Meet Kiéra McNeill | Multifaceted Artist Not Obsessed With Labels

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

Hi Kiéra, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
It’s in my DNA. I come from a line of business owners. In the 90s-2000s, my grandparents owned an apparel/accessories store, A Touch of Fashion, in Rockford, Illinois. My aunt, a cosmetologist, has operated and owned her salon, Hair to the Max, for almost two decades if not a little over. My mother began her event planning business, Xclusively 4 U, in the early 2000s which has blossomed beyond her and my dad’s wildest dreams. Having these phenomenal examples of entrepreneurship throughout my life undoubtedly planted the seeds of me creating and owning my own business.

Reflecting further, I do not think there was ever a time I did not plan to have a business at some point. It has always been the goal. Using my skills and passions to evolve myself and the world have been a consistent focus. I know what’s possible because of them and their support.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is a sporadically varied exploration of the darkness and lightness, the being and nothingness of existence. I have never felt forced or pressured to stick with one creative outlet when I am inspired by so many different aspects of life and the universe.

What likely sets me apart is that my visual art, created and offered via Harley’s Attik, resonates with a myriad of personalities and spaces. I have artwork curated for residential and commercial environments. I love capturing nature, architecture, cool lighting/fixtures, whatever I find interesting through photography. You’ll see my sketches, doodles, drawings, consisting of people/human anatomy, hearts, creatures/droids, fashion, nature, geometric and abstract things using different media whether it’s ink, paint, graphite, charcoal, digital, fabric, sand, plastic etc. My love for philosophy and art also birthed much of my brand messaging, referred to as “Quinn-tessential Noiz”.

My wearable art, i.e. designed and sewn collections made under Dakota Harley Co., is a harmonious symphony of surrealism, elegance, fun, confidence, nature, historical references and other influences. I enjoy creating pieces that can be simple yet ‘dramatik’ or complex and laidback when you need it. For private commissions and collections alike, my goal is to ensure the natural essence of the wearer is conveyed, if not magnified, via the apparel or accessory. I want my clients and community to feel at home yet astronomically confident in their looks as they own their unique style, and know all eyes will be on them in the best way when wearing Dakota Harley.

I am most proud of my Dakota Harley Co. Likwid Butterflyz Capsule Collection that I independently and privately debuted in Spring/Summer 2019 at my childhood home. I had family and friends from high school (Stephenson) and college (Ga Southern) participate as models and photographers. It was a wonderful experience for my first runway show since 2012. The feedback was inspiring and motivating, and I look forward to doing more in the future. I am currently sourcing suitable textiles that are more aligned with present-day brand value, which can be a task for an eco-conscious brand that only prioritizes natural/organic/eco-friendly, fair trade fibers. Nonetheless, I don’t want to keep the people waiting so it’s coming! I am additionally super proud of my design catalogue’s expansion into bridal, swim/body building competition bikinis, misses, and maternity wear over the past 4-5 years.

Aside from what I create, the most recent rewarding work has been officially launching our philanthropic efforts last year by supporting Project Heal, an organization that works to provide treatment and resources to those dealing with disordered eating in underserved and underrepresented communities, and The Nature Conservancy, an organization that aims to restore and preserve natural habitats, protect endangered species, promote environmental cleanups and more, on an ongoing basis.
In February 2024, I was delighted to assist Vivi O., the key donor/organizer, along with the teams of Larry Gaaga and UIU Cares, in feeding 200 local families in the Ugba Edogori community in Enugu, Nigeria and preparing meal kits for families in Makoko, Lagos, Nigeria, respectively.
As we grow steadily, I look forward to supporting and improving the lives of as many people and habitats in the U.S. and abroad as humanly possible.
I am excited about connecting deeper with my local and global communities to spark everlasting impact where we can. It feels like I am excited to infinity and beyond by so many things I have in my queue, but art and design wise, I’m pretty stoked for my in-house upcycled art/apparel/accessory collections and the Likwid Butterflyz accessories/swim collections that are in production now.

