Meet Ky-Yonni McCleary of Kustom Kreations

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ky-Yonni McCleary.

Hi Ky-Yonni , 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?
Kustom Kreations, LLC was founded in September of 2016 while I was creating a few plaques for my partners fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. My partner and his line brothers asked me to create their plaques for their probate since they knew I had niche for creativity. It was at that time I discovered that there were others who would benefit from my creativity and there was a need that was desired to be met. I started creating items such as paddles, plaques, tikis, and home decor for people whom were Greek affiliated and non-affiliation. During the first 2 years I only focused on providing items in person and building clientele through vending events, community events, college probates, and visiting different colleges. Around the years of Covid, 2019-2021, I transitioned to virtual platforms. I build my website, started promoting items via social media, and word of mouth. The business flourished since I was considered a “one stop shop.” I was providing a service that delivered an Alpha Phi Alpha Paddle while also adding items to their homes, bedrooms, and events. Our items are available for all occasions and that’s what makes us unique and stand out. During this transition after COVID, we soon learned that people enjoyed shopping for any upcoming events, i.e. graduations, new baby, marriages, promotion at jobs, while also practicing self-care and purchasing items for themselves.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Some of the challenges that I’ve endured while staying true to my vision for growing Kustom Kreations LLC included adjusting to COVID while becoming a mother within just a few months apart. I was also a grad student at the time and was juggling internships, 2 jobs, and trying to graduate on time. Which I did by the way…2018!! I then returned home to gain family connection and help with our new baby and dealing with complicated health issues I had to pause Kustom Kreations for a few years. We started becoming more active in 2023 and we launched very quickly. My health conditions have primarily been a “pause,” for us because I can have random flare ups and sometimes need a break from responsibilities and practice boundaries with self-care.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In my professional career I am a Mental Health Clinician with a master’s degree in psychology. My specialty focuses on children, adolescents, and adults that suffer from mental health crisis. My strengths are working in a variety population that are diagnosed with ADHD, ASD, MDD, ODD, and Anxiety. I’m also a published author of my book, Hey Black Child, which has flourished for a few years now. I ma most proud of being able to give birth when I’ve been told my entire life that it would be a painful experience and it could kill me. I’m proud to be a survivor and beat the statistic of a 2x liver transplant recipient whom has endured 50+ surgeries. I am an therapist, entrepreneur, author, mother, aunt, daughter, athlete, and SURVIVOR. I’ve physically conquered 50+ surgeries which includes my recent hip replacement in October of 2025.

I am a survivor and resilience is my name!

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
• Purchase store front to allow space for customers to walk in and place orders. A store front will allow customers to see in person what we offer, order placing process, good energy & vibes, and visualize their personalized item.
• Transportation Cargo Van- We ship a lot of local items that can eventually save us est. $2,500-$2,700 a year by delivering the item to the household and/or gift drop off location.
• All funding will be used for marketing/branding, purchasing a small space for walk-in clients, social media platform advertising, website maintenance, transportation cargo van, paying & hiring employees, Elevating items, Partnerships with local community events, POS sales system, attending business fairs/expos, legality structures (accountant, business license, trademark/patent, Business Insurance, etc.) and continuation of services

Pricing:

• Paddles $75
• Paddle Package $85
• Tikis $50
• Initials $25
• Graduation Caps $45

Contact Info:

• Instagram: KustomKreations16
• Facebook: Kustomkreations16