Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kree Willyumz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kree, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
Ah, the thrilling days of middle school, where depression and anxiety made their grand entrance in 2009, coinciding with the rise of social media. No, I wasn’t bullied by others, but I sure knew how to bully myself. Picture this: I’m strolling around the house, having one of my episodes, when lo and behold, a magazine with the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson, graces the cover. Being a die-hard fan, I couldn’t resist picking it up.
As I flipped through the pages, my eyes widened with awe. Outfits, designs, colors, and combinations I had never seen before, especially on a man. It was like stumbling upon a hidden treasure in a fashion jungle. In that moment, I made a bold decision – I had to go to the mall and recreate those jaw-dropping ensembles. Without even glancing in the mirror, I felt an electric surge of confidence coursing through my veins similar to a powerless car on the side of the road that just got a jump from another driver.
Emerging from the mall with my newfound style, I became a magnet for compliments and stares. Little did I know, the sight of a middle schooler strutting around in a blazer, jeans, button-down, and wingtip lace-up shoes was a rare spectacle. Middle-aged women couldn’t resist pulling their husbands over to me, using my impeccable fashion sense as a visual guide for their own desires. And when I reached junior year in high school, the compliments took a lucrative turn, shifting from “I like how you dress” to “I’ll pay you to be my personal shopping guru.”
Fast forward to college, where I embarked on the noble pursuit of studying psychology and business. As my style evolved, I quickly realized that clothes had a profound impact on how people perceived me and, more importantly, how they felt around me. It was like a magical invitation for people to approach and strike up conversations. My clothes became my secret weapon, my superhero cape, if you will. Every time I slipped into a blazer, I transformed into a confident go-getter ready to conquer the world. And boy, did it pay off! I became the student body president, the one who rocked the stage as the first student Keynote Speaker in over 50 years, and even snagged the prestigious presidential leadership rewardand scholarship . Oh, and did I mention I was one of the first students, and the first African-American to receive the presidential leader ship scholarship? Talk about making a statement with my fashion choices! Haha
One fateful day, buried under a mountain of homework, Keith (brother/business partner ) the ultimate social butterfly. He always knew I had an eye for fashion, so he constantly sought my expertise in selecting outfits for his glamorous events just to keep me on my toes when it came to styling . And boy, did he reap the rewards! People mistook him for a designer or some VIP, and he couldn’t help but gush albout it every time he returned from one of those fancy shindigs. One fateful day Keith dropped a bombshell on me. “We should take this styling thing seriously,” he declared. My response? A cool and collected “Sure, why not?”.
With the decision made to dive headfirst into the world of styling, I embarked on a grand adventure, pondering the age-old question: passion or purpose? After much contemplation and prayer, I reached a profound realization. Fashion had always captivated my attention, but my true purpose lay in helping people discover their inner beauty. And thus, “The Journi” was born, a name symbolizing the metamorphic journey towards self-love and confidence.
You see, clothes aren’t just mere coverings; they possess the power to reveal your true self and enhance your performance. It’s been proven, both psychologically and sociologically. While everyone yearns for that destination of ultimate style, “The Journi” is here to guide you, building, educating, and evolving you along the way. Our slogan, a witty reminder, states, “It’s not about how you look, but how you make it look.”
So, my adventurous and fashion-forward friends, join us on this thrilling expedition. Let “The Journi” be your compass, leading you to a destination where style and self-discovery intertwine. Get ready to conquer the world, one step at a time!
Kree, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Greetings, my beloved readers! It fills my heart with joy to have the opportunity to share my insights with all of you. For those who may have missed our earlier conversations, allow me to reintroduce myself in all my stylish glory. I am Kree Willyumz, the Wardrobe Creative Extraordinaire, Director, and co-CEO of The Journi, the epitome of Wardrobe Concierge Services. And let me not forget to mention that I am also the Lead Wardrobe Stylist for the prestigious Philadelphia Fashion Week. Yes, I may be a small fish in the vast ocean of fashion, but with God’s grace, I’m making waves.
With over 11+ years of experience as a celebrity stylist and a remarkable 15 years as a mentor, I have dedicated my life to the art of fashion. But for me, it’s not just about the clothes; it’s about helping people see the inner beauty that resides within them. It’s about guiding them on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, reminding them that they have the power to choose between mere sight and divine vision. It is through this understanding that we can strive to fight for our dreams rather than settling for complacency.
So readers! fasten your seatbelts and prepare to embark on a wild and fashionable ride through the world of style and glamour. Together, let us be inspired, entertained, and perhaps even a little envious of my impeccable fashion sense. But above all, let us remember that true beauty comes from within, Let us embark on this JOURNI, side-by-side and make a positive impact in the world of fashion. LET’s GO!
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
The lesson I had to unlearn when I was growing up was to “blend in”:
When I was younger, I was always told to blend in, especially when I got to high school. Growing up in a two parent African-American household I was certain things I couldn’t wear or it will cost too much attention to me, and I would become a target. I totally understood where my peers/parents were coming from but I could not listen/obey them entirely.
Well, I was in college I started to realized as I studied psychology and sociology. That clothing was a language and not just fabric clothing as a voice that has the power to translate to many audiences. I realize that I can blend in, but still stand out just by making some subtle changes to my outfits with accessories and the confidence that I’ve obtained (confidence is the best accessory that You should never leave the house with.) makes a positive impact . So I learned how to blendout
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
Short and sweet answer. The cofounder is my older brother. I knew him on my life.haha
Contact Info:
- Website: TheJourni.com
- Instagram: Kreewillyumz
Image Credits
William O’Hara