Meet Kaila Wilkie | Influencer and Small Business Owner

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

Hi Kaila, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The idea of financial freedom has always sparked my interest. From being able to set my own schedule to curating generational wealth for all those who will come after me, I vowed to one day become my own boss.

Since a young girl I loved everything about fashion. Growing up I watched as my mother planned her work ensembles the night before. She never stepped foot out the door without dressing to the T. Bratz dolls were also a big inspiration to my fashion style. I had to have every doll that was available for purchase. They were cool, hip, fun, and they were diverse. I use to create outfits for them out of my old dance costumes for fun. And I still collect Bratz dolls to this very day.

I made sure to include Bratz fashion into my everyday day style growing up. However, the idea of starting a business to express my passion for fashion did not cross my mind until I met my current boyfriend in college. He had previously started a fashion street wear brand when he was in high school, but once he got to college he stopped making clothes. It was from his stories from his past experiences with owning a fashion brand that got me excited to start my own. So in the year of 2021 I decided to follow my dreams of pursuing a career in fashion. And through my new found business Polychrome Attire my boyfriend and I aim to provide a new, colorful, and motivational brand into the world.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Polychrome Attire is more than a fashion brand, it’s a lifestyle. Our mission is to spread positivity through our products. Hence our slogan “Live Life in Color”. We want our supporters to embrace life in a vibrant joyous way. I have always said that I want to experience life and not just exist in it. Because of this mindset I am able to inspire and connect with people on many different levels. Due to our variation of styles and colors, there is a product available for everyone. I am excited to expand my clientele and keep developing my business.

I got to where I am professionally through persevering. No matter what obstacles got in my way, no matter what the haters had to say I kept chasing my dreams; and still am chasing them. You have to first learn who you are as a person so much to the point that no one is able to tell you about yourself.

Yet, this journey is not easy and there is never an end to the journey either. You will forever have to grow, learn, and evolve throughout your life. When you are starting a business you will never have all the answers. I sure didn’t. I have gained money and I have also lost money. But, always remember my why. Your reasoning for doing something will always outweigh your doubts and negative thoughts.

Through starting a business I have learned that the financial aspect of your business is what deserves your most attention. You can only grow and expand your business so far with a small budget. Hence why I decided to make Polychrome Attire into an LLC and take my business credit and taxes seriously.

Polychrome Attire is not just a hobby. Neither is it something I decided to gain clout from. Polychrome Attire is who I am as a person. I am light, I am vibrant, I am colorful. I am all that my brand embodies. I really hope that this gets conveyed to my supporters and that my message resonates with people across the globe one day.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in Philadelphia, and I believe that we have some of the best food here. Thus, because I am a foodie we will definitely have to go visit a couple of restaurants. I would also have to take them to many of the city’s hottest attractions.

Monday we would sip mimosas at brunch at Attico rooftop restaurant. Next we would visit the interactive museum wonder spaces. For lunch we would eat at Emmy Squared pizza. And for Dinner Yakatori Boy for some sushi.

Tuesday morning we are going to a yoga class. During the day we would go to the social space rooftop to people watch. For dinner we are going to eat a white dog cafe.

Wednesday morning we will take a stroll in fair mount park. In the afternoon we would take a nap to catch up on sleep. After 7:00 pm we would pay as little as a penny to get into the Philadelphia Art Museum. For dinner I will make my famous salmon Alfredo.

Thursday morning we will stay in watching our favorite reality show Real housewives of Atlanta. In the afternoon we would head down to south street and find a spiritual store to add to our collection of crystals. For dinner we would go to Monshulu to spoil ourselves.

Friday Morning we are going to watch the sun rise from the house porch. In the afternoon we would go get ice cream at surreal creamery. For dinner we would eat chipotle.

Saturday morning we are sleeping in. When we wake up in the afternoon we would make a Starbucks run and set up a picnic. For dinner we would eat at Buddhakan.

Sunday morning we are also sleeping in. In the afternoon we would take a trip down to penns landing to relax in the hammocks and drink beer. Sunday night we would eat at Eddie V. Until next time.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to shout out my boyfriend Jon. He has inspired me in so many ways. First, I want to recognize him for the caring person that he is. It is because of him I now am confident to put myself out there and promote my fashion brand in front of the world. Without him I would not even think it would be remotely possible to own a brand like I do now.

Jon is also very hands on when it comes to Polychrome Attire. He is the photographer for the brand (An amazing one at that) and is in charge of all of our social media platforms.

I can’t give a shoutout with out recognizing my amazing family. They have always supported my many endeavors and are always there to cheer me on.

Last, but certainly not least I would like to shout out God. During the pandemic I was somewhat lost. I didn’t know what the fate of the world would be. My future appeared obscure. But God provided me the faith I needed to get me to where I am today.

Website: https://www.polychrome.shop/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/polychrome.attire?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Image Credits
Jonathan Mah @jon.skyy Vera Melissa @veramelissaphotography