my God-given talents to inspire others and make the world a better place. As long as i’m able to make a living and help friends & family if they ever fall on hard times, I feel as though I’m successful.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kalmclothing.online
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kalm.clothing/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KalmClothing/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/kalm_clothing
Image Credits
Casey Rearick Adrian Hester
