Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kai Andes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kai, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I started KraftedByKai in the Fall of 2019. I was the President of the Alpha Omicron Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority INC. at the time and I was in the middle of bringing in the Fall 2019 neophytes. I had the idea to create my own staff for the probate and to gift each neophyte with a custom gift that they could cherish forever. I gifted each young girl a Pearl mirror with their individual line number on it. That’s how it all started, wanting to do something nice to welcome those young ladies to our chapter.

After the probate I had several requests to make other custom items for other sororities and fraternities on my campus, so I ran with it. Now fast forward to 2022 I have expanded outside of just Greek paraphernalia to baby shower signs, nursery signs and business signs.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I think what sets me apart from other crafters in the Greek paraphernalia industry is that I involve my clients in every step of the process. From the beginning designing stages to picking out the paint colors to the final setting process. I feel like they fall in love with the process just as much as I do because I’m bringing their vision to life.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to unlearn in this company is that not everyone will love the work you do. As a artist that is hard to understand at times.I used to design and paint a clients work before asking if they had a opinion on what I included and what I didn’t. I learned to start including my clients in every part of the process so then once it was finished I knew they would love it because they helped me create it. So I learned that sometimes “my way” wasn’t the best way.

We’d love to hear about you met your business partner.

Outside of KraftedByKai, I have a new business with my boyfriend, Kenneth Ervin.We met in college over 5 years ago and have always wanted to start a business together but we couldn’t find a perfect combination of both of our interests…until now. It is called “The Forbidden Fruit Experience.”

The Forbidden Fruit Experience will bring a once in a lifetime experience to the Houston,TX area with luxurious private events that will not only be a delight but it will also stimulate your senses! We focus on great quality and flavors, as our menus are based on classic southern delicacies. We will bring our unique experience to your home or event, giving you and your guests the freedom to enjoy top-quality southern meals and a “Cater To You” forbidden experience from one or some of our very own Forbidden Ladies.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @krafted.by.kai @theforbiddenfruitexperience @queenbynatureeee
• Twitter: @queenbynaturee @TheForbiddenE
• Other: Tiktok: @queenbynatureee @theforbiddenfruite

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