We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Khatera DeGrate. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Khatera below.

Hi Khatera, thanks for joining us today. Do you think folks should manage their own social media or hire a professional? What do you do?

I manage my own social media, but I’d love the opportunity to be managed. Something I learned that’s been around that would help save time in your day, is automation posts. With automation posts, you can schedule the day and time you want your content to be posted. You can also just pay for services from a professional.

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

I am a fashion designer from Texas with over 5+ years experience. I participate in fashion shows, vendors, freelance work, and more. I entered my industry when I got tired of the mall running out of sizes, xs or small. Only mediums and larges were always available. At that point, I said, “You know what? I will just make my own clothes!” When my junior year arrived in 2014, I took a fashion design class. The first thing they taught us how to make was a pillowcase. I wanted to learn more from there.

With the knowledge I’ve learned in school and YouTube, I offer: handmade clothing, custom clothing, and alterations services. I also find myself being the person people come to when they have business ideas and need that extra mmph to get started.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I believe that non-creatives will struggle to understand that I have creative blocks at times, I’m not perfect, and I am one person.

How did you build your audience on social media?

The most effective way I built my social audience was going out in public and showing my face. Downtown, gyms, clubs, creative events, etc. This route allowed my following to be more organic. We actually introduced ourselves and held a conversation vs just following each other on social media. Another effective way was me just being myself in the media. Posting pictures and videos of myself, my craft, and just being me!

Some advice I would give is to be you. Move at your own pace and don’t let anyone rush your process.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/@1khatera