Meet Khaelah McLean of Perfectly Imperfect Fashions in Midtown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Khaelah McLean.

Khaelah, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Perfectly Imperfect Fashions started after a super tragic time in my life, after getting really sick at 19 and having to take a step back and stop school, to my girlfriend at the time ending our engagement not too long after; I just ended up hitting a wall falling into a downward spiral of depression. At this point, I did not know what was going to become of anything, I felt worthless and did not want to be alive anymore. Sadly I caved and attempted to end my own life on multiple accounts, oddly enough it wasn’t until an accidental near-death experience I realized that I had way more to give the world and that this wasn’t my only option.

I still honestly don’t know what made me come up with the idea, but all I remember is wanting to make my own outfit for a local LGBT+ Pride Festival in 2017! To be honest it was my first time sewing anything ever in my life and best believe I was horrible at it but I was determined… and I wore that messed up tutu with pride!

In July of 2018, I had the honor to create an outfit for my good friend Sophia’s music video, since then I have not second-guessed nor questioned if this is what I want to do with my life. Seeing the final results of what I created made me feel a way I haven’t felt before. The beginning of the September, I made the biggest most life-changing decision ever, officially start my business; i released the site and my first project which was my “Taste the Rainbow” Pride Collection. After doing this, I ended up getting let go from my one and only job, taking all the money I had and road tripping up to NYC for fashion week. A decision I do not regret.

Long story short…
Without the encouragement and support from my father and good friends, I would’ve not only quit a long time ago but i wouldn’t be alive doing what I love. I now work three jobs, run my own fashion company, have a great support system, and an amazing relationship  despite my illness. Just looking back at everything I can do nothing but thank God for being there, giving me faith and helping me out of a hard time that I was once in.

Great, 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?
It most definitely has not!

I am a one-man army. From the website, photo shoots, making the clothes and more I am in control of. Plus, this lifestyle is not cheap, I pay for everything financially by myself (fabric, machines, accessories, etc), on top of everyday life bills.

Traveling back and forth ways a toll too especially with juggling three jobs.

I have also encountered negative people in this process who has made me think I was not good enough or wasn’t capable of accomplishing tasks to get to where I want to be.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Perfectly Imperfect Fashions – what should we know?
Perfectly Imperfect Fashions is brand made for Y O U.

We made for the company for you to not only be your own you but the best you that you can become. Many of us throughout life have in some way, shape, or form dealt with self-esteem issues. We try to shape and morph ourselves into this “Perfect” image, but we here to try to tell you that there is no such thing.

Everyone struggles with their own form of imperfections and that is okay! Our imperfections is what make us who we are and we are PERFECT with them. We want you to feel like the you are everything in our clothes but most importantly in your skin.

Be comfortable and being YOU!

We make clothes for LGBT+, Unisex, Male, Female, Special Request, and more!

Our clothes definitely has a good size range: Females: 0-20 extending to 22 Males: 28-40 with a kids line coming soon!

We do a lot of givebacks to the community as well: volunteering at soup kitchens, back to school drives, giving proceeds to charities, LGBT+ groups, multiple other foundations

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
For one staying positive, but most importantly  being consistent and keep you faith! Never forget to always be thankful for any kind of opportunity that comes your way.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.perfectlyimperfectfashions.com
• Phone: 706-619-5752
• Email: perfectly.imperfect.fashions@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pifashions_/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/PIFashions_

Image Credit:
@_zondon

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