Kayla Perkins is a 12 year old an honor student, headed to the 7th grade in the fall. Kayla has loved fashion since she was 5 years old. At age 7, Kayla created and designed her very own dance wear design through Angela King Design (official designer of many NBA/NFL dance teams).
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
Ever since I was 5 years old, my mom and I watched America’s Next Top model. I enjoyed modeling and was signed with several agents and booked commercials as well as print jobs. While modeling other designers clothes, I thought ‘my fashion designs could be on models too’.
Tell us about your business.
I created Kfab fashions and the Kfab Foundation to inspire other young girls through my designs to always be confident and to never allow anyone to bully them or make them feel they can not achieve their goals.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
I’m actually promoting my Kfab tees, crop tees, tanks, lipgloss, backpacks and hoodies. I am currently running a buy one get one half off special!
List awards/certifications/accomplishments.
I recently launched my first ever designs this past fall at my first ever back to school fashion show!
Where is your business based?
Chicago, Illinois.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
I created my logo, my mom and I went to several young entrepreneur workshops throughout the city. I sketched my designs and met with a designer who sewed my prototypes for my launch and fashion show.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
I’m currently still raising awareness through social media outlets, marketing myself through radio stations and hosting small workshops within my school and community.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Trying to get sponsors and someone to mass produce my designs.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
My mom is my biggest cheerleader and she encourages me daily with all of her sacrifices in order to support me, my dream and vision.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I’m continuing to build my brand and support other competitors.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
The best advice I recently received is from my mom, who always remind me that in order to be successful I must keep working hard, keep my faith and never ever give up. She says, “If you give up that simply means you’re giving up on everything you have worked so hard for at this point.”
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Keep having grit, never let anyone tell you that you are not going to be successful.
What are your favorite business tools/resources and why?
Having a strong management team, marketing manager and loyal customers.
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
“Sister CEO: The Black Woman’s Guide to Starting Your Own Business” by Cheryl D. Broussard.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
- Getting a grant for my foundation, hosting workshops to get other youth involved in anti-bullying campaigns.
- Looking for someone who can build a website for Kfab.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
- Continue taking sewing classes
- Build my prototypes
- Get mass productions of my line
- Host a meet and greet for my foundation
- Get sponsorship
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.