We were lucky to catch up with Tyeisha Delk recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tyeisha, appreciate you joining us today. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.

My parents introducing me to God and spirituality has been a significant influence in my life and career. It has provided me with so muchstrength and resilience to draw from during challenging times, which has been pivotal to my personal and professional growth.

My mother, in particular, played a significant role in shaping my self-perception and confidence. She was a beacon of positivity, constantly uplifting me and nurturing my self-esteem. She would tell me I was smart even when I didn’t believe it, “You are smart, and you can achieve anything you set your mind to.” These affirmations were not just empty words; she truly believed in me, and her faith in my abilities.

Her words became my internal narrative. I grew up believing in my intelligence and capabilities, a belief that has stayed with me to this day. I proudly proclaim my intelligence not out of arrogance, but as a testament to the truth instilled in me by my mother. This self-confidence, coupled with the resilience I had developed from my spiritual foundation, has proven to be the best combination.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

As a mother of two from Brooklyn, New York, I embarked on an unconventional journey into the world of fashion, a world far removed from my day job in finance. It all started with a jacket, a simple garment that sparked a creative fire within me. I looked at it and thought, “I can create this.” And so, I did.

This wasn’t my first venture into entrepreneurship; the aspiration to be my own boss had always been ingrained in me. However, this venture was different. It was the one I stuck with, the one that gave me a sense of fulfillment and purpose. My path was not the typical one. I didn’t attend a fashion school or learn from established designers. Everything I’ve achieved has been self-taught, shaped through trial and error, resilience, and a never-ending desire to create.

In my quest to create unique garments, I invested in a commercial embroidery machine. I had no prior experience with it, but I was determined to learn. I dove headfirst into the world of embroidery, relying on self-learning and the power of online communities. I applied the same approach when I purchased a Direct-To-Garment (DTG) printing machine, another steep learning curve that I managed to navigate successfully. My advice to anyone embarking on a similar journey is to invest in an asset, learn how to use it, and let it pay for your expenses. Let it be a driving force behind your success.

My brand caters to individuals who like to make a statement through their clothing, those who value the quality and versatility of the garments they wear. I aim to solve the dilemma of value and style. A pair of pants from my collection may cost $220, but the uniqueness, quality, and the numerous ways it can be styled make it a worthwhile investment.

Running this business has been an intense, rewarding journey. It’s a demanding endeavor that requires constant effort and innovation. Yet, it’s these challenges that have spurred my growth, both personally and professionally. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m excited for the journey ahead. The joy I derive from seeing repeat customers, knowing that my creations are loved and cherished, reaffirms my belief that I’m on the right path.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

One tool that has been instrumental in shaping my entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy is the Peptalk app. It is a reservoir of inspiration, motivation, and invaluable insights from a wide range of leaders and change-makers, from entertainers to entrepreneurs.

The app is designed to cater to different moods and needs. Whether I need spiritual motivation, hardcore pep talks, or insights from those who believe in manifestation and the universe, Peptalk has it all. Listening to the stories of successful individuals, their journeys of perseverance, and their trials and triumphs, has been incredibly enriching.

One of the most profound lessons I’ve gleaned from these stories is that comfort and entrepreneurship rarely go hand in hand. In fact, the magic happens when you step out of your comfort zone. This has been a guiding principle for me, pushing me to take risks, embrace challenges, and pursue growth, even when it means being uncomfortable.

Listening to Peptalk has become a daily ritual for me, a source of motivation and a reminder of the resilience and adaptability that lie at the heart of every successful entrepreneurial journey. It’s a resource that continually impacts my management style and entrepreneurial philosophy, reinforcing my belief in my abilities and the value of stepping outside my comfort zone.

Do you have multiple revenue streams – if so, can you talk to us about those streams and how your developed them?

In addition to our main revenue stream of creating unique, statement-making clothing, my business has leveraged our assets to create supplementary income. We are certified as a Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MWBE), and we offer business-to-business (B2B) services in embroidery and Direct-To-Garment (DTG) printing.

This strategy allows us to make optimal use of our machinery, generating income even when they are not being used for our clothing line. It’s a win-win situation – we help other businesses with their embroidery and printing needs, and in return, we ensure that our assets are constantly working to benefit our bottom line.

This approach not only diversifies our revenue streams but also enhances the sustainability of our business model. It keeps us resilient in fluctuating market conditions and ensures that we always have a steady flow of income, regardless of the seasonal fluctuations inherent in the fashion industry.

Entrepreneurship is all about finding opportunities and making the most of your resources. By using our embroidery and DTG machines for B2B services, we’ve found a way to maximize our assets and bolster our financial stability.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kicnyc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kic_nyc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kicnyc

Image Credits
Tyeisha Delk Donnette Lyttle Ayisha Edwards Tamia Timmons @lifeofjustice