We were lucky to catch up with Kiana Carn recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kiana, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

I think anytime you take a chance and become a business owner it’s a risk and the thought of doubt crosses your mind. Probably more than once honestly. This past prom season definitely had me questioning ALOT; my skillset, if this was the right job for me, so many things. It became really hard and mentally I was not in the best head space. I felt like it just wasn’t enough time in the day, the dresses I created were harder than anything I’ve made in my career thus far, which I love. I don’t shy away from a challenge but they took a toll on me. To the point where I questioned if this was something I wanted to continue doing custom work not necessarily sewing but making things for people. I actually had a lot of conversations with other designers as well and what I gathered it was not only me who felt the hardship of this season. It’s hard to see the light while you’re in it. Imagine drowning and just trying to keep your head above water to just breathe and make it out, that’s the best way I can describe this season for me. To the point where I wasn’t a priority and neither was my social life. But that’s just something you have to sacrifice to get the work done. Now that the season has ended I look back and I’m thankful because it taught me a lot and that I can survive anything. I did a mental reset and took a break from creating. I honestly don’t see myself doing anything but good days and bad days come with being a business owner no whatever what you do, I’m just more present now and have change things within the business structure to avoid how I felt in the past. Every year I learn, I grow, and I adjust. I have to be good for the business to be good, it can’t run without me.

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.

My name is Kiana Carn and I am the owner and designer of Kiana Carn Designs. Kiana Carn Designs is a womenswear brand that specializes in special occasions, evening wear, prom and bridal. We are currently based in Atlanta, Ga and have been in business primarily for the last 3 years. We provide custom design services for all your needs pertaining to a special occasions or what I like to call “from sketch to reality” as well as alterations. What sets my brand apart from others is how closely you work with me but also when I saw custom I mean CUSTOM, no 2 designs are alike and I make your pattern custom to your measurements prior to cut and sew. We can pretty much make anything that comes to mind, alter, and reconstruct existing clothing as well. Keeping up with current trends and new design skillsets is one of the main priorities and what also sets us apart from the competitive. My goal is to trendset and design in a forward thinking way outside of what is currently trendy.

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

A lot of my business comes from word of mouth. However TikTok has introduced a lot of new faces to me as well off the strength of seeing my work. I went viral a few times and that definitely has helped with my visibility. Though I have been slacking off more recently due to being so business I am making it a priority to resume growing my TikTok and showing what I can create. Also during season I am lucky enough to be contracted in a prom pop up shop where I also gain new clientele and get to show off my work in person. From there I get a lot of recommendations.

My advice to build your social media presence is to just do it. Just start, there’s no secret formula and you’d be surprised about what people are interested in. Just be you, be authentic, be creative, and just show your work. I literally just started posting very heavily during Covid might I add but everyone was doing that. The key is to be consistent however. And remember followers don’t equal $$$. I have been fully booked these past 2 prom seasons with about 1000 followers. Visibility does help but it doesn’t always mean you’ll sell. Just put out great work people will eventually start to trust you.

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

I do have a website: GoDaddy. I mainly only sell my bridesmaids collection on there; Collective by Kiana Carn. I do use it to book appointments and if I have 1 of 1 sample I will put them on there but I mainly sell in person since I do more custom work I don’t always have a lot of inventory on me. I’m usually creating 1 of 1 for somebody. I am expanding into some other things now that I soon hope to post and sell there but for now it’s just samples and bridesmaids gowns.

Pros:

People take you more seriously when you have some type of site I’m noticing. It legitimized my brand.

It’s easier to send online payment links/invoices I just add the information as needed and send it over.

Cons:

Obviously I have to pay monthly or yearly on the site. Who wants to do that lol it’s overhead and a bill

Contact Info:

• Website: Kianacarndesigns.com
• Instagram: Kianacarndesigns
• Facebook: Kiana Carn Designs
• Other: TikTok: kianacarndesigns