Meet Kisa Williams: Handbag Designer

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

Hi Kisa, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
When I started my business I had no idea how many people I would actually touch. Every time someone purchases a bag, like a post, re-post or retweets my bag, it brings awareness to my disease. If I can encourage or inspire one person with my disease with my story I feel like my job is done. And with every purchase I donate to organizations who support and educate people with my disease.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way? What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
The one thing that sets me apart from the competition is the unique shape of my clutches and the meaning behind it. I grew up having a rare disease that causes severe pain in my joints. I was born with Sickle Cell Anemia, an inherited disorder of the red blood cells; that means there are not enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. When my clutch is open it resembles a normal round, healthy red blood cell, but when it’s closed it is in the shape of a half moon or a crescent shape just like my cells. Normal red blood cells are round and flexible which means they can move easily through blood vessels. But when a person has sickle cell anemia, some of the red blood cells become deformed, rigid and sticky. Those irregular shaped blood cells can get trapped in small blood vessels, which can then slow or stop blood flow and oxygen to parts of the body. As of today, there is no cure for the disease, just treatment of symptoms. I grew up knowing things would be harder on me. So every time I create a round bag, it reminds me that I can and I will keep going!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would definitely take her to my favorite restaurant Taste Bar + Kitchen on Bagby, they have a brunch to die for. Trez Art and Wine Bar always has good wine selection and I cant forget my favorite Vegan Food Truck, Houston Sauce Company. Then we are going to do a little retail therapy at Mod Chic in Sugar Land and The Ray Affect at 2425 Emancipation Ave in 3rd ward. I would also love for her to try some of my bathroom goodies by “Oh So Sweet Scrubs” all handmade by my friend Alicia Bean. These days with everything going on you can find me at home hanging with my family and my 2 miniature Shih_Tzu’s – Ceyanne and Marley.

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?
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Website: www.kisakisafashion.com
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