June 6th, 2017
Che of The Town from Rochester works for actor Che Holloway
You first met Che in Rochester works for actor Che Holloway, an impromptu interview and amble through the Neighborhood of the Arts.
An aspiring and successful actor, Che is deeply immersed in the Rochester cultural scene. So much so, we’ve named him Che of The Town!
Exclusively for Talker, Che has solicited and is conducting interviews from about 80 Rochestarians working in a diversity of creative fields.
For the full series, see Che of The Town: Interviews
Photos courtesy of Kady Hayle
Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born in Kingston, Jamaica and grew up in a fashionable community where outer appearance was very important.
I went to an all girls high school where I was always referred to as the “neat girl” with my uniform and hair always meticulously put together. Interestingly, from as early as I can remember, Kindergarten to University, I absolutely enjoyed being in front of the camera and would save every penny to pay the local photographer to take my pictures.
What inspired you to be an fashion designer.
Everything that has happened to me since I came to America about 12 years ago which caused my life to take many surprising directions, gave me the inspiration to become who I am today. From having 3 preterm labors which caused me to join a gym as a result of the prompting from a good friend, to having a killer physique that got me into my 1st fashion show for Lululemon Athletic Store. This led to many photoshoots and fashion shows that sent me to various fashion designers and boutiques for fittings which caused me to fall in love with fashion. That love for fashion reminded me that I could make my own clothes and start my own company, KKREATIONS. Thanks to my husband Gilmore, who suggested that I call and ask an event coordinator to have my clothes featured in her fashion show, I was able to establish myself as a new fashion designer in town.
Talk about a time where you have faced a major problem with your business.
When I decided to buy my 1st sewing machine, I went to Walmart and bought the cheapest sewing machine they had and all the necessary supplies.This machine although performed okay for the 1st two weeks, was not designed to handle amount of work load I had to do. While I was preparing for my 2nd fashion show, it broke and I was fortunate enough to borrow my friend’s sewing machine, to complete my dresses.
Since then, I have acquired 3 sewing machines and just recently a wonderful serger.
What do you believe sets you apart from other fashion designers?
I believe that my fun personality, Jamaican heritage and starting out as a model who became a fashion designer, gave me an edge above the others. I am extremely imaginative and creative. I enjoy dressing people and styling them for events and photoshoots.
Do you have other interests or hobbies?
Yes, I love to sing, dance, style models, direct photoshoots, play matchmaker, teach fitness classes, go on long hikes, chase waterfalls and have fun with like minded people.
Any projects you have out or currently working on?
I am currently getting ready for a magazine editorial for my clothing line, making beautiful swimsuits for the summer, as well as building my brand presence locally as well.
KKreations will be in Fashion Week of Rochester in October, so all my focus will be on creating some extremely fabulous designs for FWR.
Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years from now, I see myself as a successful fashion designer locally and internationally while continuing my health and wellness endeavors as a professional personal trainer, fitness instructor and model.
What advice can you give to aspiring artists/entertainers?
Believe in your abilities and continue to work on improving yourself. Challenges will come but it it how you respond that will make or break you and your plan of success.
How can we follow along in your journey? Social media?
www.facebook.com/KKreationsFashionDesigns
ON ANOTHER FASHIONISTA
