Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mone’t King. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mone’t , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

I’ve always known I was going to be a part of the fashion industry someway, somehow. I felt it in my bones. The one thing I didn’t know was what I would be doing specifically. It took some time, but it was Gods timing, to realize I was made to design; I am a Fashion Designer. I used to draw outfits as a child, for fun; it’s funny how when you’re younger you just know your calling and as you get older you forget. I’m very blessed to have found it again. I started drawing out my recent collection in 2020. I then researched manufacturers from all over New York City, New York. I always wanted my pieces to be manufactured in the States. After meeting with one manufacturer I really liked and felt comfortable with, we began the process in 2021. The process was long but rewarding; I learned so much. I sourced fabrics and trimmings. Because my manufacturer was far from me- I live in Florida- we would have facetime meetings and send emails back and forth all the time about the progress of the collection. The steps to making something are as follows: the pattern has to be made, then the sample cut and sew for fittings, then if there are no corrections to be made, you can move on to grading which is for sizing purposes, after that you can start production. This process took me a little less than a year. I should note that I work in retail 5 days a week to make this dream a reality. The money I make I happily pour into my business! I launched, The Wardrobe by KOF, LLC November 3oth 2022. The journey is continuous. And even though the trials and lessons are continuous, the rewards, accomplishments and goals met are also continuous. I wouldn’t trade any of it. My business is 6 months new, and the support is overwhelming. I am so happy and full. The excitement for what’s to come propels me forward. You can shop the Endless Collection on wardrobebykof.com.

Mone’t , 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?

A little bit about me, well I am 28 years young, I live in South Florida and I work on South Beach at KITH. I attended Florida State University majoring in Retail Merchandising Product Development. Because I always knew I was going to be in the fashion industry somehow, I moved to Atlanta after college to pursue being a celebrity stylist. I became a celebrity stylist assistant while simultaneously working at Nordstrom, Anthropologie and Zara. At each of these stores I continued to hone my styling skills and I eventually became a visual merchandiser at Zara. Being a styling assistant and visual merchandiser made me realize that I was talented in not only styling but creative directing and designing. So, I started to design. When it comes to clothes and wardrobe, for me at least, I like to show skin, and play with the imagination. I live for the pieces that show just enough to give you that sex appeal you desire. The tagline for my brand is, “For those who dare to risk it all.” This is on par with what I want my brand to represent. I want potential clients to fall in love with non-traditional garments that emphasize the body’s natural lines. I want the wearer to feel comfortable while being exposed. I am really proud of my first collection, The “Endless Collection.” I know people will love it like I do.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Ever since college, I lived on my own, rented out apartments, shared space with roommates, the whole deal. In doing so, I never saved any real money for my business. I never thought about the amount of money you have to invest in your business to get it started and running. When I finally sat down and thought about my next steps and how serious I was about my LLC, I realized I needed to move. I moved back home, got a job and started budgeting. Moving back home allowed me to save and utilize over $10,000 to develop, run and maintain my LLC. This was a life changing decision for me being that I was used to being on my own. But it was one of the best decisions I have made. I now own my own business and I cannot wait for its continued success!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I first started to get my designs developed, I worked out of New York, being that my manufacturer was based there. Unfortunately, the time it took to get my samples made and sent to me for approval and fittings was very long. This prolonged the launch of my business. When I finally was happy with the sample work of my designs I decided to launch. After I launched, more issues with “time,” developed. This was just another obstacle or roadblock if you will, along my journey, though at the time I thought it was the end of the world! I’m dramatic. Moreover, I ended up competing with New York Fashion Week and major retail companies when it came to production. The manufacturer I was working with at the time, was very busy and had a lot on their plate, so my small business fell by the wayside. My designs were also not easy to produce which was another issue in itself.
Eventually the manufacturer and I decided it was best to part ways. I started to look for manufacturers in Florida. Mind you my business is still up and running; if an order came in, I would have no one to produce the designs. This was such a stressful time. I stopped promoting my collection for some time -which was hard for me- in hopes no one would purchase from the website until I found a manufacturer. Thankfully, I found one in Miami within 2 months!
Finding this manufacturer was truly a blessing. All of this going on behind the scenes, could have made me give up. But what is for me, won’t pass me by!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wardrobebykof.com
• Instagram: @wardrobebykof
• Other: personal IG: @monetkstyled