We recently connected with Coya Cager and have shared our conversation below.

Coya , appreciate you joining us today. One of the toughest things about entrepreneurship is that there is almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?

I would say one of the biggest challenges I may have faced throughout my course of owning businesses is being okay with change. Growing up I loved fashion, I pursued and received my degree in fashion business management. While in my degree I did not realize how much math it would be and it was not as hands on as I thought. After I graduated I came home and worked for a retail store and then COVID happened and I was home for a few months without pay. I always had a sewing machine because I actually wanted to pursue and degree in design I was just afraid at that time of taking a risk because I’ve always been a person who wanted to”stability”. During COVID I sat and watched YouTube videos teaching myself how to sew and create leggings. At the time I did not take it serious but my sister came up with the idea of using creating our own clothing brand The West Brand named after our father. It was also a way to use our grief from lost and turn it into something special. While the brand is no longer active I had to accept the fact that it was okay for me to change my creative path. I still love fashion and have been able to partner with a few local creatives in Baltimore to assist with their current visions. While I do have the plan to get back into creating my own designs again I have been allowing myself the freedom to flow where ever I feel called to at this time.

Coya , 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?

My name is Coya Cager I am 28 years old. I am from Baltimore City, received my education from Dunbar High School and my degree in Fashion Business management from Fashion Institute of Technology. I more so got into fashion by word of mouth and putting myself out there. From attending vending/ networking events, fashion shows, and hosting my small showcases. My first business was a jewelry business Scintillating Charms. Which eventually turned into a fashion brand The West Brand where I would hand make the pants. I’ve took a hiatus from creating for a while and now in 2026 my biggest goal is to tap into any space that sparks my interest. I would say my biggest accomplishments so far was styling for Vogue Magazine and BET networks while I was still pursuing my degree. At this time I consider myself a multidisciplinary creative allowing myself to learn from other creative people to embody a vision.

How’d you meet your business partner?

My business partner and bestie has always been my sister her name is Kiah. Only other person I would trust to run a business with.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

I have taken a hiatus from creating for a little while but now what I do is put myself in the spaces where I feel my clients are. Any cool upcoming networking events where I have the chance to connect and meet cool new people I am always sharing what’s new and next for me in order to build that new relationship. Exchange of information is also important to me I’m always making sure I follow and support anyone that I had the chance to meet.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: coyathecreator

Image Credits

Photo with green background: photographer instagram: @niy.vmi

Black and yellow shirts: photographer instagram @ J6sh

Blue background @richtheshoota