We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kei’Shaun Redmond-Britton a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kei’Shaun , appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Our mission to Normalize the importance of self-wellness through beauty and fashion while motivating ourselves to Empower others to Navigate Life With Positivity is deeply rooted in our personal journey and experiences. When we embarked on this venture in 2020, we were overwhelmed with our own mental health challenges and searching for ways to find happiness and clarity amidst the chaos.
Working from home during that time, we faced a dilemma: How could we prioritize our comfort without sacrificing our sense of style and identity? This struggle birthed the idea for Duffle Bag Apparel & Bag Company. We realized that we weren’t alone in this pursuit; many others were seeking comfort, style, and a sense of empowerment in their daily lives.
Our journey toward self-discovery and wellness led us to create a brand that goes beyond just selling clothing and bags. It’s about infusing positivity into every aspect of life. Our apparel and bags serve as vessels for affirmations and reminders of self-love and empowerment, designed to uplift and inspire those who wear them.
Through our products, we aim to normalize the conversation around mental health and self-care, showing others that it’s okay to prioritize their well-being and find joy in the little things. We believe that by sharing our story and offering products that embody these values, we can make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
Every stitch, every design, and every affirmation on our apparel and bags is a testament to our commitment to spreading positivity and empowering individuals to navigate life with resilience and optimism. Our mission isn’t just about selling products; it’s about creating a community where everyone feels seen, supported, and inspired to embrace their authentic selves.
Kei’Shaun , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Hi, Im Kei’Shaun Co-Founder of Duffle Bag Apparel & Bag Co, a family-owned business, founded in 2020 in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri. Our journey began during one of the most challenging times in recent history. With the closure of my salon due to the COVID-19 pandemic, my husband and I faced a pivotal moment. Instead of succumbing to the uncertainty, we saw an opportunity to channel our passion for beauty, fashion, and entrepreneurship into something extraordinary.
With over 20 years of experience in the beauty and fashion industry, a licensed cosmetologist and past student at Missouri Western University, alongside my husband we embarked on a new venture rooted in our shared vision. From our basement, we create a brand that seamlessly merged style, comfort, and empowerment—thus, Duffle Bag Apparel & Bag Co was born.
Each piece in our collection is carefully curated to reflect the dynamic lifestyles and diverse personalities of our clientele. At Duffle Bag Apparel & Bag Co, we’re not just selling clothes; we’re fostering a community built on inclusivity, positivity, and authenticity. Whether you’re hitting the gym, running errands, or simply lounging at home, our apparel is designed to make you look and feel your best, every step of the way.
What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to quality, creativity, and customer satisfaction. From the initial design concept to the finished product, we pour our hearts and souls into every aspect of our business. As a family-owned and oriented company, we prioritize integrity, transparency, and personal connection in everything we do.
In a world inundated with fast fashion and fleeting trends, Duffle Bag Apparel & Bag Co stands out as a beacon of authenticity and enduring style. We’re not just here to sell clothes; we’re here to make a statement, spark joy, and inspire change—one stylish duffle bag and one positive affirmation at a time.
Our journey is set to we redefine athleisure fashion and empower individuals to embrace their unique sense of style, Navigation Life With Positivity, Confidence, Strength, and Self-Love wherever we go.
If you have multiple revenue streams in your business, would you mind opening up about what those streams are and how they fit together?
We recognized our vulnerability by solely depending on one income source during the COVID-19 pandemic and decided to diversify your revenue streams. By combining KR Beauty Salon and Duffle Bag Apparel & Bag Co under one roof, we achieved cost-effectiveness by sharing resources. This approach not only stabilized our finances but also multiplied your revenue potential by offering products and services. We leverage between your businesses to cross-promote and drive sales. Your commitment to ongoing growth and adaptability ensures long-term success and resilience in a changing business environment.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, I faced the closure of my beauty salon, my sole source of income. Determined not to be defeated, I embarked on a journey to diversify my revenue streams. I launched KR Beauty Salon and Duffle Bag Apparel & Bag Co, combining my passion for beauty and fashion. Despite obstacles, we persevered, leveraging synergies between the businesses to maximize efficiency and minimize costs. Through resilience and determination, I emerged stronger, proving that adversity can be transformed into opportunity.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shopdufflebag.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/dufflebag.apparel
- Facebook: facebook.com/dufflebag.apparel
- Linkedin: KeiShaun Britton