Professionally, I have reached this current place in my journey by not only being myself but by maintaining and increasing my “4Ps”: Patience, Perseverance, Persistence, and Presence- Also Cc: Stoicism. On the professional experience side of things, I have worked at probably every level of fashion in the corporate and retail spaces, respectively- visual merchandising, stylist, customer service, sales associate/cashier, visual admin assistant, visual window installations, small business, (former) Fortune 500 companies, designer’s intern, freelance CAD/Tech Jewelry designer, graphic design, alterations – you name it. Having the opportunities to observe and learn first-hand how small fashion companies operate vs larger fashion retail brands has given me the most priceless insight for my own operations and personal development.
At times, I don’t think I consciously register any of this as easy or hard, because I feel instinctively compelled to do it; I chalk it up to this being a part of the process, finding the silver lining and believing that every step of the way, even what felt like a detour, is still a path from which I can learn. I don’t consider any job I have worked, whether in or out of fashion, to have been a waste of time.

I have an “I always figure it out.” and “It is what it is.” demeanor for harder tasks or scenarios that need to be overcome to get to where I want to and will be. Of course, some areas come a lot easier to me whereas other ventures I have had to and still have to improve my discipline/focus, deepen and apply my knowledge, know when to slow down and when to go turbo to stay the course. It tends to balance out it seems. I’d describe it as mostly fun with splashes of frustration to keep me sharp.

As scatterbrained as I can be, I have worked through some obstacles by being more intentional and proactive with planning/organizing, working to better implement effective and efficient systems to help with the aforementioned, and narrowing my focus on what I can create and release without sacrificing my artistic, design, personal, and brand integrities. Skills like pivoting, adapting, avoiding analysis paralysis, asking for help, along with seeking, applying, and using acquired knowledge and resources in a timely manner have been the biggest lessons I have experienced throughout this adventure. It’s up to me to properly execute the positives, be aware of the negatives, and quiet the noise to reach long-term success.
What has helped and continues to help me rise above inevitable or sometimes avoidable circumstances is my inner strength, foresight, will, and mission. Undoubtedly, I must include my inner circle of family and friends who I can rely on when the going gets tough. My grandfather(transitioned in 2010) drilled the phrase “You are capable.” to me growing up, so it has been a daily mantra I say or think to myself for quite a while. I don’t mind stumbling along the way. Lupe said this entrepreneur life is like spaghetti. Fortunately for me, I find untangling cords and knotted threads relatively therapeutic in the spirit of problem-solving.
I know I’m a work-in-progress, and that I am capable of whatever it is I set my mind to do inside and out; no matter what, because:
“If I’m betting on myself, then I completely double down.'” – (J Cole).

I have myself, my small but mighty crew of fam, friends and community of Honeydips & Beautiful Kreaturez to thank for their genuine support and unapologetically betting and doubling down on me too.

I want the world to know that I am a multifaceted artist not obsessed with labels. I am a curious, meticulous human making things based on my lived and imagined perspectives and observations, fearlessly sharing myself with the world in hopes that someone else will feel connected to what I’m doing on a subatomic level and just get it. I know my magick. I know my power. I know I am magick. I know I am power. I want others to know, feel, and exude the same to further thrive as the Creative Directors of their Existence. Art, personal style/fashion, and helping humanity and the environment are how I prefer to exhibit my autonomy and do something impactful with my time on this Earth. Those facets are EQUALLY important channels of creation, expression, and service for me and to me. Since diving deeper into my purpose, they are woven tighter than ever.

I have established and am growing a mindful art and fashion lifestyle universe where eco-conscious, eco-curious, and “eco-huh?” (unaware) consumers can have viable alternatives to authentically express themselves with my art, apparel, and accessories that is not at the expense of self, others, and our natural world (which- *ahem* we are a part of).

