Meet Egreis Gjergjani of Kansas City

Today we’d like to introduce you to Egreis Gjergjani

Hi Egreis, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey in fashion began in 2015 with the launch of Itty Bitty Toes, a high-end luxury children’s clothing line that quickly grew into something truly special. Itty Bitty Toes was my first step into the fashion world, born out of a desire to create pieces that exude elegance and sophistication for life’s most cherished moments. Seeing families celebrate milestones in our designs has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.

As my passion for design evolved, I launched By Egreis, a women’s clothing brand rooted in the idea that style should be inclusive, empowering, and accessible. By Egreis celebrates women of all shapes and sizes, offering beautiful, high-quality pieces that bring confidence to everyday life. This brand reflects my belief that fashion is more than what you wear—it’s how you feel when you step into the world.

Most recently, I introduced Beyond Egreis, a line that feels like a reflection of my personal evolution. Post-divorce, I wanted to design something that represented this new chapter—a collection that’s modern, minimalistic, and inspired by monochromatic looks with a European edge. Beyond Egreis is about simplicity with impact, and it truly feels like an extension of who I’ve become.

Through these brands, I’ve had the honor of dressing over 100,000 women and children worldwide. It’s humbling to know that my designs have been a part of their most important moments, from weddings and birthdays to simply feeling beautiful in their everyday lives.

This journey hasn’t been without challenges, but I’ve embraced each one with resilience and determination. Whether it’s listening to my customers, crafting new collections, or sharing my story, my focus has always been on building a community that empowers and uplifts. Fashion has given me a platform to connect with people in such meaningful ways, and I’m incredibly excited to see what the future holds.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has been anything but smooth, but I believe that’s where the most growth happens. Building three fashion brands—Itty Bitty Toes, By Egreis, and Beyond Egreis—has been an incredible journey, but it’s come with its fair share of challenges.

When I started Itty Bitty Toes in 2015, I was not only diving into the fashion industry without any formal background, but I was also navigating a very personal chapter of my life. I was a new mom to my 6-month-old son and pregnant with my second child. Balancing the demands of early motherhood with learning the ins and outs of sourcing materials, managing production, and growing a business was overwhelming at times. But the drive to create something meaningful—and the unwavering support of my growing community—kept me moving forward.

As I expanded into By Egreis, I faced a whole new set of challenges. Women’s fashion is highly competitive, and standing out required not only a strong vision but also a deep understanding of my customers’ needs. I made it a point to stay connected with them—listening, evolving, and delivering designs that truly resonated.

Launching Beyond Egreis marked a deeply personal chapter for me. It was born during a time of transition in my life, following my divorce. Navigating the emotional and financial pressures of starting a new brand while rebuilding myself was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. But it also gave me a renewed sense of purpose and clarity. Beyond Egreis is not just a brand; it’s a reflection of who I’ve become—someone who values simplicity, elegance, and strength.

There have been logistical hurdles too—like managing production delays, supply chain issues, and balancing the demands of being a mom and entrepreneur. But each challenge has taught me resilience, problem-solving, and the importance of staying true to my vision.

Through it all, what keeps me going is knowing that my work brings joy and confidence to so many. The road may not always be smooth, but it’s been worth every twist and turn.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At my core, I’m a creator and entrepreneur driven by the desire to empower women through fashion. My work focuses on designing thoughtful, timeless pieces that make women feel confident, elegant, and celebrated. I specialize in building fashion brands that reflect a balance of quality, inclusivity, and a deep understanding of what women want from their wardrobe.

I’m best known for launching three distinct brands that cater to different aspects of life and style. Itty Bitty Toes celebrates the magic of childhood with luxurious children’s clothing for life’s most special moments. By Egreis is all about empowering women of all shapes and sizes with beautiful, inclusive designs that inspire confidence. And Beyond Egreis, my most recent brand, represents my personal evolution—a minimalist, monochromatic collection with a European edge, designed to reflect strength, simplicity, and sophistication.

What sets my work apart is the personal connection woven into everything I create. My designs are more than just clothing—they’re a reflection of real experiences, from my journey as a new mom while launching Itty Bitty Toes, to my growth as a woman starting over with Beyond Egreis. This authenticity resonates with the women and families who wear my designs, and it’s what makes each piece feel so personal and meaningful.

I’m most proud of the community my work has built. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of dressing over 100,000 women and children worldwide. Knowing that my designs have been part of their lives—from celebrating milestones to embracing everyday confidence—means everything to me.

What truly sets me apart is my commitment to empowering women not just through fashion, but through action. Whether it’s offering inclusive sizing from XS to XXL, creating designs that reflect a modern, sophisticated lifestyle, or mentoring women to launch their own brands, my focus is always on lifting others up and helping them feel their best.

At the end of the day, my work isn’t just about clothes—it’s about connection, empowerment, and celebrating life’s beautiful moments through fashion.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
When it comes to finding a mentor or building a strong network, the most important thing is to approach it with authenticity and intention. A mentor isn’t just someone who’s ahead of you in your field—it’s someone whose values align with yours, someone who inspires you, and someone who can offer guidance based on real-life experience.

For me, building connections has always been about being proactive and open. Social media has been a game-changer in this regard. It’s not just a platform for sharing content—it’s a powerful tool for connecting with like-minded people. Whether it’s reaching out to someone whose journey inspires you, engaging with their work, or starting a conversation, the key is to be genuine and clear about why you’re reaching out.

Networking, in general, works best when you focus on building meaningful relationships rather than treating it as transactional. When I launched my first brand, I didn’t just look at my audience as potential customers—I saw them as a community. By listening to their feedback, engaging with them directly, and being transparent about my journey, I built lasting connections that helped me grow both personally and professionally.

Another piece of advice I’d give is to put yourself in spaces where you can learn and collaborate. Whether it’s industry events, local business groups, or online communities, being around people who share your goals and challenges creates opportunities for mentorship and growth.

Today, I also offer business consulting to women who want to launch or grow brands similar to mine. I know how overwhelming it can feel to take that first step, and I love being able to share the lessons I’ve learned—both the successes and the challenges—to help others bring their vision to life. If you’re looking for guidance, don’t hesitate to seek out someone who has walked a similar path and is willing to share their insights.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help or guidance. People often hesitate to reach out because they fear rejection, but you’d be surprised how many are willing to share their experiences. Be specific about what you’re looking for, and always show appreciation for their time and insight.

The best mentors and connections I’ve found have come from being authentic, building trust, and staying curious. Relationships take time to nurture, but when they’re rooted in mutual respect and shared values, they can be incredibly rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.beyondegreis.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/beyondegreis