Meet Kechena Richardson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kechena Richardson.

Hi Kechena, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My love for fashion design began in the eighth grade when I started cutting up my mother’s old curtains to create designs I could imagine. Sketching out ideas that I never thought I would be able to create. Kechena Designs, however, was birthed during my studies with Missouri State University while studying abroad in London, England. When I returned to the States, I merged all of my past experiences and studies and focused on “designing women one seam at a time.” I participated in fashion shows like Chicago Couture Fashion Week, DC Fashion Week, ATL, KC, etc., looking to make a name for myself. Now, it is with great pleasure that I can share all of my past experiences with anyone interested in the fashion industry. Fast forward to today; I’ve had the pleasure of working with countless clients from weddings, proms, anniversaries, birthdays, etc., to make their special day more memorable. With passion, dedication, and a love for people and fashion, I’ve been able to accomplish the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design/Textile Science
• Started my clothing brand fresh out of college: Kechena Designs
• Participated in numerous fashion shows in various cities
• Taught Fashion & Costume Design at Paseo Academy of Fine & Performing Arts High School
• Won “Best Clothing Designer” in Kansas City’s 2022 People’s Choice Awards
• JoAnn Fabric & Craft Stores Fashion Influencer
• SHEIN-X Fashion Design Collaborator

We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being creative, let alone a custom fashion designer, comes with challenges, especially when you have to play multiple roles. Since beginning my journey, I have been and still am a student, teacher, designer, artist, stylist/creative director, pattern maker, and seamstress. Can this be stressful? Yes. No one told me initially that as a designer, one would have to worry about challenges such as not meeting your client’s expectations, time consumption, financial loss, or even the moments where you hit a wall in your creativity. Despite these challenges, however, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to create truly unique and personalized pieces that can be deeply rewarding both creatively and professionally. Designing is part of my calling and testimony. And I’m not sure if I would stop even if I tried.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in creating custom, tailor-made fashion designs specifically for women. I focus on crafting unique, personalized pieces that suit their style and preferences perfectly. Even with all of my accomplishments, one of the most rewarding aspects of my work is witnessing the inner confidence that blooms in my clients when they put on one of my custom fashion designs. Seeing them radiate with self-assurance is truly my proudest moment!

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
From a fashion designer’s standpoint, I appreciate Kansas City’s unique urban and local cultural blend. As a creative, I can draw inspiration from diverse styles and influences, from our city’s modern fashion scene to its rich history and local artisans. The same thing that I love about our city also piggybacks off what I least like about Kansas City. From a fashion designer standpoint, we have a limited size of the fashion market and industry compared to significant fashion capitals like New York or Paris, which can sometimes mean fewer opportunities for exposure and a smaller clientele base. Hence, it faces another challenge for a fashion designer looking to break into a larger market.

Pricing:

• Custom Wedding Gowns: $5,000 (+)
• Special Occasion/Prom/etc: $1,500 (+)
• Custom Ready-to-Wear Pieces: $500 (+)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kechena-designs-fasttrack.thinkific.com/courses/Pre-Enrollment/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kechena_designs/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kechena.richardson?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@kechenadesigns?si=uh-qrP4PAjkhdVFE
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kechenadesigns?_t=8giGAvBcJfG&_r=1

Image Credits
• Corey Davis: Kris Davi Photography • Steven Green: StevenG Photography • Itzel Sanchez: Itzel Photo Co • Gretchen Lynne Photos