Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelli Raisler.
Hi Kelli, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I decided to start Kalieda Festival Wear in 2019 after attending EDC Las Vegas. I had so much fun making our mirrored outfits and hats. So many people wanted to know where they could get something similar. I have always been a creative person and loved the idea of connecting my love for creating crafty pieces with festival fashion. Since then, I have fallen in love with materials that change in the light and try to find ways to explore with accessories that are both beautiful and fun to wear.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would say some things certainly have been smoother than others. From the start, I have been able to find an incredibly supportive community. I had a lot of people around me that were willing to give me feedback, try out products, and wear them to various events. It took some time to figure out what products work best for us. One thing that has been a bit of a struggle from the start is inventory management. Handmade products just take time to make and for us it can sometimes slow down our sales. We can spend hours making items that sell out in minutes and then have to basically close down the store for a while to make more. Ideally, we could have enough items at all times for anyone to purchase, but we’re just not there yet.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I love working with materials that change in the light as you wear them. I have always been interested in creating experiences with my art. The hats we make today have really become a great mix of art and fashion. I think it’s really special to be able to create something that makes someone feel incredible when they put it on. Something that we really strive for is encouraging people to be themselves and express it through fashion. Embracing your real self is such a powerful form of self-love. If I can make something that makes someone smile when they put it on, I know I have done a good job at the end of the day.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I have learned many things while starting a business during COVID for sure. I would say I have three that have been especially helpful for both my life and business. The first lesson was that I can get through things, even when I’m feeling anxious about them. It can be scary to put yourself out there on social media and put yourself in a position to have people potentially reject your products that you made by hand. Sometimes just being brave enough to try can feel amazing, even if it doesn’t go as planned. The second lesson I learned was to ask for help when I needed it. My brother, Mike, came to Austin right as COVID started. I was getting overwhelmed trying to run my small business on my own and asking him for help made such an impact. I started reaching out to my community for advice or support in times of need and was able to improve things so much faster. Finally, my third lesson was to be patient with myself and my business. Seedlings don’t grow into plants bearing fruit overnight, and burnout can come on so quickly. I have learned to nurture myself and my business along the way to build long-term sustainability and growth.
Contact Info:
- Email: kaliedafestwear@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.kaliedafestivalwear.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kalieda_festwear/
Image Credits:
Models: @theelectricdragon, @kyrstin_nicolexo, @gllittergoddess, @sydandthecity_ @givemeplur @shopgivemeplur @matty__ho photographers: @stephanielephotography, @dmargherite @vismousike
