Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaitlyn Kirby.
Kaitlyn, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I practically came out of the womb playing online dress up games and (badly) designing clothing. I actually have a whole “fashion design” sketchbook from when I was a kid that I’ve kept all these years.
Most of my high school life wasn’t filled with me following my passion… but in 2016, I graduated high school and moved to Fayetteville to attend The University of Arkansas, pursuing a degree in Apparel Merchandising & Product Development. I managed to graduate in three years — still not too sure how to be completely honest. It all feels like a fever dream at this point. (Sidebar – the apparel program at UArk is incredible and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to pursue a career in the industry) I needed an internship in order to get my degree and that’s where Rhonda Sargent Chambers comes in. I had the absolute honor of volunteering at DIFFA back in March, just to get my feet in the water. It was truly incredible and I knew at that moment doing my internship with her was the best decision for the future of my career. About mid-way through this summer, Rhonda asked if I would be interested in working for her friend Kathy Fielder part-time while I completed my internship. Of course, I said yes. Again – one of the best jump decisions I’ve ever made.
Since June, I’ve been working at Kathy Fielder Design | Life | Style, doing media, marketing, merchandising, basically anything that’s needed, as well as assisting RSC when she needs me. Recently, I’ve dipped my toes into content creation & curating Instagram/personal branding — another thing I’ve discovered I’m passionate about, I could talk about branding for the rest of the day but I’ll save you the boredom.
Has it been a smooth road?
Absolutely not. But I think that’s what makes it all worth it. Nothing is going to feel like an accomplishment if you didn’t have to put in the work to get there. A quote I always, always look to is “just because it could’ve been different, doesn’t mean it could’ve been better.” I really wish I knew who the penned it, but truthfully I just found it on Pinterest (major source of inspo but also a major time sucker).
Senior year of college, I was stuck between wanting to pursue and internship/career with one of the biggest corporations in the country… or finding an internship at home and moving back to Dallas. I’ll spare you the details but I was in the final round of interviews, didn’t get the internship, and was honestly crushed. But, in my experience of not getting what I want, I knew if it was meant to be it would’ve happened. Which is, like I have said, when RSC came in the picture, kind of like an angel descending from heaven. I completed my internship with her and would not have it any other way.
After all that, there have definitely been struggles career-wise, but I call them “struggles of passion”. When it comes to something you really love doing, smooth-sailing is no fun, struggle makes it interesting. I get bored when I’m comfortable. I’m always telling people I “thrive in chaos” which is probably why I’m so in love with this city and this industry.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Kathy Fielder Design | Life | Style + RSC Show Productions – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Kathy Fielder Design | Life | Style (@kfdesignlifestyle) is an incredible boutique in Lowest Greenville, with a second location in New Orleans. Our Texas location just went through a bit of a rebrand, moving across the street to 1915 Greenville Ave. It’s the most beautiful space. I describe it as a giant white box. We have clothing, accessories, and lifestyle products for any kind of person. We really pride ourselves on how curated and well priced our stock is. Right now, I could count on my hands how many things we have in-store that are even close to being $100 (with the exception of some of the beautiful finer jewelry collections we have on display). The core team consists of Kathy Fielder (@kathyfielder, CEO/Owner, entrepreneur extraordinaire, total powerhouse), Chandler Miller, Madeline Montelongo, Victor Aguirre, and myself! I truly could not live without these people in my life. I do a lot of the media you see for the boutique: making social posts, creating graphics, getting the word out about upcoming events.
RSC Show Productions (@rsc_show) is a production company (specializing in fashion shows) based in Dallas, owned by Rhonda Sargent Chambers (another true powerhouse). Rhonda produces shows all around the metroplex – and she does them flawlessly. Watching her work is truly incredible. Don’t even get me started on the team. Listing all of them would take up. a whole page, but just like the team @ KF, I have found my people. I have developed priceless relationships with them. I get so excited for events (even ones where the call time is 5 AM) because I know I’m going to be surrounded by kind, warm humans. I assist Rhonda with whatever she needs me to do, my favorite thing probably being spreadsheets, as weird as that sounds (yes you can have a degree in fashion & enjoy excel…. we exist!!!) Another one of my favorite things to do is line up the models in order before the show. The Type A part of my brain almost explodes with excitement because I love putting things in order.
I’m so proud of what I’ve seen both of these companies/women achieve in my short time working for them — I’ve learned so much. I’m proud of myself for pursuing what I truly love.
I think what sets me apart from others is my eye for branding + my work ethic (but I find that everyone I have enjoyed working alongside shares this trait). I’m a hard worker and I’m dedicated to whatever I’m doing. When I am on your team I am in your corner 100%, for better or worse. I’m also just naturally a creative person. I love thinking about the next project and how I can make it fun.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
This is a great question. Is it bad that food was the first thing that popped into my head when I thought about my favorite things about Dallas? I feel like there’s so many incredible restaurants and so many different types of food… it’s kind of paradise. I completely believe I was a food blogger in a past life.
Other than that… I love the community of women that I’ve found in Dallas. I’ve been warned that it can be a “shark tank” and that can be 100% true — if you’re surrounding yourself with those kinds of people. The women I’ve developed relationships with just want to succeed and see everyone else succeed alongside them. Being kind-hearted in this environment, you can be taken advantage of. I’ve seen it happen — but you kind of have to put it into the perspective of “I would have rather been kind & been taken advantage of than the latter”. With the same point — you really have to be cognizant of the people you’re surrounding yourself with so you know you can trust them.
I know I’ve talked your ear off about Kathy & Rhonda but they are another one of my favorite parts of Dallas. Having these two women as mentors is so priceless & I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
The not-so-amazing thing I’ve noticed about Dallas is the feeling that you have to uphold a certain image… this is something I personally haven’t completely dealt with because as a newly graduated 21-year old, I’m not entirely in that “scene” yet. Events can definitely be draining. It can get overwhelming and start to feel superficial, but that’s the arena we’ve subjected ourselves to as members of the fashion industry. It comes with the territory.
Contact Info:
- Website: kathyfielderboutique.com, rscshow.com
- Email: kaitlynskirby@gmail.com
- Instagram: @kaitkirbz @kfdesignlifestyle
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlynskirby/
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