Kierra’s Krochet: Growing Her Brand Through Fashion Shows & Pop-Up Shops

Word of the day? Crochet.

Meet Kierra, she’s the designer and creator behind Kierra’s Krochet. Growing up, she always knew that she wanted her own clothing store. When she launched her brand, she decided to offer accessories and cosmetics ‘to create a one-stop shop for all women.’

“My grandmother taught me at the tender age of nine, the art of crocheting,” Kierra reflects. “She taught me how to work a granny square.  From there I continued crocheting as a hobby on and off throughout the years until about a year ago when I began making plans to finally make my business official.”

Kierra Krochet is designed “to help women enhance their confidence, style, through bright and sexy crochet clothing created by yours truly.”

Last year, I met Kierra at Suburb Pop’s Poolside Soiree, a summer shopping pop-up, featuring Tampa’s hottest boutiques and brands. Immediately, I feel in love with her talented stitch work and creative vision. I definitely had to buy a scallop bralette and coordinating crochet shorts at the pop-up.

“Pop-up shops are my favorite events to attend because I get to socialize with my customers face to face and speak with them on a friend level and just have a good time like we’ve known each other for years. Attending pop up shops also give me the ability to meet such awesome business owner, most importantly women business owners because it results in collaborations far form the profit. We create special bonds and a support team for one another,” Kierra says.

One of Kierra’s biggest highlights since her launch has been participating in the St. Augustine Fashion Week. She debuted her Runway Collection for the show, which she says was “both a challenge, and a joy.” For her collection, she crocheted multiple dresses, rompers and three-piece sets, in under three months. “I made it all happen between working two jobs,” she notes. “Although the journey was rough and there was a lack of sleep, it was well worth it seeing those outfits come to life in front of my eyes.” She says being a featured designer for STAFW has been one of her greatest business experiences. “From beginning to end the director Brittany Alphonso as well as the other designers were so supportive and welcoming. Just like any other big event, stress comes with it.”

“Early on I only had one shot at a fitting, and I had to get it right. I planned every detail from the outfits, to the lineup, the song selection, and I even went as far as to get earrings custom made for all of my models. During fashion week I had the awesome opportunity to meet local shop owners, create a bond and a business relationship. Through that I had a pop-up shop at The Closet, Wild Raven Boutique, and Push Push Salon which is where the VIP party took place. The VIP party was very exciting for me because it was an event for all designers to showcase a look from their collection and give a sneak peek preview of what’s to come. The reactions given that night solidified that all the hard work I had put in was doing to pay off and become appreciated by hundreds of people. That night although I was vending a table it was my night to let loose, dance, drink, and socialize with fellow designers in directors and it was so amazing.”

Her favorite piece from the collection was the crochet maxi dress. “The way that dress hugs the body and the simple detail of a strap crossing the back is breathtaking,” she emphasizes.

Kierra’s goal is to “reach thousands of women to show them that they can have a little piece of fun in their closets, and to be confident, regardless of what the next person thinks.” She wants to show other young black, aspiring business owners that they can succeed. “Recently I saw a post that said ‘somebody is learning how to be a person by watching you.’The reward I receive from my business goes far beyond the figures, it’s the intangible and unmeasurable moments that makes the existence of Kierra Krochet worth it.”

When asked what her biggest lesson was in starting her new business, Kierra says she’s learned to be consistent. “It is easy to become discouraged,” she tells me. “Staying consistent with social media, developing new product, and building relationships with customers and other business owners are my priorities.”

Just from Instagram alone, Kierra has developed relationships with future customers and other black owned business owners. “That is why I upload motivational quotes, they are a reminder to me and everyone else that being a boss babe is hard work but remaining consistent pays off in the end.”

You can follow Kierra on Instagram