Who is Kelechi Uchendu?

Kelechi Uchendu : In 2013, I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Pre-Law with a specialization in Environmental Science from Michigan State University.

I also received my JD and LLM from Vermont Law School in 2016 and 2018, respectively. In addition to writing, I am a legal researcher at Columbia University, a blogger for my personal blog: kaykaysway.blogspot.com, an avid traveler who has visited all seven continents including Antarctica, a writer for Detroit Fashion News,  and the CEO of Kay Kay’s Fashion: kaykaysfashion.com/press which has been featured in British Vogue and Tatler.

Kay Kay’s Fashion 

When did you first realize you wanted to pursue a career as a Fashion designer?

Kelechi Uchendu : I have always respected the fashion industry and I have always had a passion for fashion. However, I realized that I wanted to be a fashion designer in October 2016.

Which Year did your start your brand Kay Kay’s Fashion?

Kelechi Uchendu : I started Kay Kay’s Fashion in 2017.

Did you relocate permanently to the USA?

Kelechi Uchendu : I did not need to relocate to the USA because I was born in the USA. Growing up I lived in Canada and in the USA and I currently live in the USA. I also have a Nigerian passport as well, so I am a Nigerian and American citizen.

Why did you choose this career?

Kelechi Uchendu : I honestly feel as though this career chose me! I have always wanted to own my own business in the fashion and/or beauty world. However, I started Kay Kay’s Fashion and chose a career in the fashion industry because if a dream I had. On one night in October 2016, I dreamt that I attended a formal event in a magical city like New York. This event was special because it was an event to honor me for my accomplishments. I remember walking down the grand staircase in a gorgeous dress that I had never seen before–and I knew that I needed to bring this dress (and my dreams!) to life. When I woke up, I told my mother about the dream I had and my desire to design the dress. My amazing mother told me that I should start right away and not put my dreams on hold. After this conversation, I was determined to design the dress.

Tell us about your line. What was your inspiration for this collection?

Kelechi Uchendu : Kay Kay’s Fashion is inspired by my blog Kay Kay’s Way ( kaykaysway.blogspot.com/). My blog is not solely a lifestyle blog or a fashion blog. I discuss various topics on Kay Kay’s Way and I try not to put my blog in a box. Kay Kay’s Fashion is the same way. Kay Kay’s Fashion currently offers several chokers, a formal dress, and a t-shirt and we will keep expanding what we offer in the near future.

Walk me through the step by step process of creating your designs?

Kelechi Uchendu : The process of creating my designs is fairly straightforward. Once I have an idea, I will have my sister draw out the design. I will then have a meeting with the design team at Detroit Sewn (detroitsewn.com/) and they will help me sew the sample piece of my design. Once the final sample has been approved, I can start selling my items to customers!

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How is working in fashion different today than from when you started out?

Kelechi Uchendu : I officially started working in the fashion industry in July 2016 when I became a writer at Detroit Fashion News. I cannot believe I have been in the industry for over two years! I personally do not believe that the industry itself has drastically changed in two years. However, since I am more knowledgeable and accomplished I feel more confident being in this industry.

What do you think is the most beautiful dress you’ve ever designed?

Kelechi Uchendu : I absolutely love “the Beyoncé” dress. This dress (kaykaysfashion.com/shop/beyonce) was the first dress I have ever designed. This dress is currently the only dress sold at Kay Kay’s Fashion but we plan to add more dresses in the future!

Who is your favorite supermodel?

Kelechi Uchendu : Naomi Campbell!

Which competitor do you have the most respect for?

Kelechi Uchendu :  I do not respect any competitor more than the other. I have so much respect for everyone in the fashion industry.

What role do you think social media plays in fashion today?

Kelechi Uchendu : I think that social media makes it easier for people to discover new designers. I also feel like social media makes it easier to network with others in the fashion industry.

What was your biggest fear when you started Kay Kay’s Fashion?

Kelechi Uchendu : While I was working on my dress and before I registered my LLC, I was very worried that I would never actually launch my business.

What challenges did you face as fashion designer from Africa? 

Kelechi Uchendu : In the beginning, I encountered a few people that did not take my business seriously.

What is your favorite part about being a fashion designer from Nigeria?

Kelechi Uchendu : I love being a role model to young Nigerian girls that want to make it in the fashion industry.

Who do you consider to be the important face of the fashion industry in Kenya?

Kelechi Uchendu : I consider everyone in the fashion industry in Kenya to be important. However, if I had to choose, I would say that Wambui Mukenyi is very important in the fashion industry in Kenya.

