Meet Kelsey Thomas | Fashion Designer

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

Hi Kelsey, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
I have always had the most ambitious dreams/goals. As a kid, all I did was dream of a life I wanted for myself. Although I dreamed it, honestly I never saw it happening due to my environment. Once I changed my environment, my dreams turned into reality and the opportunities have become endless. The goal post for me is constantly moving, as I am still learning my own potential.

When I first started designing clothes, I used to dream of owning my own store in my hometown. I did that at 19 so my goals broadened. I then wanted to participate in my first fashion show, I curated my own in Atlanta at 22. After the fashion show, everything moved fast and I was selected to be apart of New York Fashion Week, which I thought was far out of reach, since 2022, I have participated in 2 NYFW shows. From then I had dreams of collaborations with global brands and to have my garments on display in Paris. I recently just restocked my sold out collection with SHEIN and my brand will be on the runway in October in Paris, France.

In the end, overall I want to be a global icon in the avant garde/couture & streetwear world. My designs to be noticeable in editorials, runways, red carpets, store fronts, etc. My end goal would be to make an impact in the industry and open doors for other designers that look like me, coming after me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am most proud of my originality and uniqueness that I display in my creations. More than often, you will be able to identify my garments in a line up.

I got to where I am today due to perseverance and determination. So many things have happened to deter me from this path, but if it had not been for me telling myself to not give up, reminding myself why I started and God being on my side, I am not sure where I would be. Many things have happened to me on this journey from death, depression, debt, loss of long term friendships, betrayal, domestic violence, sexual assault, harassment, failed businesses and much more, which were all reasons for me to give up, but I know that my reason for being here on earth is much larger than what I endure. The impact that I have already left and will continue to make is more than enough to remind me to keep going, which is what my grandmother would have wanted.

I want the world to know that Khomela is a brand that was created out of passion, love and used to express the ones that somehow cant seem to use words. The journey isn’t easy, but it is well worth it.

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.
Eat- Dona Leti’s, Prospect Park, Turkey Leg Hut, Lotus Seafood, Lost & Found
Relax/ Be Creative – Levy Park, Buffalo Bayou Park, Smither Park, Hermann Park
Hang Out – Uptown Lounge, Bayou Heights, Behind Closed Doors

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate this Shoutout to my grandmother Chomel. She is the reason behind my whole company Khomela. As a young child that did not know how to express themselves verbally, only in creative spaces, my grandmother fed into my creativity in ways that no one else did. She supported me from the very start at the age of 8, and she did it very proudly. She always spoke life and encouragement into me when I thought no one was paying attention.

Website: https://khomela.org

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

Twitter: khomela_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thekhomela?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC90lqM7Hkmdbys5_FpB6RGw

Other: https://linktr.ee/kelseykhomela

Image Credits
Brown Dress w/ open cut & Rhinestones by Brick: Alfred Beverly
Tan Maternity Photo: Lydell Nelson Jr.
Times Square Black Outfit (Lace) : Kelsey Thomas (Khomela Photography)
Couple in Purple & Black/White Suits: Kelsey Thomas (Khomela Photography)
Lace skirt w/corset on Stairwell: Kelsey Thomas (Khomela Photography)
Kelsey/Owner w/Book Pic : Jared Patrick