I want the world to know and absorb that we, as consumers, creators, and companies can enjoy and create art and fashion without the exploitation and harm caused to people and the planet by overconsumption, overproduction, pollution, and the use of unsustainable/non-ecoconscious materials. My collective respect for humanity and the environment led me to journey into the upside-down rabbit hole of being a mindful consumer, creator, and company where every facet of the process is considered to help create and/or maintain a more symbiotic relationship between humans, the planet, fashion, and our way of life.
I know things aren’t perfect given the reality of current business production models and engrained consumer behaviour, but part of getting things to change is starting with self; eliminating and evolving any and everywhere we can, then organically inspiring others to do the same by example. Dakota Harley Co. believes in educating, energizing, and empowering our communities at-small and at-large to be more mindful, compassionate and supportive with ourselves and others. We are not in the business of ridiculing, guilting others for making the purchasing decisions they do; we are inviting all Beautiful Kreaturez to engage and be more present with their lifestyle in a more holistic and sustainable way.

The goal has been and will always be to bring change and to make a difference. (^_^)\/

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.
So many places to choose!

We’d check out some of the following spots:
First stop- The Ponderosa aka my childhood home in Stone Mountain- depending on what time of year and whether our pool is open we’d probably chill at the crib and swim/lay out at my parents’ home as often as we can.

For pizza (because at some point during the trip, pizza is being 100% consumed), we’d do Fellini’s, Mellow Mushroom(MM might be the winner for me), or Savage Pizza.

For a little bit of everything else from casual to elevated dining, we could hit the “B trinity” (as I call it in my head) in Virginia Highlands: i.e. Beetlecat, Bartaco, or Barcelona
Green Ginger, Siam Thai, or Chai Pani in Decatur
Hilltop Caribbean Grill near Stonecrest Mall for some of the best Jamaian cuisine.
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar in Doraville -I love the little robot servers and getting my food off the interactive conveyor belt.
26 Thai Kitchen, El Valle, The Optimist, or Vinny’s on Windward, are solid restaurants for food and drinks. Oh and the perfect places to get dolled up.
Vortex for the unhinged experience that the menu provides and maybe catch a comedy show at the Laughing Skull
SubZero Nitrogen Ice Cream for a frozen treat then go to Phoenix and Dragon Bookstore less than five minutes away.

For general activities:
Skate at Cascade or see what the cool rollerskating peeps are doing throughout the week and hit an event.
Go to Slingshot Atl to play some arcade games
Do yoga and have a picnic in Piedmont Park
I’d take them to Lil 5 Points, The Beltline, and/or Ponce City Market to hang out, and also see what events might be happening at the Underground during the week or weekend
The High Museum is an absolute must.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate my shoutout to my husband, Julian.

To all of my supportive parents and siblings – with a special shoutout to Adrienne and Carlie Murphy Jr.

To my massive and loving network of immediate and extended families: Salter, McClain, Steed, Murphy, Meier, McNeill, Wright, Hemmitt, Bloodworth, +

To my dearest, dopest, and inspiring friends who consistently keep me going and growing in a multitude of ways: Myleah, Daisha, Mel, Jasmine, Hope, Jamal, Boolee, Jbrad, BG, Nai, Ladonna, JJ, Daniel, Quay, Mal Pal, JoJo, Jamila, Kenny, Karyll, Courtney, Zoe, Mada, Buddy Buddy, EliMuTho(Muggy), Smike, my Pros, LSs, and Neos and so many more beautiful kreaturez to name.

To my furry fam, Ivy the Cat and Xena the American Bulldog.

…I am eternally grateful for you all!

Website: Fashion Apparel, Accessories, Home: www.dakotaharley.co | Art Apparel, Accessories, Home, Blog: www.harleysattik.co

Instagram: dakotaharley | harleysattik

Twitter: dakotaharleyco | harleysattik

Facebook: dakotaharley | harleysattik

Youtube: harleysattik

Image Credits
Cameron Powell of NineJames Photography Carlie Murphy Jr.