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

Kechena, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

Seeing as how I’ve been on a lifelong journey of discovering what my version of “success” looks like…. I would have to say that success can be defined as different variations of growth and achievement in a persons life. Whether short term or long.

However, some common factors that contributed to my personal growth within the fashion industry often required a combination of creativity, determination, networking, adaptability, business acumen, and a keen understanding of the smallest details in design. It’s essential to stay innovative, build a strong brand identity, establish connections within your industry, and be willing to evolve with changing market demands.

With all that being said, all this really means nothing at the end of the day without faith. I believe that my personal walk with Jesus has played a pivotal role in shaping my character and driving my growth. Because sometimes that’s all I had to lean on when faced with obstacles that are far greater than me.

Kechena, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I would consider myself to be a passionate fashion designer whose journey began in eighth grade when I first discovered my love for designing. Starting with humble beginnings, I utilized my mother’s old curtains to hone my hand-sewing skills, igniting a creative spark that would shape my future.

Initially motivated by a desire to showcase my designs, I embarked on my fashion journey with a hint of selfish ambition. However, as my growth evolved in the industry, so did my perspective. Along the way, I learned to listen and observe, understanding the profound impact designing can have on my clients confidence.

Today, I find purpose in using my gifts and talent not only to create beautiful garments but also to empower others. My designs serve as more than just fashion statements; they are instruments of self-expression and confidence-building. What began as a personal pursuit has blossomed into a mission to uplift and inspire, proving that true success in fashion extends beyond my sewing machine and the runway.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

As a fashion designer, I’ve encountered my share of challenges and lessons along the way. One of the most significant lessons I had to unlearn was the idea of saying yes to every project that came my way. In my early days, I found myself striving to build a client base that I would accept any project if it meant getting some experience and my name out. Often at the expense of missing deadlines and compromising quality.

However, through trial and error, I came to realize that true creativity thrives in quality and time. I had to unlearn the notion that my vision was the only one that mattered and instead embrace the input and feedback of others. This shift in mindset allowed me to let go of the fear of imperfection and recognize the beauty in the creative process itself.

Another challenge I faced was the tendency to overextend myself, leading to missed deadlines and subpar quality. At times, I found myself taking on more projects than I could handle, hoping to satisfy everyone’s expectations. This approach only resulted in burnout and disappointment.

Through reflection and self-awareness, I learned the importance of setting realistic expectations and boundaries. I realized that it’s better to deliver fewer projects of exceptional quality than to spread myself too thin and risk compromising my standards. By prioritizing self-care and balance, I’ve been able to overcome the cycle of missed deadlines and poor quality.

Overall, these experiences have taught me valuable lessons about resilience, humility, and the importance of growth. While setbacks may arise, they serve as opportunities for learning and improvement. Today, I approach my craft with a newfound sense of openness and adaptability, knowing that true creativity thrives when coupled with humility and a willingness to evolve.

Have you ever had to pivot?

In my journey as a fashion designer, I encountered a pivotal moment when I realized that the traditional avenues of growth within the fashion industry, particularly through fashion shows and designing exclusive garments, were not yielding the results I desired. Despite pouring my heart and soul into each custom garment and showcasing them in various events/showcases, I found myself facing limitations in reaching a broader audience and achieving sustainable growth.

It was during this time of reflection that I recognized the potential for expansion beyond the confines of custom designs and runway shows. Inspired by my passion for creativity and innovation, I made the bold decision to pivot my business strategy towards marketing on a larger scale, particularly targeting corporate clients.

This shift opened up a world of opportunities to leverage my design expertise and aesthetic sensibilities in new ways. By focusing on corporate partnerships and marketing initiatives, I found avenues to showcase my designs to a wider audience while simultaneously meeting the needs of clients beyond the realm of bespoke fashion.

Embracing this new direction required courage, adaptability, and a willingness to step outside my comfort zone. I immersed myself in learning about marketing strategies, networking with corporate clients, and understanding the dynamics of the business world.

Today, I am proud to say that my decision to pivot towards corporate business has proven to be a transformative step in my journey as a fashion entrepreneur. By embracing change and seizing new opportunities, I was able to become a JOANN Fabric Store Fashion Influencer and a SHEIN-X Designer. As I continue to evolve and grow in this dynamic industry, I am excited to see where this journey will take me next.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kechena-designs-fasttrack.thinkific.com/courses/Pre-Enrollment?
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/kechena_designs
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/kechenarichardson
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kechena-richardson-330ba92b

Image Credits
Corey Davis: Kris Davi Photography