The Face Behind the Fabric: Meet Up-and-Coming Brand Owner Katiucia Pierre Louis
Happy Tuesday Rare Radar friends! I got the chance to get to know the founder of Kplux Shop. This shop has everything from beautiful bright rompers and maxi dresses to sexy cut-out club wear. This ambitious creator and nurse found her way to designing as a result of her calling to help others feel their best. She has a passion to celebrate all women across the world, inspire confidence, and above all promote self-love. Check out the full interview below:
CJ: Tell me about yourself/your clothing brand.
KP: My name is Katiucia “Kay” Pierre- Louis and I am the founder of KPLux Shop. KPlux Shop is a fashion-focused brand for women missioned to provide every client with an opportunity for true self-expression and self-love!
CJ: As a clothing boutique owner, what has been your biggest motivation to keep creating?
KP: My commitment and dedication to our mission is the biggest motivator that allows me to keep creating. I am focused on supporting women in/on their self-love journey(s), as long as I know that there is one woman out there pushing to be fabulous despite the everyday challenges, I know that I will never stop creating.
CJ: Tell me about the most pivotal moment in your creative journey.
KP: Creating and going live with KPLux was an emotional and personal victory for me. Imagine- I had developed such a fear around all the challenges of a small business and that fear had held me back in my past. Yet the most pivotal moment in my creative journey was not just overcoming those fears! The most pivotal moment was, despite my personal growth, when I realized just how many women valued and were ecstatic of real body type models showcasing today’s fashion. It changed my view on everything.
CJ: How do you deal with creative slumps/blocks?
KP: I deal with creative blocks in a few different ways. One thing I tend to do is take some time to step away from the creative process and make sure I have a clear idea on the look I am aiming to execute. Another thing I like to do when I am dealing with a creative block is seek out what my inspiration is. Social media feeds, fashion magazines, fashion week, even current events can help to inspire the look I want to best express what I believe best help women express self-love. Lastly, when I’m facing a creative block- I take it back to my team! I want their input, feedback, and ideas. They are an important part of the movement that we are creating through our fashion and their insights help me to see the bigger picture.
CJ: Are there any celebrities who heavily influence your sense of fashion and brand?
KP:I don’t have one or two particular celebrities that influence my sense of fashion but I am generally drawn to any woman that can exude confidence and self love through their own sense of fashion. I find that they inspire my thoughts and have some influence on how I want to elaborate on that expression even more.
CJ: In your opinion, what are the most important qualities to possess as a designer/clothing boutique owner?
KP: I believe the most important quality to possess as a boutique owner is passion. I believe that you have to ultimately love what you do and that comes through with your passion. Other qualities include the desire to continuously learn and adopt, the ability to network and connect with like minded women such as myself, the ability to stay focused and consistent, and the ability to understand the bigger vision despite the sacrifices and obstacles.
CJ: How do you stay current with fashion trends?
KP: I stay current with fashion trends through my Social media feeds, fashion magazines and fashion news, and actively attending fashion events.
CJ: What are your favorite fashion trends? (present and past)
KP: My favorite fashion trend and steady go-to for women looking for a quick but knock out of the park look, is the blazer fashion trend. It’s classic but also still fashion-forward. You can dress it up or dress it down…wear it with jeans, biker shorts or even a dress/skirt. I embrace color clashing and be bold with bright colors. Accentuate with your accessories. Make it your own. Remember, it doesn't have to match as long as you feel and look comfortable in your pieces.
CJ: If you could give advice to any young black women looking to start creating, what would it be?
KP: If I could give advice to any young black woman looking to start creating I would advise them to find the niche that they are looking to create for. I would tell them to find what they are most passionate about and focus on that….Block all the outside noise. If they believe that they CAN, then they WILL...never give up! Be consistent and persist. Most importantly I would remind them to love themselves in the process. Don't love anyone or anything more than you love yourself. Self love conquers all!