Meet Kenzie Reeder | Creator/Designer

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

Hi Kenzie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started my first small business back at the end of 2021. I had spent close to half of that year in the Pediatric ICU with my 1 year old son. While spending time there I fell in love with hand embroidery. I had started it just to keep busy but quickly interest peaked on my personal facebook and instagram from people wanting to buy the pieces I made.

I spent the next year building up my facebook group, instagram and stitching til my fingers were sore. I loved it but quickly realized that these pieces took HOURS, and I could only make so much a month. And that is how my first original T-shirt came to be.

I quickly shifted my focus towards Seventh Eclectic and started creating more and more original designs for apparel, drinkware, stickers and more. I didn’t expect but to sell a couple dozen t-shirts but found that people really loved my Traditional Tattoo inspired designs. Ever since I have put all of my energy into growing my brand, finding my people and creating more designs.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Most of my apparel and designs are heavily inspired by American Traditional Tattoo culture. Since I was a young teenager I have been in love with the classic, bold, timeless style. I felt like there weren’t MANY brands out there putting out traditional tattoo inspired apparel and those that were didn’t have a size range that I felt suited all. From early on one of my first core values was to be size inclusive.

As a woman who has always worn larger sizes, it was frustrating to find a cool graphic tee and see that it only goes up to 2XL. What if I wanted a fun “oversized” graphic tee? There wasn’t much of a market for that. So I sourced apparel with great size ranges and started releasing all my designs up to 5XL. (with the exception of a few “vintage” styled pieces) I am currently looking to extend my sizing to 6XL. And no, I do not charge extra for extended sizes. Another ICK I notice in today’s few brands with size inclusion.

to answer the second set of questions:

Getting to where I am today has NOT been easy. I have struggled since day one with juggling the constant work of running a brand alone (solo employee) and being not only a mom to a growing toddler, but managing his disability and medical complexities without nursing. Juggling being a caregiver, mother and business owner has almost been my downfall a few times. But the start of 2024 was a turning point for me. I decided if I wanted to do this right, and grow my brand I needed help. I hired a nurse to help me manage my sons care during the weekdays so I have more time to put towards Seventh Eclectic. It has been an absolute game changer and this year will be my best yet.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I just want people to know when shopping Seventh Eclectic, they are truly supporting a family, a dream, and a mom who is just trying to give her kid the world. They’re shopping with someone who gets butterflies nearly every time I get an order and does this because I love it. They are shopping with someone who is an email away to answer questions, and someone who wants every. single. person. to feel valued and cute. No matter your sex, your gender identity, or your size.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in spring and do not spend too much time in the city aside from working pop up markets. BUT that being said I am a huge fan of POST HTX, I love the food court and how you can try foods from all over the world. The rooftop gives incredible views and there is always some kind of fun event happening. I personally love breweries. I’ve been going to 8th wonder for as long as I can remember, the outside space is so fun. I also love Equal Parts brewing, I vend there once a month (sometimes twice) with Macabre Market and they just have the tastiest beers. Plus it is attached to a tattoo shop & there is almost always a market going on in the show room where you can support some of houstons best small businesses / artists.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
She might be surprised to read this, but the first person that came to mind is Haley Ryan behind Macryan Creative (@macryancreative). She runs a Brand + Website design agency and is so full of knowledge. But she has been following me since I was only doing embroidery and has been one of the most encouraging people on my journey.

Not only is she resourceful, but she cares. And she has redirected my thinking so many times when i’ve struggled with brand identity, imposter syndrome, and even creativity block.

She is just all around a fantastic human who wants to see everyone succeed.

Website: www.seventheclectic.com

Instagram: @seventheclectic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seventheclectic

Image Credits
all images are credit to myself