Today we’d like to introduce you to Keyanna Kold.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Keyanna. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have had a passion for creative arts ever since I was a little girl. I remember being in the 3rd grade making clothes for my dolls, lol! Wedding dresses were my specialty. At that age, I didn’t have fabric or a sewing machine, so I just worked with what my mama had around the house. Paper towel wrap dresses colored with nail polish became the new wave in my dollhouse, lol!
Growing up in a single parent household, I couldn’t really afford to go shopping for new clothes all the time. Instead of being sad about it, I got into DIY Fashion projects. By the time I got to high school, I had already taught myself how to hand stitch, distress and manipulate fabrics. Eventually, I began reconstructing all the old clothes that I had to make them more desirable to my ever-evolving taste.
After high school, I enrolled in a trade school to study Fashion Design and Merchandising. In the two years that I was there, I learned more about fabrics; industrial sewing machines; pattern drafting, and the list goes on. I developed planning and show production skills that ultimately led me to plan and orchestrate my own fashion shows. By the grace of God, one of the shows took place in the biggest art museum in downtown Orlando, Florida.
Today, I’m doing more personal styling. I’ve had the privilege to style former WNBA player Chantelle Anderson for her induction into both the Vanderbilt Athletics and the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. I’ve also been working with a few upcoming artists and brands here in Houston for photo shoots, fashion shows, etc., so that’s exciting!
In the meantime, I’m hanging out in thrift stores building my collection for new projects. (:
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has definitely been a rocky road for me. Packing up my life, moving from Orlando to Houston for the ministry rocked my world. There were times where I felt like I lost myself, Houston is filled with so many hustlers! So many creative minds, and talents that are out of this world! I mean if you just stroll through downtown, you’ll see all the graffiti on the walls, and the different shops in Montrose, it’s super easy to get distracted here. I felt like I was constantly having to remind myself of what my creative niche was. I didn’t really know anyone here, so I had no connections. I basically had to start from scratch. What helped me the most, is volunteering for different social events, meeting new people, and just straight up talking.
If I could give any advice at all, I’d say just be humble. Ask for help! Go to events, chat with people you don’t know, and ask tons of questions. Have the questions that you want to ask in your head before you get there. People really appreciate that stuff. Exchange social media info, and don’t be afraid to ask to collaborate.
Please tell us about your business.
I’m a creative editor and stylist. I specialize in creative concepts, building mood boards, styling and editing looks. I’m known for my edgy style. What sets me apart is the long-term relationships I have with the people I’ve worked with. Not only do we collaborate on a professional level, we collaborate on a heart level. I always strive to build long-term personal and spiritual relationships with anyone that I work with.
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
Don’t be afraid to reach out to people. Whether it’s via email, on Twitter, Instagram whatever, just reach out. I’m gonna be real, you may reach out to some people that won’t even respond, or will flat out tell you that they aren’t willing to help you be successful. That’s okay! don’t let that stop you, keep persevering, because what’s for you is for you.
Contact Info:
- Email: keyanna3kold@gmail.com
- Instagram: @keyannakold
- Twitter: @KeyAnnaKOLD
Image Credit:
Chanel Oji, Keyannakold
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