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

Hi Karis, thanks for joining us today. Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?

One of the most significant lessons that has shaped my journey as a business owner is the principle to “Fail Forward,” something I learned during my time working at Belk. This isn’t merely a motto; it’s the foundation upon which I’ve built my professional and personal endeavors.

To “Fail Forward” means to perceive setbacks not as debilitating roadblocks but as lessons propelling you toward your next success. Life is a series of peaks and valleys, and invariably, we will face moments of doubt, miscalculation, and outright failure. However, it’s the perspective we adopt in these moments that truly defines our trajectory.

In every setback, there’s a hidden lesson. The challenge lies not in avoiding mistakes – as that’s an inevitable part of growth – but in embracing them as integral components of our journey. When faced with adversity, it’s essential to dissect the situation, understand what went awry, and determine how to avoid repeating the same mistakes.

Instead of dwelling on the negatives, focus on the potential growth that can stem from the experience. Every failure is an opportunity in disguise. It’s a chance to re-evaluate, recalibrate, and emerge stronger, wiser, and more determined.

As I embarked on my business venture, this philosophy became my North Star. Entrepreneurship is a path riddled with uncertainty, and I’ve faced numerous challenges along the way. However, with each misstep, instead of conceding defeat, I chose to “Fail Forward.” I’ve taken stock of any situation, derived lessons from my experiences, and used them as stepping stones towards my goals.

In life and business, our success isn’t determined by our capacity to avoid failures but by our resilience in the face of them. The mantra “Fail Forward” serves as a reminder that growth often stems from discomfort, and by embracing our setbacks, we can pave the way for our most significant successes.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

From the moment I realized that fashion wasn’t just about choosing an outfit but an expression of one’s soul, I was hooked. My early days were spent admiring my mom, a creative genius who could craft anything under the sun. I was that eager kid, always by her side, absorbing every detail. This passion led me to NC A&T State University, where I became the go-to fashionista, styling and shopping for my peers.

Today, with over a decade of experience in the fashion industry, I wear many hats – from assisting with costume design for Film/TV to being a contributing Fashion and Beauty Editor for multiple publications. My academic journey took me to The Art Institute, where I graduated with honors in Fashion Marketing, and later to the Academy of Art University, earning a MA in Fashion Journalism.

What truly sets me apart? It’s my unique storytelling approach to fashion. Whether it’s recreating an era, redesigning garments, or setting a theme, I love to weave a tale through fashion and beauty. Vintage creations hold a special place in my heart. My vibrant personality shines through in everything I do, pushing boundaries and helping others discover facets of themselves they never knew existed. Trust in my vision, and together, we’ll create magic.

Have you ever had to pivot?

You know, when COVID hit, it threw a massive curveball at my business. I was so used to being on set, hands-on with styling, and suddenly, that was all on pause. It felt like the rug was pulled out from under me.

But, instead of just waiting around, I thought, “Why not try something new?” So, I jumped into online styling. It was different, but hey, we all gotta adapt, right? Plus, I found a new love in writing. I was doing a lot of at-home DIYs and learning new makeup and beauty tricks while being stuck inside, so I tapped into that on the writing side as well. I started not just about fashion, but also about beauty tricks and home decor. It was a challenging time, but it taught me that sometimes, change can lead to even better things.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

You know, when people ask me how I made a name for myself in this industry, I always say it’s about being genuine and making real connections. I mean, every person you chat with, whether they’re in the spotlight or behind the scenes, could be the one who thinks of you for the next big opportunity. I just try to be myself – bubbly and kind. And from what I hear, it’s a nice change of pace inside the industry. So, it’s simple really: be kind, be real, and never underestimate the power of a good chat.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.karisbattle.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everything24karis
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karisbattle