Meet Kelechi Uchendu of Kay Kay’s Fashion

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelechi Uchendu.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
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.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
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 let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Kay Kay’s Fashion story. Tell us more about the business.
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.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I honestly do not believe in luck. I believe in God’s favor. God has shown me lots of favor. For example, British Vogue ended up reaching out to me! I never once sent them a pitch to have them feature me but they reached out to me because they said that they found me to be inspirational.

Pricing:

• Shipping is always free for all customers no matter where they live.

Contact Info:

• Website: kaykaysfashion.com
• Email: info@kaykaysfashion.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/kaykaysfashion/
• Facebook: facebook.com/kaykaysfashion/
• Other: kaykaysway.blogspot.com

Image Credit:
Kay Kay’s World LLC, Perfect Touch Productions, and Mónica Villar

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