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

Alright, Kimberly thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

Sewing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My grandmothers sewed professionally from the 1940’s through the 80’s. Both of my parents know how to sew and my mother continues to make Christmas tree skirts, stockings, and other small projects for fun. I took a home economics class in the 8th grade and learned the basics of sewing. Even though the skills seemed to come naturally, I did not have much interest during high school. I loved watching my grandmother make beautiful prom gowns but that was about it.

Knowing what I know now, I wish I would have learned more from my grandmothers and would have started sewing much earlier. If I took it more seriously, I feel that I could have been a major designer in the fashion industry. Patience and the ability to learn from other sewists is essential to my growth as a new sewer. I don’t call myself a seamstress yet but I am well on my way. I practice new skills and sew for my family in order to perfect my craft.

The main obstacle that stood in the way of learning more when I started sewing 5 years ago was the fact that I was a full time worker in Special Education and a mom of 2 young children. There never seemed to be enough time to take classes or sew on a consistent basis. Now my children are a little older and thanks to Covid 19 I am not longer working outside the home. I homeschool my kids and have more time to dedicate to sewing.

Kimberly, 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?

Anaya Grace Designs is my labor of love. I named my business after my daughter and my late grandmother. Two special people that I get my inspiration from. I started sewing during a time money was low and I wanted my daughter to have a pretty gown to wear to her first Daddy/ Daughter dance 5 years ago. to my surprise I loved the feeling of completing the dress along with a matching bow tie and pocket square for her dad. After that I got really interested in Ankara fabric. I love the vibrant colors and the different meanings behind some of the patterns. I began sewing every chance I got. I made aprons, pillows, mommy and me outfits, tooth fairy pillows, and bow ties.

It took a couple of years before I felt confident enough to sew for other people but I decided to step out on faith and start advertising through my Instagram page. Making matching skirts and bow ties, head wraps, and bonnets were my initial go to items. I sold a few here and there but the business wasn’t making any money. My biggest hurdle has been marketing. I decided to open up an Etsy shop in 2019 and that has been getting more notice.

As a proud Howard University Graduate, I decided to make my signature Jersey Girl Howard Woman t-shirt. My t-shirts are customizable so Howard Women from all over can order a shirt that represents where they are from and where they went to college. Other schools are available if requested. I also do custom t-shirts for family reunions, vacations, and other activities. The shirts are my best seller item.

I am most proud of the fact that I made and donated over 500 masks during the initial outbreak of the Covid 19 pandemic. It was a small part that I could play in keeping people safe as they had to work the front lines. I have a phenomenal group of women in my sewing community that encourage and support me as I strive to grow my business. I have a few loyal customers that continue to order special items and spread the word to their friends about me. All garments, accessories, and shirts are made by me in my home sewing studio. I take pride in the fact that I pay attention to the smallest detail. My goal is that people that wear my makes feel amazing and have one of a kind looks. My signature saying is Made with Love and Grace.

I am currently on Instagram @anayagracedesigns and on Etsy.com/shop/anayagracedesigns

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Funding has definitely been a struggle for me. My first sewing machine was a gift from my husband. He always encouraged me to buy what I need to do what I love. I used my fun money that use to be for travel and hanging out to buy all the supplies I needed to start taking sewing more seriously. I have a very special friend Cynthia that always believed in me and supports my growth. She gifted me some funds to help build the t-shirt making branch of my business. There are months when sales are slow but I know that once I find the best way to market my business I will see big changes.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal is to build something that I can pass on to my children. They love to model and wear the clothes that I make for them and are even beginning to show an interest in learning how to sew. Teaching them about business and financial literacy through Anaya Grace Designs gives them a sense of pride and ownership. Whenever we are out and someone compliments me on any of my bags or wardrobe, my kids are quick to say “she made it herself!” They are my biggest fans as well as my current marketing team.

My mission is to change the narrative of debt and working for others in our family. I want to pass on an ownership mindset and build generational wealth. Whether they choose to continue Anaya Grace Designs or create their own entrepreneurial business, it is up to them as long as they stay true to the goal and are happy.

Contact Info:

• Website: anayagracedesigns.wordpress.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anayagracedesigns/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyjosephagd/
• Twitter: @Sew_Graceful
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AnayaGracedesigns

Image Credits
Sonia Osinloye Mark Joseph QandRphotographydc