We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Keya Martin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Keya, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today

If I were to start over, I’d likely opt for establishing a brand that’s more budget-friendly to connect with a broader audience. Building a luxury brand is both demanding and expensive. You need to understand the language, ensure the imagery is spot-on, and the investment required to develop the pieces can be quite substantial.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Keya Martin, the proud owner and founder of Keeyahri. At Keeyahri, we specialize in crafting premium footwear that empowers you to embrace your true self. My journey into this venture began when I felt the corporate world diminishing my sense of self-worth. Seeking fulfillment, I prayed for guidance and made a list of my interests, with footwear standing out.

Having a keen eye for shoes, I envisioned creating designs that boosted my confidence and became passionate about crafting statement pieces for women. Wearing my own creations to networking events, the compliments I received transformed my insecurities into confidence. “Feel good” shoes, as I call them, elevate my walk in life, inspiring me to design for women who crave artistic statement pieces that bring elevation and certainty.

In the last two years, Keeyahri has gained recognition, making waves in 2020 when Cardi B adorned my brand, and it was featured in Billboard Magazine. Notable figures like Gab Union, Issa Rae, Michaela Coel Web, Ayesha Curry, Latto, and Jazmine Sullivan have also become fans of Keeyahri footwear.

My design inspiration draws from architecture, textures, landscapes, nature, and textiles. I immerse myself in research, visiting museums, exploring magazines, and scouring sites like Pinterest. Each shoe is named after real women who embody boldness, fearlessness, ambition, and empowerment.

The partnership with Nordstrom and Saks is a highlight of my journey. Their investment and unwavering support, even when my brand was new to the industry, mark my proudest moment. It’s a testament to their belief in my potential and opens doors for the growth of all Black-owned businesses.

I find beauty in ambiguities, combining odd shapes, intricate detailing, vintage ruins, and a mix of feminine and masculine elements. The ultimate goal is to build an international brand known for intricate handmade luxury products, embodying quality, integrity, hard work, and the essence of the American Dream. Keeyahri aims to leave a lasting legacy in the world.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

It’s been a challenging road for Keeyahri. Over the past year, I have faced countless obstacles that have tested my faith and determination. The journey of developing my signature heel has been a lengthy endeavor, marked by a series of highs and lows, constant refinements, and necessary adaptations. Being a small brand, I frequently encountered the frustrating reality of factories prioritizing larger luxury brands with higher production volumes, leaving us on the back burner. As a result, we had to make the difficult decision to switch vendors in order to complete the final coloring phase for our heel’s development. However, this switch came with its own set of challenges, leading to several months of delays. As a consequence, we were unable to ship out any inventory to meet the growing demand, leaving our retail accounts waiting for orders they had placed months in advance and also leaving us with no inventory to sell online. This situation not only impacted our ability to fulfill orders but also dealt a blow to our reputation. It was undeniably embarrassing and disheartening to face such setbacks that affected both our brand and the trust of our valued partners.

Social media had become a source of frustration and disappointment for me. Behind the scenes, I struggled to navigate the complexities of running my business, and it left me feeling overwhelmed and defeated. I found myself rarely posting on my business page, unable to muster the energy to showcase the success I had envisioned. The truth is, I was barely keeping my head above water. In a desperate attempt to make ends meet, I started considering taking on other jobs just to stay afloat. While it may appear from the outside that I confidently left my 9 to 5 job to pursue this luxury brand that now has impressive retail accounts, the reality is far from glamorous. I’m living week to week, month to month, constantly in survival mode, desperately awaiting the breakthrough that will bring in the much-needed income.

