Meet Kayla Franklin | Owner & Creator

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

Hi Kayla, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
I started this brand and business with big thoughts of inclusivity for kids and what that looks like to me. I am a mother of two a girl and a boy and shopping for them became an uncomfortable struggle. With a clear division in clothing stores, one side being bows, sparkles and unicorns and the other side filled with dinosaurs, sharks and trucks. My daughter likes video games and science but there were never any graphic tees in her “section” that allowed her to express those likes. I started finding myself buying shirts for my daughter in the boys section. It felt taboo, like I had to keep it from her that we were buying from the boys section. I hated that, because what in the world classifies Minecraft and outer space a “boy” only thing? That’s when I got my idea, no sections! Why are we gendering clothes. Why are we making it seem like certain genders can only like certain things? Kids should be allowed to be kids and like what they like with no judgment and no labels. And so the Inclusive Apparel for Kids slogan was born!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I launched my website in January of this year. Right now the main part of my business is my line of graphic tees. I design them all myself and I also print them all myself! This is something I taught myself how to do, there was a lot of trial and error and learning different methods and techniques but I tackled that learning curve. Now I love designing shirts. The most exciting part about starting this business is that this is just the beginning. I have big plans for this brand and boutique. I have original cut and sew designs that I want to create down the line. I will need a partnership with a good manufacturer to do this and I’m working on that behind the scenes. For now I’m starting out with graphic tees and journals and other accessories that I create myself. It’s been four months and I know slow and steady wins the race. So I just want everyone to know if you like what you see now support me and my business, continue to follow and you will not be disappointed. Someday I’ll have a storefront where everyone is welcome, and there won’t be any girls or boys sections no separation of the pinks and blues. Just a space filled with uniquely designed clothing and accessories for all.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Number one always is the Breakfast Klub! I love their wings and waffles and I take everyone there for breakfast it’s one of my favorite places. After that we’d have to hit up the new Post Houston. They have new exhibits all the time, markets and awesome food vendors. Plus that rooftop is the prime spot for a selfie in the city. If we haven’t had lunch yet I’d stop in Franks pizza for a slice. Lastly cause I’m a dinner and a movie type girl probably checkout rooftop cinema to end the day!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Instagram fam! To be more particular there are a few names I’d like to mention. Starting with Candace. (@conversationswithcandace) Candace and I have a mutual friend, that I’ll mention later, but otherwise our friendship started on Instagram. Her friendship and support is so important to me because she supported me, encouraged me and shouted me out on social media without ever even meeting me in person. We mad e a real connection on social media and now we see each other almost everyday. She supported me from the start, she donated to my kickstarter, she encouraged me and gave me advice and it really showed me that there are truly amazing people in this world. Moving on to Miss Valaencia (@iamvalaenciathompson) I went to high school with her and we reconnected through her founded community of women called glittered in goals. Valaencia just inspires, she has led me to learn more about myself. And what it looks like to go after the things I want just by simply sharing her own testimony and sharing her success and her struggles.

Website: Orionandolivia.com

Instagram: @orionandolivia