Where it all started...

WELCOME TO THE HOUSE! Dear ole’ Morehouse, I have pledged my life to thee. August 2008, the month I entered to gates of Morehouse College. This marks the start of my journey from a child to a MAN, a Man of Morehouse. I was so exhilarated at the thought of being a college student. Coming from North Carolina to Georgia was one of the best moves of my life. To be surrounded by young gifted men of color as myself made me appreciate life so much more and helped me realize how much potential I have and it also made me step my game up even more. Who would of known when I entered these gates how much growth I would experience? Buckle your seat belt, lets take a ride….

New Kid on The Block.

Class of 2012, Graves Hall, 16 credit hours, new faces, new places, developing friendships and strengthing brotherhood. Welcome to my freshman year. I came in a Biology major (which I soon changed to Business Marketing with a minor in Fashion Merchandising), ready to take this whole college experience by storm. Classes were going well, friendships were amazing but one thing seemed to be missing. I was so involved in High School (SGA, President of Pre-College, National Achievers Society, Beta Club etc.) that I felt like I needed to be involved in something on campus. I admired those on campus who planned events and made the whole college experience worthwhile. I knew I wanted to do something, but what? I always had a passion for fashion however; I didn’t know how I could plan events on campus that were fashion related until I attended my first Morehouse College/Spelman College Homecoming Fashion Show.

After attending this event, I knew I wanted to be a part of the Homecoming Fashion Show committee. I said to myself “ky, next year you will be helping put on the next homecoming fashion show!” I expressed my thought to others and many laughed and said “Ky, you will only be a sophomore, yeah right, be more realistic.” The negativity did not stop me from having a dream it just made me work harder.

Maybe it's "De JA VU"

As days turned into weeks and weeks into months I became known as really having a love for fashion. One day I got a text from a good friend of mine on the Freshman Class Council of Spelman College and it went a little something like this: “ky, can you do me a huge favor? We, the Freshman class council of Spelman think you are the best candidate for this..”

I said, “sure” because if I didn’t I knew I would never hear the end of it. The freshman class council of Spelman College wanted ME to co-direct the Freshman Class Fashion Show. I was so honored and quite over-whelmed. I knew this had to be a success and I wanted people to leave the show amazed at not only what I could do but also what the rest of my talented class of 2012 was capable of.
The planning, getting sponsors, getting clothes, picking models, coming up with choreography, practicing daily and promotion was all in the hands of us. Ayanna Clements and myself were the ones in charge and there were plenty of nights with little to no sleep and many of days where we had to be each other support system in order to stay positive and put on an exceptional freshman fashion show. Nonetheless, we put in work and the show was a success.

On To The Next One: "Park Place"

The Freshman fashion show was a success, so many were impressed and the success of the show was a great way to showcase my talent and make people aware of what I love to do. The school year continued and the priceless moments were nowhere being close to ending. I begin to network more and began to meet more people both at Morehouse College and Atlanta. I begin going to fashion industry parties, to see what the whole fashion scene in Atlanta was made of. It was this one-day during spring semester where I had a smile from ear to ear on my face. It was the day that Omari Williams asked me to attend a meeting for the staff of the upcoming Homecoming Fashion Show in Douglas Hall. Now I had NO idea what it would consist of but I was in for a surprise.

At the meeting Omari and Jillian Mackie discussed the upcoming fashion show and expressed how they felt that the people in the room would be a great addition to the team. I was the only new person and the only freshman so it meant so much to me in particular. I was assigned the task of helping the Director of Merchandising. I was super excited and I called my parents to tell them the great news. They were very happy for me and extremely supportive as always.

The semester soon ended and it was time to head back to NC for the summer to work at my internship with the General Assembly. That summer all I could think about were concepts I had for the show and we were all in close contact via text, phone calls etc. August approaches and I head back to Mother Morehouse.

FAST FORWARD--> When I returned I was told that I would have to step up and be the Director of Merchandising due to a scheduling conflict. No longer was I an assistant but I was THE Director of Merchandising. I could not disappoint so the pressure was on. We all worked hard on the show, practices, model call, concepts, etc. I went to various boutiques in Atlanta and department stores in efforts to get clothes for the show. It wasn’t easy however, I love a challenge and at the end of the day, the challenge was accomplished. Not only did I pull clothes for the show but I ended up styling the show as well. Backstage was a mad house but the final look on the runway was all worth it. The show was a success and I was ecstatic to see the final product and receive all the positive feedback. I loved every moment working with CASA and my fashion show family in producing such an eventful Homecoming Fashion Show.

It was all a DREAM...

"It was all a DREAM, I stay reading GQ Magazine".. It was always a dream of mine to work for a fashion publication. The editorials, stories, models, it all just makes sense to me. WELL, that dream is now a reality. I am working as creative director along with two others for the newest fashion publication in Atlanta: IFD (International Fashion Designers). I come up with concepts, write stories, style photoshoots, I do it all. My office is located in Buckhead and its truly a blessing. Our first issue launches early March and I cannot wait for it to hit the states and see the reaction from it.

The Journey Continues..

Thank you for taking a quick journey through my involvements. The ride thus far has been rocky yet worth while, all I can so is sit back buckle my seat belt and enjoy the scenery. I know that life will continue to bless me with great opportunites.