STATS
Location: Flatbush, Brooklyn
Business: Wild Spirit Accessories and Jewelry
9-to-5 Gig: Getting Masters in Education at St. John’s University
website: mywildspirit.com
Pride Roll (PR): What gave you the inspiration for Wild Spirit?
Khalia: I always loved accessories, from middle school onward; accessories were always a big part of my fashion style. I came up with the name, Wild Spirit from a Mac Cosmetics look book, which used the phrase to describe one of their eye shadows—it also defines my personality. In 2007, I really started putting the company together because I realized that I wanted to have an independent job—why work for someone else when I can work for myself?
PR: What are some of your favorite Wild Spirit pieces?
Khalia: They are all my favorite! The idea of the company is that I travel the world to find different accessories to bring back. I also find natural material in that country to create one-of-a-kind pieces. When I was at Panama Beach in South America, I found a big coral shell and two smaller shells that I made into a necklace and pair of earrings—that set is one of my favorites.
PR: How did you learn how to make jewelry?
Khalia: While working in New York, I took non-matriculation accessories-making merchandising classes at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). I wanted to understand the industry. Sometimes it is hard for me to focus, so I figured if I took a class that required me to make a business plan, it would help me get started.
PR: To whom are you marketing this accessories line to?
I am targeting women in my age group, the 23-34 age range, who feel like they’re too old to shop at Claire’s, but can’t afford Tiffany’s. They’re looking for standout pieces that will have longevity. These women like to shop in boutiques, street fairs, willing to look for accessories in off-the-beaten path places, and who don’t want what everyone else has.
PR: When do you hope to launch?
Khalia: By December 2009. I am willing to push it to January 2010 if need be, but it will be soon. I have merchandise, I just need to finish updating my website. I’m a one-woman show, but it would be great to have an intern!
PR: What are your next planned trips?
Khalia: Probably Brazil, Argentina, and the Dominican Republic. I would also like to go to Africa—Ghana, Liberia, and Morocco—next year. I try to pick countries that my target market is familiar with and would be potentially interested in going to, as well as introduce the colors, local artists, and character of not-so-familiar countries.
PR: Do you have any advice for other women trying to get their own thing started?
Khalia: Seek advice and be willing to ask people questions. Educate yourself. Subscribe to trade publications and go to trade shows to understand the industry; it’s worth it.
PR: What makes your business stand out?
Khalia: As much as I love jewelry, I am allergic to nickel! So all the accessories I make are hypoallergenic. Also, I plan to donate some of my proceeds to different charities. Every month will be a different theme connected to a different charity. I’ve worked for organizations that needed money to do the great things that they do, so I want my business to support that.
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