Meet Kimico Atkins | FoundHer & Faithpreneur

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

Hi Kimico, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Years ago, I was given the vision of a clothing brand which at that time was simply called Kolored. Through my faith walk I am constantly reminded of God’s faithfulness and His unwavering hand over my life. My personal relationship with God has matured and it is steadily evolving as am I. One of the most important things I learned is that we are all created with a unique plan in mind as reminded in Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
You and I are not an accident and even before the earth was created God had us in mind and He planned us for His specific purposes. He created, designed, fashioned, molded us on purpose, with purpose, and for purpose. Your purpose is different than mine and mine is different than the next person and so on. In pursuit of my purpose I began to commit to live on purpose, so my apparel speaks to those that are seeking to live a faith filled life on purpose, it is their everyday lifestyle. Oftentimes in your journey this may challenge you and your ideology, however, the benefits of being unmovable in your faith are well worth it. I celebrate you where you are in your journey and look forward to introducing more to the brand as the vision unfolds.
Purpose /pərpəs/ is defined as “the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc. It is “an intended or desired result; end; aim; goal
Faith /fāTH/ Complete trust or confidence in someone or something.
Kolored On Purpose means one created on purpose, intentionally by God, for His purpose as reminded in Jeremiah 29:11. Your life experiences and lessons kolored you for your purpose.
“It’s not about a brand or label but about the lifestyle in which you wear your faith (complete trust in God) on purpose”.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My purpose in life as a nurturer is to help others along their faith journey. Using apparel enables me to do the work I was purposed to do. I get the creative opportunity to express and remind others that we all have a purpose, which is usually connected to our passion. I get to push the envelope on designing apparel or accessories that are different, not another me too cookie cutter apparel line. No I see bigger, I want more, I want what God has for me. I see this brand as a start for a movement. I call it a clothing ministry. Seriously. As a clothing ministry, we minister to others by wearing our faith outside the walls of the church, the physical building. We are that (physical) building and as we travel through our everyday lives, we are Re-presenting God. Our clothing makes an impression on those we encounter by reaffirming the good news – a message of hope, love, and faith to draw others to Christ.

Kolored On Purpose is a Christian lifestyle brand dedicated to making Black Christian Women feel included, embraced, and empowered through products reflective of themselves and their God-given identity. Whether she’s attending a social event, casual outing, team-building function, running an errand, or at the gym, we provide options that equip her to look good and feel confident while wearing her faith, unashamedly.

We believe using clothing as an expression of our faith encourages us to make a bold and visible statement to others about who we are and whose we are. Faith is woven into our DNA; it is the very component that is fundamental to our (personal) relationship with God (inward) which allows us to have a conversation with others when they inquire about our attire (outward).

Clothing, like music, is an integral part of your identity and culture. As a Christian, your faith is your identity, so I decided to wear it.

You get to be the billboard of my design but God’s message.

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.
Well I live in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati is known for chili, in particular Gold Star Chili or Skyline Chili. I do have a favorite but I will not list it here. You have to go there to get coneys, or three ways or even vegetarian options. We would definitely visit there. The first stop would be to see the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center that is a whole two day visit if not three, it is based on the history of the Underground Railroad and a great history lesson if you are not familiar or forgot. We would definitely do a scenic walk along the Ohio River banks in downtown where I am sure we would get drinks from the local bars down there or uptown in Clifton or across the river at Newport on the Levee. Yeah we would definitely go there. We would have lunch at the Rooftop Garden eatery and take in the city from above. We would order light appetizers and drinks and chit chat. I know she likes cigars so they have a cigar lounge, I would treat her there. And as we are picking up some things to take back to the house we would have to stop for groceries at this little market in Hartwell called Country Fresh, we would also get a wine tasting in while shopping. Take a morning walk in the park at Winton Woods and spin at College Hill Recreation Center. She might be tired by then but we would manage to get a play in at either Playhouse in the Park or Ensemble theater of local artists who are underrepresented. Finally we would listen to music on Alexa and the soundbar and enjoy the peace and serenity of our lives, for we are blessed. And for her road trip back home of course I would pack her some oils, candles, body butters, fruit snacks, jams, crackers – all from local artisans and black entrepreneurs including myself.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to Shoutout those who have supported me in my journey, too many to list but definitely in no particular order, my family, my husband, my associates, colleagues, mentors, business coach, spiritual mother, and a host of supporters. If you have ever supported me in any way be it monetary through purchases, sowing a seed through donation, or simply liking, sharing, or spreading the word that we exist – Thank you!

Website: https://getkoloredonpurpose.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimico-atkins-7804a31a2

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KoloredPurpose

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KoloredOnPurpose

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVt0ecfEnRdOn3zlGF7-Gpw

Other: https://koloredonpurpose.com/