Today we’d like to introduce you to Kensee Auld
Hi Kensee, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started as a vintage western wear loving gal, thrifting my finds, posting artsy photos with those finds on social media. At the same time as I was doing this, western brands and boutiques reached out to me to see if I could help them promote their western wear as well. Simultaneously I was building my own clothing brand alongside growing my business as an influencer. I was selling some of my vintage western finds and modeling and advertising other western brands. As both grew, it led me to a full time career as a western fashion influencer and a western wear designer. From thrifting, to sewing my own clothes, to now manufacturing, Western Gringa LLC has become a leader in young western fashion as well as an icon in the western influencer industry. Find me at major rodeos all over the United States as well as my designs inside your favorite western wear stores!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not exactly. I struggled a lot with people not believing in me, even some of my family. I also struggled with being bullied by others online breaking into the influencer world. As far as building the brand and designing my own line… I struggled a lot with finding the right manufacturers, testing which designs would succeed and which ones would flop, which did eat a lot of the money I put into the business. Experience and failure had to be some of the greatest strengths although they are struggles. Without those, I would have no direction on where I needed to lead my brand.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a social media influencer and a fashion and jewelry designer.
I am known for my taste, style and color schemes in the Western Fashion industry.
I am most proud of believing in myself and not quitting when others thought I should. And am also proud that I tend to set trends within this industry rather than follow them.
What sets me apart from others in this industry is being “non traditional.” Within the cowboy community and western culture, it is typically said that “We’ve always done it this way” is the way most believe it should be.
I don’t- in fact, bringing in a youthful, sexy and fun appeal to western wear is where I am strongest. This industry needs the shake up for “Fast fashion meets Western Fashion” and that is exactly my mission through being an influencer and through my designs.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t believe in luck. God gave me my talents and he has a mission for me to inspire others and reach those who need to hear my voice. Not just for inspiring to wear what you want through fashion, but to also bring joy, purpose and advice through other types of content I create.
Whatever good things came my way easier was in his plans, whatever hardships I faced were lessons he felt I needed to learn to strengthen me on my journey.
Pricing:
- affordable western fashion ranging from $50-$120 typically.
- affordable social media advertisements ranging from $150-$1500 typically.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://westerngringa.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westerngringa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westerngringa/reels/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@westerngringa
Image Credits
Raul Esparza, Sumner Dilworth
