Today we’d like to introduce you to Kanessha Robinson.
Hi Kanessha, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up in California I would always reconstruct items from garage sales. I later moved to St. Louis where I would hand-make items and alter a lot of the clothing that I purchased. Fashion growing up was always a hobby and deep interest of mine.
Around the age of 20, I remember going on a date to a fashion show and I was so shocked that there were people right in my city making a career out of it. I never imagined it being something that tangible, but it was.
I started making myself dresses and wearing them out all the time. Being well-known in the city I became a walking billboard. Compliments turned into orders quickly. I began to see it as a business and decided to get my EIN, LLC, Business bank account 1 year in at age 21. I named the company after my son Daichi while I was pregnant.
I built my own website because I remember I started to have regular customers in Kansas City. As a self-taught designer, I decided to change my major to corporate communications in order to help with the business side of things.
In 2012, I started working on product placements. I began offering garments for social media recognition/post. I remember I drove to Atlanta to give two young ladies named Posh and Daybella a gown for a photo shoot. I received a great response immediately and immense orders. Later down the line I had been able to work with Sheneka Adams, K. Michelle, Emily B, Erica Mena, Rasheeda, Dutchess “Black Ink Crew”, Jonica Blu, LaShontae, Milano, Ari Fletcher, and more.
I attained my first editorial in Essence magazine after being a part of Toya Wrights Fashion show in New Orleans in 2014. I did a feature with K Michelle styled by Emily B. I have always travelled to be part of shows in LA and New York.
The goal has always been to bring enough awareness to brand that would turn into sales. I stayed consistent with building relationships with stylists in order to get my brand in front of a greater audience.
Fast forward to now I have officially been manufacturing for 1 year. This was a huge goal of mine to finally get into mass production and ready to wear alongside my custom designs.
One Major accomplishment is designing and producing my first handbag that is 100% real leather. Im currently designing my first thigh high boot to add footwear to my collection as I have always wanted my brand to offer everything Fashion.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Wow, the biggest success stories has the biggest battles, so I embrace every single obstacle that came my way. I have dealt with the slow seasons that made me want to get a job as I haven’t worked for anyone in 10 years. I stayed strong and put extra energy into my brand.
The biggest struggle is keeping your momentum and preparing for the worst so that you can be prepared. Which I started making sure I was managing my money properly because sometimes it would get so slow you would want to quit.
In 2016 I signed the lease on a store front. The owner couldn’t finish replacing the furnace, so he gave me a refund. And that was the biggest sign ever because I didn’t need a store at the time I just wanted it it, and I had to learn to make sure every decision would be for expansion only. Making the right decision for your business is Imperative.
I remember my first manufacturing order was a disaster. My samples were perfect. For some reason, my bulk order came in and the pants were made too short, the back pockets were too low, and the bands were too tight. I was devastated because I almost signed the lease to a warehouse and I’m so happy I didn’t. I had 250 jogging suits that were ruined. Crazy thing is I still proceeded with my second manufacturing order that came in perfect. I ended up selling the hoody for enough to make double profit, so it ended up not being a total loss.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a full-time designer most known from custom designs mainly birthday and Special Occasion. I also have a huge prom base ranging from 80-100 dresses a year. I was known for my peplum tops for years. I began creating collections which grew my brand to something more substantial with longevity. I’m proud of how far I have become and no matter what I go through I see growth in my business each year. I can honestly say I’m most proud of my resilience. I feel like my mixture of class and sex appeal has set me apart because it’s not too much not too little. Also, all my creations come in fives. I will create a bodysuit, dress, pants, shorts, and skirt so that everyone can kind of remix the looks to their liking. I have and always will be a set girl so that people can add they’re own style by mix and matching the items for their own creativity. I feel those options give people a taste of custom.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5-10 years I see overfilled warehousing, and 5 storefronts with an amazing ambience and experience in major Cities. As well as placement in a major department stores. I will also have fully launched Daichi Antonio Bridal.
Pricing:
- Our average RTW design is about $250
- custom orders start at $400
- Prom Orders start at $800
- Weddings start at $1500
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Daichiantonio.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/Daichiantonio
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/Daichiantonio
Image Credits
Briele Chanel
Amirah Is Boujie
Milano