During this challenging time, one of the most significant hurdles I encountered was the financial strain. Fulfilling my retail orders seemed impossible, as I searched tirelessly for support from banks and investors, only to be met with closed doors. To have actual purchase orders in hand and to be told “No” or “You’re too small of a brand” was by far the biggest disappointment. You see, when you receive an order, the payment doesn’t come right away. It meant that I had to reach into my own pockets and pay the factory upfront to produce the inventory. The weight of this financial responsibility was overwhelming and seemed never-ending, leaving me feeling trapped and uncertain about the future.
Grants and the unwavering support of my mother became my saving grace. I’m grateful for programs like Fearless Fund, Amazon and most importantly, Raisefashion, which provided a lifeline when I needed it most. My mom, seeing my struggle, dipped heavily into her retirement account, sacrificing her own future to ensure that Keeyahri could continue to thrive. Though my pride initially held me back from seeking her help, she understood the depth of my suffering and came to my rescue. I remember a meeting I had with my mentor, Felita Harris, the Co-Founder of RaiseFashion. I made a special request not to meet over Zoom. In that moment, she could sense how low I was feeling, and she did something that touched me deeply. She said a powerful prayer over the phone, sending waves of comfort and strength. Felita has always been there for me, not just with her kind words but also with her actions. Whenever there’s a resource or connection I need, she’s quick to tap into her vast network and find the right person to help me. The entire team at RaiseFashion, including Nelli Kim, Alexa Geovanos, and April Hennig, have been incredibly supportive. They’ve taken the time to offer guidance and advice, selflessly sharing their expertise. I am forever grateful for the unwavering support and belief in me that I have received from RaiseFashion.

The weight of the situation began to bear down on me, affecting my physical and mental well-being. Countless sleepless nights, and the constant calls from bill collectors, left me carrying a heavy burden. Depression weighed on my spirit, and yet, every morning, I summoned the strength to get up, take my son to school, and put on a brave face. My passion for creating, my God-given gift, kept me going even in the darkest of times. I reminded myself that challenges build character, but the weight on my shoulders felt heavier than ever before. The weight of those challenges led me to seek therapy, a safe space where I could unravel the layers of my emotions and find healing. Therapy became my refuge, a place where I could process my struggles and regain strength to push forward. Additionally, I turned to the comfort of my faith and found solace in attending church. The support and spiritual guidance I received uplifted my spirits and provided a sense of hope during the darkest moments. It is through these experiences that I have learned the importance of prioritizing mental health and seeking support from various sources on the journey to success.

To jump start this dream, I had to tap into every resource available to me. I utilized my 401k, pension plans, and drained my savings. Maxing out credit cards became a necessity, all because I wholeheartedly believed in the potential of Keeyahri. I asked myself, “What lesson is God trying to teach me through this?” This introspection pushed me to peel back the layers of the brand, examining every aspect meticulously. I reevaluated my margins, streamlined processes, and documented every step. I vowed never to find myself in such a vulnerable situation again.

The journey of Keeyahri has been one of resilience, faith, and unwavering determination. I have faced countless challenges, sacrificing my own financial stability and well-being for the brand I believe in wholeheartedly. It is through these trials that I have grown both personally and professionally. I am reminded that setbacks are opportunities for growth, and I am committed to ensuring that Keeyahri thrives in the face of adversity.

As I continue this journey, I am grateful for the unwavering support of my mother, the programs that provided a lifeline when I needed it most, the supporters who continue to purchase and my unshakeable belief in the power of Keeyahri. This brand is more than just a business; it represents resilience, dreams, and the strength to overcome. With each step forward, I am confident that Keeyahri will rise, not just as a footwear brand but as a symbol of hope and inspiration for all who face their own uphill battles.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

After immersing myself in research and devouring books about shoe components, the conception of Keeyahri took flight with a journey to Italy. The idea was born when I convinced my ex to join me on a quest to find a suitable shoe factory. Despite not knowing a soul in the industry or fully understanding the intricate process, I was determined to make it happen.

Setting foot in Italy, I attended the Micam show, tirelessly navigating from booth to booth, distributing my business cards, showcasing my designs, and forging valuable connections. To grasp the manufacturing process, I went beyond the show and visited actual factories, gaining insights that would prove invaluable.

The pivotal moment came with the development of my iconic swirl heel. It involved a meticulous engineering process and various phases. The heels even underwent a special galvanizing process, requiring outsourcing to coat and color them. While I may not be an expert, the firsthand experience in the shoemaking and craftsmanship environment proved immensely beneficial throughout this journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.keeyahri.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/keeyahri
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/keeyahri

Image Credits
@dioburtophoto @tapwvter