Today we’d like to introduce you to Kionia Williams.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kionia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve always had a thing for athletic clothes and fashion since I can remember. In 2013 I came up with the bright idea that I wanted my own athletic apparel line. I thought about different color schemes, patterns and styles that I would offer. I never really knew exactly what to do to get started or if it was really possible for me to achieve something that seemed impossible at the time. In 2015 I began saving as much as possible and researching trademarks and possible names for my athletic apparel line. I would literally write down names in notebooks and sketch different designs daily. I remember watching YouTube videos on how to apply for a trademark and how to fill out the application. I also spent hours on the United States Patient and Trademark Office website.
In 2016 I found a name that I thought was the one and filed my trademark. After a year of waiting, the trademark didn’t go through because the likely of confusion with someone that had a similar name. I had to find another name which halted the process. I was devastated because 1 step in the right direction sent me back to the drawing board. So, for months and months, I wrote down various names. I wanted a name that meant something. I ended up creating the name BXSIURI /BA’SIRI/, which means the journey of becoming 1 of 1. The meaning came to me in a dream. I literally woke up and was like, that’s it! The journey of becoming 1 of 1! You can only be the best version of yourself and that’s what my brand wants our consumers to push to become. I then started studying material from all my favorite brands to determine what I liked the most and least from them all. I started studying price points and where the material was sourced. I took sewing classes and started meeting with manufacturers and private label companies. One day scared and all I just went for it. I started buying what I could until I had enough to start my own line. I built my website, found some local bloggers, YouTubers, influencers, makeup artists and launched my brand in July of 2019. It was one of the scariest yet most rewarding things I’ve ever accomplished and it felt so satisfying! I couldn’t believe that something I thought was so far out of reach I was able to go after and create it all on my own.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. I’ve had a ton of hiccups along the way. I’ve spent hundreds of dollars on travel, classes and material. I’ve had manufacturers send me poor quality items that I couldn’t use along with defective items. I’ve had tailors ruin clothes that I’ve spent hundreds of dollars on. I’ve had moments where I totally doubted myself. I literally used all my own money. No loans or handouts. When you make huge sacrifices to build a brand one hiccup feels like the end of the world. My grandfather was my biggest fan. He’s the reason why I kept going. He believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. I am beyond grateful that I was able to launch my line before he passed away. I’ve had my fair share of things go wrong, but I just couldn’t give up. I wanted it so badly and I had to keep going. I always reminded myself that if my grandfather believed I could do it then I could do it no matter the obstacle. When you are operating with passion, it’s not always about the struggles, but more so overcoming them and learning from your mistakes and becoming mentally stronger.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Bxsiuri story. Tell us more about the business.
My company is an online athletic apparel brand. We offer women and men’s athletic apparel from xs-2xl. We also offer hand sanitizer, water bottles and keychains. I am most proud of the quality of our items and how much our customers love them. What sets Bxsiuri apart from any other company is it’s about YOUR journey. Your journey is unique to you. We want to empower our consumers to embrace who they are and evolve into the best person they can be. We are all 1 of 1.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I have been fortunate or in this case, lucky enough to run into people that have been so supportive and have helped me create new opportunities for my brand. We’ve had a Pop-Up Shop at Rush Cycle Frisco and Nebraska Furniture Mart all within our 1st year and it was amazing. I truly believe that the universe will send the right people to you when you are operating out of faith and passion.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Bxsiuri.com
- Email: bxsiuri@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/bxsiuri
- Facebook: Facebook.com/bxsiuri
Image Credit:
B. Ellis Photography
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