Today we’d like to introduce you to KeJuana Edwards.
Hi KeJuana, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my fashion design business in 2015 after transitioning out of modeling. I loved fashion the moment i set my foot on the runway. My favorite looks to wear as a model were the Avant Garde and high fashion pieces. I knew that if i couldn’t continue modeling that I and wanted to create outfits that expressed my eccentric taste and style. I designed collections and participated in runway showcases here in the Bahamas and across the Caribbean. I made mostly resort women’s wear and I also made jewelry. After a while I incorporated styling into my brand and I would style clients for their special occasions and photoshoots. Over the last 2 years I’ve been developing high fashion art pieces. By painting and embellishing ready made pieces using elements like Bahamian food, National symbols, phrases and other cultural nuances as references. Creating what I call wearable Bahamian art.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has been the furthest thing from smooth. Its been ten years of victories and losses, I don’t think a journey can be considered a real one without a fall to wayside here and there. I went from working a 9 to 5 to quitting to working with different creatives, to working alone, to brand collabs to working alone again to having mental and physical struggles caused by overworking myself to financial struggles from not working enough. My most recent I would say was about 3 years ago when I injured my back and had to rush to the emergency clinic because the pain was so bad. That incident led me on a healing journey to rediscover why I wanted to be a creative in the first place. I went on a healing journey, closed my books and stopped taking custom orders and now I’m fully focusing on developing my art and working on pieces and designs that I love.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a full time artist and creative, my brand KBAD Studio specializes in one of a kind Bahamian inspired pieces. I create artwork, wearable art, novelty items and I’m also a stylist. What sets KBAD studio apart is the fusion of fashion, art, and Bahamian heritage. My pieces are not mass-produced; they are thoughtfully designed, handcrafted, and infused with cultural symbolism. Each item tells a story, representing elements of Bahamian history, folklore, and traditions. I’m most proud that I’m able to produce exclusive pieces and have adopted the philosophy of “One a piece, and no repeats” what you see at the studio is truly one of a kind and in this day and age where everyone wants to look like everyone else, my brand goes against the grain and caters to the outliers who are looking for something different
What matters most to you? Why?
Right now its authenticity and also integrity. For so long I felt like an imposter in my field, I was showing up in spaces and for my clients wearing the mask of the successful designer but beneath the surface I felt like a fraud. I was struggling mentally to keep up and show up as a version of myself, as someone who never got tired, someone who would go above and beyond even if it was to the detriment of my own physical, mental and emotional well being. Now I understand that the creativity in whatever form I should use it in; should be for me first. The creative process takes so much out of me as an artist because I’m pouring my emotions and energy into whatever it is that I’m making and if I cant show up as my true and authentic self, with my true and authentic feelings then I’m not moving with integrity and anything other than that is s0mething that I know is not sustainable and its not something that I can maintain. In order for me to feel fulfilled in my artistic journey I have to be able to show up with a full and open heart.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kbadstudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kbadstudio/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kbadcre8s
