Meet Kenjulia Anderson | K.j. the Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kenjulia Anderson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kenjulia, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued a creative career because I wholeheartedly believe that it is a gift given to me by the Most High to share with the world. The ability to create anything whether it be music, artwork, or a clothing design is not something that everyone can do. I see the beauty in those of us who have the ability to bring to life whatever we see or envision mentally. There is no right or wrong way to make art or create because it is something that comes from the inside of us and that’s what makes it fascinating to me.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I.SLAND Couture is a fashion design company that specializes in creating one of one custom made apparel for men and women in business, performance and special occasion wear. My designs mainly tailored to the custom design market of individuals who love exclusivity. Whether it is a print, a custom design or a silhouette, my brands mission is to create distinctive wear for the you-nique individual who loves to leave an impression and I believe that’s what sets it apart. Fast fashion and mega brands are very popular at this time and most people support those companies because of their easy access and prices, however there is still a great amount of people that love and support designers like myself. People who challenge conventions, break the rules, set trends and are not afraid to spend a little more to make a statement on any scene, that’s my market. Many people have asked questions about my brands name and what it means and it’s an acronym meaning, I SHALL LIVE AND NOT DIE. which is more than a catchy acronym, its a declaration of life to the world through fashion and that’s what I’m excited about most, the ability to express my creativity and others want to buy it.

Before I began my fashion career, I served in the United States Navy for 10 years. I wasn’t expecting when I initially enlisted into the military that I would separate before retirement but my heavenly father had other plans for me and while I was serving, I came to understand that I had so much more inside of me that I needed to pursue and the only way I could do that was leaving the Navy. The journey of course has been full of ups and downs, making a career change the way that I did was a lot but I don’t regret it at all. I’ve learned great lessons along the way like believing in myself and trusting in the process especially in the moments when I want to give up. Truly enjoying the beauty of the process and not disregarding all the value that is within the building phase of the journey. Its really easy to love the high points and all the success when it comes, but to be just as grateful for the parts that many never see is another type of admiration when you’re pursuing a dream.

The lesson that I want the world to know about me and my brand is a lesson of success which is defined very differently depending on the person. If there is anyone that feels like they have a gift or talent inside of them and they are sitting on it because of life and its circumstances, find a way to get that gift out of you and show it to the world because it’s what I did and it is truly one of the most gratifying things I’ve done in my life. Your success story may not look anything like mine, and that’s awesome because its not supposed to, its supposed to look like you. I named my brand I.SLAND Couture as a mantra that I live by because for me to make and wear the declaration that I shall live and not die, that is a reality that I came to terms with while in the military, and it motivates me to keep going everyday. I came to understand a while ago that sadly, so many people are alive, but most are not living at all and I remember the very moment in my life that I realized that about myself, so I decided to change it. You can change it too. Make your own success story and hopefully I can read about yours one day.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Although I’m not from Atlanta, I have family and friends there and I visit often so a few spots that I enjoyed were places like Cascades for the individuals who like to skate and want to catch a good vibe of the popular skate rink. I love a good meal so if you are a foodie like me definitely check out Slutty Vegan or Hattie Marie’s BBQ both Black owned and the food is good. If you wanna do some good shopping or take a nice stroll you can go to 5 Points and catch some nice culture or get you some exercise in at Piedmont Park or any of the surrounding Parks. The Ponce City Market is a Great go to for sight seeing and a good meal also.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would definitely like to give a shout out to my heavenly father. I am the designer I am today because of the gifts and skills you have placed in me by the hands of others who have inspired me to dream big, nourish, and create the art you have placed inside of me.

Website: www.islandcouturehouse.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/islandcouturehouse/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenjulia-anderson-27203abb

Facebook: facebook.com/kenjulia.anderson

Youtube: Kj The Dezigner

Other: Personal Ig: @bic7dreamer

Image Credits
Photographers: Heather Blackwell Damon Noisette Roderick Borisade Ke’ Andra Nixon