We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Quida Thornton. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Quida below.

Quida, appreciate you joining us today. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?

August 10, 2015 the day when rubber met the road and my 16 years of working in the corporate environment came to an end. I was laid off and finally had the FREEDOM to move forward with turning my mother and I business idea into a reality. A year after the layoff I inquired about an ad on Craigslist for a seamstress and surprisingly received an answer within 15 minutes. I of course procrastinated in calling the person back for a few days (because walking in what you’ve dreamt about can be a little scary) but this person was persistent and thank God they were. This determined earth angel which I came to know and lovingly call Miss Jackie would play a pivotal role in what I now do on a daily basis. We talked, we met, money was given for my first set of samples and I was terrified. I sat in the dark for a couple of hours and all of these horrible things went through my head. What if that sweet lady was a scammer, what if her work sucks, you’re going to be out of a thousand dollars. Well, turns out she was legit and a master seamstress, her work was impeccable and I was excited to get the ball rolling with a small production. Miss Jackie was there to help me with the process and suggested that I should make my own pieces because productions were quite costly and I definitely could not afford her price. I thought she was joking and I insisted we could work something out, she was firm in her price and I was feeling a little discouraged. She saw the look of defeat in my eyes and she offered to teach me to sew what I sell. I fought her tooth and nail, I did not want to sew at all, I wanted to curate beautiful fabrics, come up with beautiful designs and take photos. Against her sound advice I went on to waste a lot of money and time with other seamstress, so with low funds and tons of fabric I went back to Miss Jackie and with open arms she welcomed me back. She would spend a whole day me teaching the basics of sewing and eventually progressing to creating a complete garment. She did this for months until she knew I was ready to begin sewing on my own. Kimono, kaftans, dusters is what I have affinity for, the drama of the wind catching the hem of the garment and it playfully soaring behind spoke to my spirit. I wanted my creations to be one of a kind and the person wearing them to feel like they were floating on air. After the first few amazing reviews from return customers I was off to the races with my sewing and as of today I’ve sewn well over five thousand pieces.

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

I moved to Los Angeles when I was seven years old and grew up in South LA (85th and Normandie, iykyk) but I’m from a hub city in Mississippi called Hattiesburg. Twenty plus years ago fashion for plus size women back home was very limited, sure there were your big box stores but many times people would have to drive well over an hour to get to places that offered on trend fashion. One day while on a call with my late mother Iris we discussed how we could solve that problem, she came up with the idea of a boutique specially catering to the plus size ladies. One half of the boutique would be dedicated to the mature, more seasoned woman and one half offering a more contemporary style for young ladies, she also came up with the name HI IQ, I for Iris and Q for me, Quida. Like most little girls I would often see my grandmama and mama sachet around the house in what we call moo moo’s. My grandmother was a sewist and she would make her own choir robes, pants, skirts, etc. I didn’t attend fashion design school but I did remember a few things from watching my grandmama sew and I will admit the University of Youtube did help in some ways. It was a beautiful lady named Miss Jackie that really showed me the basics of design and sewing. As I mentioned, it began with a Craigslist ad, money from selling on Poshmark and the last of my severance, emphasis on the last of my severance, money was looking funny but quitting was never an option this had to work. I knew I could never go back to a place where I couldn’t be creative, I had see this to fruition and keep moving forward with this vision. I’ve always had a very strong work ethic, definitely something I learned from my mama so discipline hasn’t been a problem, learning when to rest the body and mind maybe.
I wouldn’t say I’ve had a problem with customers but I will say challenge. It can be difficult with some customers, getting them to understand and appreciate handmade, custom work. I am providing garments that no one else has, yes it is a classic design that been around for decades but no one has this print, this patchwork, this extended band or this front center tie, my creations are exclusive, created with intention and care. I’m often asked how to wear a kimono/duster or kaftan, my answer is simple, “put it on” it is the most functional piece you can have in your wardrobe. Getting dressed is easy when you can grab a HI IQ Creation from your closet, pair it with your basics and make a statement without frustration or stress. The goal is to create pieces that will become a staple in your wardrobe and express your personal style. I’m eight years in and still figuring things out everyday, with ever changing technology, social media, fast fashion, heavily discounted websites and apps it never stops. This for me is not a trend, I’m okay with slow and steady. The race is not just for the swift but those who can endure. This is bigger than an article of clothing, bigger than money, it’s purpose, my ministry if you will. Each creation comes with some words of wisdom, inspiration, encouragement and Love.
What sets HI IQ Style Creations apart from others, number one, I pray that God will bless the work of my hands. I pray that everyone who puts on my creations will feel the love of God. I must walk in obedience to the vision given to me even when no money or product is exchanged, this ministry has a larger purpose, connecting with people and building relationships far outweighs just being a business owner and gaining customers.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

FREEDOM! Taking raw materials and creating something that someone will wear daily, take on a getaway/vacation, wear on special occasions, wear to work or gift to a loved one. It’s also rewarding when a seamstress compliments me on the quality of my work and actually purchases one of my creations. (Happy Dance!)

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

As I mentioned before, I used my earnings from selling on Poshmark and money from my severance which totaled a thousand dollars, it paid for my first set of samples. My first official investor and Sister-friend Jessica supplied me with a brand new sewing machine which I still sew on today. She also took professional photos of all of the samples, she scouted locations, hiked down to beaches, hiked up Malibu mountains, she and her daughter have modeled for my business. My Sister-friend Petrina shared my posts on her social media page and got me my first online sales she too has modeled for me and continues to spread the word about my business with her very large network of clients and business associates. My big Sister Tamee not only let me use her credit card to buy my serger but she also purchased pieces from me and gifted them to her family and friends. My Uncle Mike has also been a big part of funding my business, he has provided spaces for the unofficial HI IQ showroom and gifted several pieces to friends. I’m a firm believer that funding isn’t always monetary. It can be information about a pop up or a new customer which leads to the money. Zoe of Zoe’s Vintique featured my creations in her fashion shows which gave me my first in person sell. Natalie Fletcher of Nitz By Nat got me on the pop up scene and also introduced me to Wellington Square Farmer’s Market where I continue get new customers every week. Jordanna Martin of LMBD gave me a wealth of information that led to me receiving my first business grant. Javonne Sanders of Toss It Up Salad has also been an open book of information and unofficial business coach that led me to to new customers and funding. I am so blessed to have a village that supports my vision, encourages and prays for its continued success and more importantly the favor of God.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hiiqstyle.com
• Instagram: HI IQ CREATIONS
• Facebook: HI IQ CREATIONS

Image Credits

Effortlessly Ricki, Chelsi St, The Von Chaps (Karen & Alan), Jess, Julianna Robin Cricket, Jaeson, Ray Antonio