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 am currently still a writer with Detroit Fashion News and I am still a legal researcher for Columbia University. 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. Later on, in the year, I ended up creating chokers made with authentic fabric from Mali that are currently sold on my website, KayKaysFashion.com, Wren Fashion, and Asos Marketplace. I also recently launched a new t-shirt.
Has it been a smooth road?
It was very challenging to get magazines etc. to feature Kay Kay’s Fashion. However, once British Vogue featured Kay Kay’s Fashion, I started to get a lot of press since many more people had seen and heard of Kay Kay’s Fashion.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Kay Kay’s Fashion – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
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 am very proud of how Kay Kay’s Fashion has grown. Kay Kay’s Fashion is only a year old and it has already been featured in British Vogue and is sold on several other platforms. I am also proud of Kay Kay’s Way. That blog was started in my dorm room when I was feeling depressed and it 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.
Proudest moment:
When I started my business, I did not have the budget to hire a PR firm. Therefore, I had to be my own PR representative lol. It was very challenging to get magazines etc. to feature Kay Kay’s Fashion. However, once British Vogue featured Kay Kay’s Fashion, I started to get a lot of press since many more people had seen and heard of Kay Kay’s Fashion.
I would say that my proudest moment was when British Vogue reached out to me to include me in several issues of their magazine. The executive at British Vogue told me that they thought that they came across Kay Kay’s Fashion online and thought we would be a great fit for the magazine. British Vogue also thought that my brand could help inspire readers!
To say I was proud at myself would be incorrect. I was proud of God because of his favor indescribable. At the time, I was praying to God to get me featured in smaller publications around the nation, Vogue was not even on my radar because I did not think that I was accomplished enough for Vogue since my business was less than a year old at the time. However, God always gives us more than we need and ask for. That is why I will always be on Team God. #TeamGod lol.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Big cities have a tendency to be dirty but I love how clean Boston is. I feel that it can be really hard to navigate the streets and roads in Boston.
Pricing:
- Shipping is always free for customers around the world.
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://kaykaysway.blogspot.com/
Image Credit:
Kay Kay’s World LLC, Perfect Touch Productions, and Mónica Villar
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
