Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamilia Cain.
Hi Jamilia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My name is Jamilia Kibibi and I am the owner of KIBIBI. I am originally from Brooklyn, NY, and moved to South Florida in 2021. I have always been extremely interested in and passionate about fashion. In 2015, I was working in the field of social work, however, I was no longer driven. The day-to-day workflow was routined which didn’t allow me to exercise my creativity. I have always had a background in fashion although I studied psychology as an undergrad. I worked with several powerhouses such as Etro Milano, Coach, Global Branding, Jil Sander, and more.
With all the years of experience, I felt like I was capable of having a business of my own. In 2016, I decided to open an e-commerce store by the name of KIBIBI, which means “little lady” in Swahili. It’s my middle name. My stepfather and great-grandmother motivated and inspired me to be an entrepreneur. Two months after the launch of my business my stepfather passed away. I began losing momentum but I knew he would have wanted me to continue regardless of the circumstances, so I did. In 2017, I hosted my very first pop-up shop in one of the most prestigious neighborhoods of NYC. It was a success. It all felt like a dream.
In 2018, I was featured on the Girl Boss Rally, which increased the buzz for KIBIBI. In 2019, I was going to expand the business and move my headquarters to Detroit, but thank God I didn’t because a few months later we were hit by the pandemic. In 2020, I decided to close the doors of KIBIBI and transition the business into a closet editing/personal shopping business which I now operate in South Florida. In 2021, a notoriously known film director came across my services and booked me instantly. In 2022, I launched clothing, “The Shirt”. There are so many good things in store for KIBIBI!
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being an entrepreneur, things definitely have not always been a smooth road. While running my business, I was working a full-time job, pursuing my MBA, and taking care of my household. There were many days that I felt like quitting. However, I am very thankful that I have very supportive family and friends. I honestly don’t know how I would have done it all without the strength of Christ.
Some of the obstacles I faced along the way was not being able to financially afford to have a full-time team. As a result, I was a marketer, customer service rep, website builder, and much more. I became extremely overwhelmed. There was only one way I thought I would be capable of doing it all and that was by quitting my full-time job. I had a good amount of money in savings. On the contrary, just when I thought this would solve my business problems, there was a worldwide lockdown due to COVID-19 which affected business.
One of my favorite quotes from the movie, eat, pray, and love is “Ruins are the road to transformation”. I have a firm belief that our experiences shape the way we grow. KIBIBI has been able to withstand the trials.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about KIBIBI INC?
KIBIBI is a closet editing/personal shopping business that caters to both men and women on a budget. Through a closet cleanse session one can enjoy a reinvented, clutter-free wardrobe with just one session.
One will learn how to edit out what is not working, ways to work with what they have, and along with styling tips and tricks. We specialize in helping both men and women find their true sense of style by closet editing, polishing their appearance and confidence, and building a versatile capsule wardrobe.
Includes: A 30-minute in-person styling consultation to review your needs and goals. 2.5-hour edit of your closet, including evaluation of your items, suggestions of what to purge, tailor, repair, and organization your wardrobe, as well as an assessment to achieving your personal style. You will learn how to style your existing pieces in new ways as well.
I believe what sets me apart from others is the way that I am able to connect with people. I remain true to myself and over the years have gained loyal clients. I am most proud of KIBIBI’s ability to build a sisterhood community. I love hearing my client’s testimonials. I want readers to know that although KIBIBI is operating out of South Florida, we do travel to New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, California, Texas, Washington DC, and Virginia.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was jovial, shy, very analytical, creative, and energetic. I have always been interested in fashion, arts, and travel. My mother told me that I was always entrepreneurial-driven. I would sell lemonade, hand-made jewelry boxes, and paintings at her gatherings.
Pricing:
- Consultation- $75
- Closet Edit 2 HRS starting- $500
- Virtual Styling Session per month- $85
- Personal Shopping 2HRS- $175
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.
kibibiinc.com/pages/closet- edit - Instagram: @kibibiinc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.
com/jamiliakibibi
