Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelechi Uchendu.
Kelechi, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
In 2013, I completed my BA in Political Science Pre-Law with a specialization in Environmental Science from Michigan State University. I also received my JD from Vermont Law School in 2016 and my LLM in Environmental Law from my alma mater in 2018. Before I started my business, I was also a writer for Detroit Fashion News, a legal researcher at Columbia University, and a legal intern. I also started blogging on my personal blog, Kay Kay’s Way, when I was a senior at Michigan State University.
I officially registered Kay Kay’s World, LLC and launched Kay Kay’s Fashion at the end of March 2017. However, the journey of Kay Kay’s Fashion actually began in October 2016. On one night in October 2016, I dreamt that I attended a formal event in a magical city like New York. This event was special because it was an event to honor me for my accomplishments. I remember walking down the grand staircase in a gorgeous dress that I had never seen before–and I knew that I needed to bring this dress (and my dreams!) to life.
When I woke up, I told my mother about the dream I had and my desire to design the dress. My amazing mother told me that I should start right away and not put my dreams on hold. After this conversation, I was determined to design the dress. Since I am not a seamstress, I ended up working with a company in the Metro-Detroit area to help me sew my dress. Designing my dress was not easy. It took a couple of fittings to make this unique dress perfect and I did not finish with the dress until March 2017, even though I started the design process in October 2016. However, I used the extra time to learn more about how to run a business.
When I finally launched in March 2017, I received a lot of positive feedback. Today, I sell headbands and scrunchies on my website and since I was accepted into the Market at Macy’s program this year, I was able to sell my products at the Market at Macy’s in Lenox Square Mall in Atlanta. I even had an event there in October where I was able to tell my story in front of several people.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No! I have had different struggles along the way but they have only made me stronger and have caused me to trust in God with all of my heart. Initially, it was very hard for me to get Kay Kay’s Fashion featured in a magazine. I remember when I first started in 2017, an editor of a small publication told me to send her items to feature in the magazine. The lady ended up not featuring me and never returned the products or any of my emails. This was discouraging. However, at the end of 2017 I ended up being featured in British Vogue and then after this feature, I have been featured in so many places. I have also worked at restaurants as a server (sometimes two restaurants in one day) to fund my business. Finally, I had to make sure my products were retail ready for Macy’s and it was initially a struggle to find the right manufacturing company. However, once I found LA Fashion Source, it was smooth sailing and my products looked perfect and had the most adorable hangtags, etc. In summary, every “setback” has been a setup by God to move me to the next level!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Kay Kay’s Fashion – what should we know?
My business Kay Kay’s Fashion and my blog Kay Kay’s Way (kaykaysway.blogspot.com/ ) make up my LLC (Kay Kay’s World LLC). Kay Kay’s Fashion is known for creating various original fashion items. I would say that Kay Kay’s Way is known as a blog that talks about various different topics such as fashion, anti-bullying, beauty, and entertainment. I also conduct interviews on my blog (https://kaykaysway.blogspot.com/2018/12/kay-kays-interviews.html). I am very proud of how Kay Kay’s Fashion has grown. Kay Kay’s Fashion is only two years old and it has already been featured in British Vogue several times and has been sold at the Market at Macy’s. I am also proud of Kay Kay’s Way. That blog was started in my dorm room when I was feeling depressed. I was depressed because I had experienced chronic bullying and chronic traumatic situations in grade school and I never dealt with it. I kept ignoring the fact that I clearly had PTSD and I ended up falling into a depression because the trauma became so hard to deal with. I started my blog as a way to speak my truth, vent, talk about my travels (I have been to every continent including Antarctica), and be creative. I am happy that my blog (that was initially started as a way to deal with the pain I was in) has grown into a platform that has been used to touch the lives of many people.
What sets my business apart from others is my story. I do not have the typical background that most fashion designers have or that even most bloggers have and I think that this has really helped my business stand out. I also love how my audience is able to see my journey and they feel as though they really know me. I am very authentic and in everything, I do I remind people that nothing is impossible and they should always chase their dreams.
My proudest moment used to be when I was first featured in British Vogue. That feeling was one that I cannot even describe. However, God has blessed me even more since then and I would say that I was most proud on the day of my event in Macy’s in October 2019. It was so surreal to be standing in front of my products that I worked so hard to create while standing in Macy’s (a store that I have always been obsessed with) while speaking to my family and a crowd of other people that I did not know. Just amazing.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My mother is amazing! I run to her for advice and she also is my biggest cheerleader. I love how I can pray with her as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kaykaysfashion.com/
- Email: info@kaykaysfashion.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaykaysfashion/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaykaysfashion/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/kaykaysway92
Image Credit:
Square Biz Photography, Corey Reese
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