Meet Klanea Evans: Fashion Stylist

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

Hi Klanea, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
My 4 most important factors behind my success are: My son, Resiliency, God and Trust. My son is the most important factor because his future will be majorly influenced on how I lived my life in front of him. If I fail, I make sure to get back up because he’s watching me. If I work hard, he’ll work hard. If I set goals I make sure that I accomplish them and explain them in the process. I remember growing up and having all of these dreams, but didn’t see many people accomplishing theirs. So, I wasn’t sure if dreams really came true. Now I wonder why they didn’t try harder or where was their own family, friends and support to help them on their way? Where were all the ones that have succeeded their dreams? So, instead of my son going through all of that and living in a land of wonder; I told myself that I’ll never give up. There’s someone more special than I that needs to see what following your dreams actually look like, what it takes, and the reality of maybe having to encourage your own self in the process. As I am learning how to become more resilient, I am also showing him. God has really opened my eyes to the gifts He so graciously given me. He keeps me alive, He keeps my visions active. I’ve learned to trust the gifts I have, I have learned to trust my visions, I have learned to offer trust within my clientele and the work that I provide them. All of my factors seem to just flow together and keep me going to higher levels that I never could have achieved without them.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
So, I come from a family of 10 children and a mother/father whom are still married. I am also a PK (pastor’s kid). I grew up going to church 4 times out the week! We always had to dress up; yes. stockings included even in the SUMMER! High heels, knee length or longer dresses and skirts, long sleeved shirt or has to come near your elbows, and absolutely NO CLEAVAGE! haha. We always had to color coordinate for special services or when the choir sang. It was definitely a fashion show!! Especially at the Holy Convocations in November. O M G. I loved every second of it! My mother had her own tailor and she would always get our dresses made, hair done and new shoes. Oh yeah, she raised us as divas. However, my life was just beginning and I didn’t understand why I wasn’t accepted by other young girls. I have always dressed differently but was humble and sweet. Usually, the “fly/pretty” were popular or had an ample amount of friends. Well that wasn’t the case for me. I guess I was too different because of my religious background and having to wear skirts every single day; no one really accepted me. I started getting bullied by the popular crews and a lot of relationships with the popular guys never worked out for me because of bullies. So, one day in high school, I decided to “F THEM!” I ignored the bullies, I rolled my eyes and gave the popular guys attitude, I hung out with who I wanted to and I dressed how I wanted. I started working 2 jobs to afford my different “moody styles” is what I call it. Whatever mood I am in, that’s how I dress; make up, hair and all. And I ignore everyone else. WE ARE ART. ART IS WHO WE ARE!!! Being able to express myself led me to self love, it led me to peace, it led me to growth, it led me to forgiveness; and it led me to my Utopia. I’ve learned to love me for who I am and the purpose that I have on this earth. I believe that I have more than a passion for fashion; it’s much more than that. I have an adoration for it. I live, eat, drink, and breathe it. My goal is to help others find out who they are in every stage of their life as I have! The time that I spent focusing on my work, myself, and my environment it was all for a reason. I know that my testimony isn’t fully for me, but to help someone else. The rest of the world. We already are aware that life comes with challenges; we will NEVER get away from them until our last day ofc, but yeah. Like, we have to learn to navigate through life just the way I navigate through clothes, hahaha. There’s something positive in those challenges we just have to keep going until we find it! Until we fill completed within that moment. My brand K.Maree Consulting is all about continued growth. I try to embrace everything that comes my way and making others feel good in the process of styling is my catharsis. It’s my dream. My clients and future clients are what makes me keep going. Knowing that everyone needs a little push in a different way, I know that I can’t stop!! So I am here to help dress one person at a time until I make my way around the whole world hahahaha…

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I wish I was an ATL native!! I am actually looking at places in ATL to move to, shhhh… Haha. But I reside in Dubuque Iowa presently. It is such a beautiful city! My favorite place to eat would have to be Brazen! The chef was actually on the tv show Iron Chef. He is sooooo amazing, like, I’ve never had fried chicken at a high class restaurant that tastes like his! LOL! For sight seeing, my friends and I are hikers. We love to go hiking on the Mines of Spain trails, Swiss Valley or the Overlook. These are all beautiful sights to experience. Galena is about 15 minutes over the Illinois bridge, so we spend a lot of time there. The city really keeps up it’s historical looks and vibes. They offer the best cheese platters, wines/beers/burgers, and outside dining with beautiful hanging lights. I feel like I am in Italy every time I go; it’s just a great place to have fun with your friends. You have the option of raunchy places there as well, with cool emo feels and items to purchase or to get your CBD fix or tattoos. Whatever you want loves. lol.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to shoutout my immediate family, whom are the most swaggiest people ever! I am also grateful for my friends that has turned into family; Jessica Paisley (fashion mentor), Lyrikal (music producer), King (son), Local Boutiques and my COGIC family, ofc! Without a firm foundation, I may have fallen into comfortability, or even depression. I have wanted to be where I am for years and I thought it wasn’t possible but because of the prayers, the love, the initiation, the annoying phone calls haha, the press and the consistent encouragement, I am here and I am manifesting that this IS JUST the beginning of an even greater fashion career. I love every single person that I have (and am) worked with, named and unnamed. I am so grateful and hope to share more love on every level that I accomplish.

Instagram: Klanea_Evans and/or Kmareeco

Linkedin: Klanea Evans

Facebook: Klanea Evans and/or Kmaree Consulting

Image Credits
Lu Supply Co and Jolemi Productions