Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiara Harris.
Kiara, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Long story short– I left home in Houston at 18 yrs. old to start school at the University of Texas at Austin. At that point in my life I had hopes of graduating, going to law school and becoming a politician down the road. The more I studied government which was my major, the more I felt disconnected from what had previously been my goals and aspirations. I knew in my heart that path wasn’t for me anymore, so I pivoted. I continued to study government, but tacked on a business certificate from the Red McCombs School of Business. I graduated and found myself in a weird limbo the first few years– filling out job application after job application, getting interviews but never callbacks, driving for Lyft and at times crashing on the couch of a trusted friend.
When I finally did get a sustainable job, I was excited to relocate and begin a career in marketing and social media for business. I stayed in positions like this for years, working closely with small business owners and realizing my own genuine dream of becoming one. I decided one day that I was going to try to fulfill my dreams. It was a conscious decision. I trusted the mirage before me, and I just began to walk toward it one baby step at a time. I set my sights on pursuing a profession of passion and purpose. I realized only I could imagine the desires of my heart, and only I could make them a reality. I quit my full-time job in October of 2016 and took my first sewing class in January of 2017. I’ve been sewing ever since. A few months after that I started looking for relevant work. I landed an unpaid internship at Dress for Success Austin where I helped to empower disadvantaged women to be economically independent. It was the perfect mix of activism and garment handling. I interned there until I landed a paid position as a seamstress. I focused on honing my craft and gaining as much relevant experience as possible.
Now I work for EcoClean, a small local business in Austin, TX. I contribute to almost every facet of our operations from customer service to quality assurance to social media management. Perhaps the most exciting and rewarding part of where I am today is that EcoClean has agreed to let me (as SwankKi) spearhead their alterations and repairs as an independent contractor. When I look back on how far I’ve come it’s easy, even for me, to think that I got lucky, but it didn’t just fall into my lap. I took calculated risks and made hard choices, but my passion for my craft, determination to succeed and love for the hustle carried me through and continues to. Sewing is my superpower and my purpose while I’m here on this earth is to create things that make me feel good, useful and connected to others.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
As a queer, black, masculine-of-center woman, I know all too well the history of using personal style as a tool to fit in and stand out. I offer a tailored service that explores the ways you see yourself and seeks to reflect your individual qualities that elude description. SwankKi is about providing underrepresented groups a lifestyle brand and service that encapsulates the unique ways we adorn our bodies to express ourselves. We specialize in handmade custom apparel designed to embody, enlighten, and empower underrepresented groups as well as challenge social norms, because people often don’t want to hear what your clothes are telling them. Our tailored designs and service combine style and activism in a way today’s ready to wear and retail stores could never.
What responsibility, if any, do you think artists have to use their art to help alleviate problems faced by others? Has your art been affected by issues you’ve concerned about?
I don’t think the role has changed at all, but the stakes are high. The role of the artist is to reflect the truth of the times they are living in. Like James Baldwin said many decades ago in times as trying, if not more, as these, “The role of the artist is exactly the same as the role of the lover. If I love you, I must make you conscious of the things you don’t see.” My art is my activism.
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
As a society we view the art world as exclusive and we’re doing ourselves a disservice by doing so. One of the factors that discouraged me from beginning earlier was feeling like I wasn’t artistic. I felt as though creativity was a gift you were either born with or not, and I assumed I wasn’t because I hadn’t tapped into it yet. We’re all creative. Sure, some of us begin cultivating our creativity earlier than others, but damn it better late than never. I was so stuck on the idea that in order to be an artist, I needed to be declared one or endorsed by one. I know now that the only approval or encouragement required is my own. The day I stated “I am an artist” with conviction, I became one. Not because of any milestone or accomplishment, but because I realized my power and owned it. Support local artists by first acknowledging the artist in you.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I’m a social media manic, so be sure to follow me on every platform. I’m on the Gram as @swank_ki, the tailor & @swank.ki, the brand. Like/Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/swankki and Twitter as @swank_ki. Find my work and inquire about services on my website, swankki.com. Big things are in store and I plan on expanding it to include a personal blog and podcast in the near future.
Contact Info:
- Website: swankki.com
- Phone: 2817486793
- Email: info@swankki.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/swank.ki
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/swankki
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/swank_ki
- Other: www.linkedin.com/in/kiara-harris-876b96a2
Image Credit:
Photographer- Marina Green Photography
Model- Andy Escobar
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
