We were lucky to catch up with Kelis Kennedy recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelis , thanks for joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

You know, I saw a post earlier that said, ” the older I get, I appreciate my upbringing so much more.”, and they couldn’t have said it better. I’m so thankful of the principles my parents instilled in my sisters and I. They allowed me to be expressive, and how to speak up for myself. I see these are two things that my peers struggle with currently. As for the expression we have so many different channels like IG, FB, TWITTER, and TIKTOK, but the issue is many don’t know themselves. We have mediums to be expressive but things become cookie cutter, people don’t even realize they’re following the trend, and not being a real creative but instead a follower. When you’ve been raised in an environment that allowed raw expression you turn into an amazing adult, because you know yourself. My creativity exudes in my personal page as well as my business page. The other point is being able to speak up for yourself, this trait that was taught at a young age has helped me so much in business. ” Closed mouths don’t get fed.” is such a real phrase. I’d be writing all day giving stories of how Ive moved forward in business and in corporate America by simply opening my mouth, the worst they can tell you is NO.

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 got into Fashion from my late grandmother. She was an entrepreneur all the way around ( restaurant owner, Owned an apartment building and a host of other ventures – REAL GIRL BO$$) but she was also a fashion designer back in the 60’s. Making garments for some of the music gods of Motown. In our basement was industry sewing machines, and fabric everywhere. Now by the time I was born she was done with that, but the evidence lingered. I was very interested, she taught me how to sew any everything. Currently, A Vixens Closet is catered to Fast Fashion, but I hope, one day to transition into custom pieces. I solve the issues that us women face as consumers such as giving my customers quality product, providing exceptional customer service, and making sure I’m not breaking the bank. I could be considered an ” IG Girl” but I also am a normal human with a budget lol.
I’m most proud of my tenacity, being a business owner is not easy. I know people say that and to a person who isn’t in that world it may just roll off of their backs but it’s a lot of up’s and downs. I’m gentle with myself, and take everything as a learning experience. The more you learn, the more you grow. I want my customers, and future customers reading this to know that I really care about your experience and our goal at AVC is to empower women. I want you to be as liberated, sexy, strong, and like the queen you are when you dress in AVC.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

I made excuses for the longest like many people do. Overthinking it, and putting my dreams on the back burner out of fear. I had my first logo created in 2015 and AVC was to first be a luxury consignment page. It could have went far but I wasn’t consistent. When I didn’t the return I wanted I gave up and shelved it. When in all actuality you get what you put in. My grandmother passed in 2019 and I sunk into a dark place, ghosted social media for months which is unlike me. I found strength in her transition, and showed my owner to her by bringing AVC back to life. My first post since my hiatus was my launch, and Ive been staying true to AVC ever since. So-funding lol funding was using my 9-5 money to buy my first packs,and yes I was scared. But look at me now !

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I started with my own followers of course. I’m still in the process of building organic followers. I can’t wait to get my first 10k, and I KNOW that stay true will get me where I need to be. As for advice to other owners, stay engaged, and stay consistent when posting !!! You may need a break but the algorithm shows no mercy. So maybe look into hiring a social media manager. Oh, and creating eye catching content.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.avixenscloset.com
• Instagram: AVixensCloset
• Youtube: avixenscloset

Image Credits
@fdfphotos