What do you think about Nigeria’s fashion industry? In your opinion, do Nigerians designer’s support each other?

Kelechi Uchendu : I believe that Nigerian designer’s support each other. I also think that Nigeria has some really amazing talented designers. For example, Zuvaa (zuvaa.com) sells clothing from various designers all over the world and they have some gorgeous pieces designed by Nigerian artists.

What is your opinion on Kenya’s fashion industry and who would you like to work with in Kenya?

Kelechi Uchendu : I believe that Kenya has some really talented designers who create really unique pieces. I would love to work with Wambui Mukenyi and I would also like to work with Vaishali Morjaria.

Where do you see yourself in three years?

Kelechi Uchendu : In three years, I hope to have expanded Kay Kay’s World LLC to not only include Kay Kay’s Way and Kay Kay’s Fashion, but to include Kay Kay’s Beauty. Kay Kay’s Beauty would be a brand that utilizes unique and environmentally friendly beauty products from all over the world. I would also like to be selling my products from Kay Kay’s Fashion and Kay Kay’s Beauty in retailers all across the globe.

What are your greatest achievements?

Kelechi Uchendu : When I started my business, I did not have the budget to hire a PR firm. Therefore, I had to be my own PR representative. It was very challenging to get magazines etc. to feature Kay Kay’s Fashion. However, once British Vogue featured Kay Kay’s Fashion, I started to get a lot of press since many more people had seen and heard of Kay Kay’s Fashion. I would say that my proudest moment was when British Vogue reached out to me to include me in several issues of their magazine. The executive at British Vogue told me that they thought that they came across Kay Kay’s Fashion online and thought we would be a great fit for the magazine. British Vogue also thought that my brand could help inspire readers! To say, I was proud of myself would be incorrect. I was proud of God because of his favor indescribable. At the time, I was praying to God to get me featured in smaller publications around the nation, Vogue was not even on my radar because I did not think that I was accomplished enough for Vogue since my business was less than a year old at the time. However, God always gives us more than we need and ask for. That is why I will always be on Team God and I even created a #TeamGod t-shirt (kaykaysfashion.com/shop/teamgod).

Where can we find your designs both locally and international?

Kelechi Uchendu : You can find my designs on kaykaysfashion.com. We offer free shipping all the time for every customer no matter where they are located in.

How would you describe your personal style?

Kelechi Uchendu : I would say that my personal style is classic, chic, and sporty.

If you were given opportunity to work with local or international fashion designer who will you love to work with?

Kelechi Uchendu : It would be a dream to work with Tommy Hilfiger. I would also like to work with Alchemy Detroit (alchemydetroit.com).

Keep reading…..

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The designs you created are no doubt good enough, but who and which things were your inspiration while creating such designs

Kelechi Uchendu : My imagination. I have gotten ideas for certain pieces, such as the dress I designed, from my dreams. Many times, I will have a random idea that pops into my head. I know many designers and fashionistas will go to Paris or New York to become inspired, but I am thankful that for me, getting inspired is a very simple process.

Your name and your status have become bigger than life. Was it ever difficult being considered as a fashion ambassador? Like people would only see the fashion genius Kay Kay’s Fashion and not the person behind the brand?

Kelechi Uchendu : First of all, thank you so much for your kind words. I never found it difficult being considered as a fashion ambassador. I also feel that I have been very open on my social media platforms, in the interviews that I have done, and on my blog (Kay Kay’s Way). Therefore, I feel that people are able to respect Kay Kay’s Fashion and are also able to respect and understand me as a person.

There is so much pressure for designers to come out with their greatest collection season after season. What advice would you give to young designers just starting out and hoping to make it in the industry?

Kelechi Uchendu : I would tell young designers that they should just be true to themselves. It is completely fine to run your business in a different way from other designers. I have seen many successful designers that barely add new pieces to their brand and are doing just fine.

What are your closing remarks? Do you have any advice to young fashion designers?

Kelechi Uchendu : My advice is to put God first. Also, make sure that you stay very organized and focused. Finally, make sure that you cut people out of your life that are toxic and hold you back. Make sure that you only have true friends in your circle. The summer before I started my freshman year at Michigan State University, I practiced this. I cut off all of my “friends” and I ended up forming a new friend group in university that was filled with positive, genuine, and amazing people who have helped me become the woman I am today. I truly believe that this move (which was scary at the time) was very important to me becoming successful.  

Content Courtesy of Nairobi Fashion Hub and Kay Kay’s Fashion