Today we’d like to introduce you to Akisha Kirkland.
Hi Akisha, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
For as long as I could remember, I have always loved drawing and eventually began sketching designs from a very young age. From going to the fabric store with my fashionista mother to later watch her create matching outfits for the family, to seeing my seamstress neighbor sketch and design Carnival costumes and gowns, to having custom garments made for school and different occasions, fashion always surrounded me as a little girl growing up in the Virgin Islands. Throughout my life, I grew interested in other subjects, but fashion & art always held a special place in my heart. I then went on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fashion Design from Texas Woman’s University. At the height of the pandemic, as I continued raising my inspiring daughter, I decided that it was the perfect time to make Kishme official!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road to becoming the woman and designer that I am today has definitely not been smooth, and I know that there will be more bumps on my journey, but I’m looking forward to them. I see obstacles as opportunities to become a better version of myself as a mother, business owner, and overall person. Without the challenges, I don’t know that I’d be so grateful for everything I’ve been blessed with so far in my life.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I have been designing for quite some time, but I launched Kishme in 2020 during the pandemic, as my business began to attract more bridal clients. I specialize in creating custom designs for special occasions and those moments where you want to be a little bit extra. Kishme is known for its quality, fit, refreshing elegance, and the attention to detail that goes into each garment. What sets me apart from other designers is my ability to make evening wear and bridal feel wearable and versatile. I believe that comfort and couture can coexist. A lot of the brides that I have had the honor of designing for come to me for non-traditional bridal that truly fits their personalities and styles. I also love designing pieces that you can dress up or down, depending on how you want to feel or where you’re going. I am most proud of the fact I currently do everything without a team. Often times people see my work and assume that I have a team helping me to make everything that I do happen. I sketch every design, create all patterns, sew each garment, design my own logo, website, social media, and more. I also creative direct, and style most of my photo shoots.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
For my personal best, I love starting my mornings with the Bible app and reading the verse of the day to help me mentally prepare for the day. As far as Kishme goes, I love using Trello to organize my projects. I’m a very visual person, and I love that you can customize each project and be as detailed as you want to be. Canva is also another favorite of mine!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kishme.co
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/kishmeofficial
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/kishmeofficial
- Youtube: @kishmeofficial
Image Credits
Nicholas Moreno
Drew Radley
Teresa Parker
Jae Monique
Carlos Vincent
Christiana Joseph
Eghonghon Joseph
Keyvaunte Banks
@courtthecreator_
Crystal Chatman
Kennedy Borner
Ashley Rodgers
Toria The MUA
Kasé Banda-Nelson
@bespokebykase
@lamourdeparis
@nktevents
@glambyjuly
@rose_et_chardon
Cortni John
De Lacy
Stoney Ridge Villa 6. Photographer –
DeMarcus Williams
Jade Jones
Ashley William
Amanda Taymo
@whitvonc
@alexandrareviere
@gettyimages
Obee N.
NK Photography
@thereinaaa
