Read Kisha Kandeh’s inspiring journey from refugee to fashion visionary with her brand WOKE Clothing, promoting diversity, love, and peace in St. Louis.
Kisha Kandeh, the founder and visionary behind The Woke Brand Clothing, has taken the fashion world by storm with her unique and culturally conscious approach. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Kisha spent part of her life in West Africa before arriving in St. Louis, Missouri, as a refugee in 1997. Since then, she has not only built a thriving fashion brand but also established herself as a cultural ambassador and advocate for diversity, love, and peace.
The Woke Brand is more than just a clothing line; it’s a movement. Kisha describes it as “a conscious piece of apparel” that empowers customers to design their own clothing, giving them the freedom to express themselves through fashion. This concept of fashion as a form of expression is deeply personal to Kisha. She began her journey into fashion after escaping an abusive relationship and finding her voice again through poetry. Her poetic expressions became the foundation for The Woke Brand, as she began printing her quotes on T-shirts and selling them. This was the beginning of a brand that would grow to inspire many.
Kisha’s influence extends beyond the realm of fashion. She has become a prominent figure in the St. Louis community, known for her eclectic artistic showcases and events. Her mission is to promote diversity, love, and peace through her work, encouraging people to “Wake Up” and view life through a different lens. The symbols within her brand, such as the triangle representing the third eye and the lowercase ‘o’ symbolizing openness, reflect this philosophy of awareness, inclusivity, and connection.
The Woke Brand has caught the attention of numerous celebrities, including Bill Bellamy, Reginae Carter, Michael Colyar, and Ronnie from New Edition. Kisha has also made her mark on the local fashion scene by organizing fashion shows and poetry showcases, further solidifying her impact on the community. In recognition of her contributions, July 14th has been officially declared The Woke Brand Day in St. Louis.
Despite the success, Kisha remains grounded in her purpose. She is passionate about giving back to the community, mentoring aspiring business owners, and standing up for the fashion industry in St. Louis. The Woke Brand Clothing founder, recently found herself defending not just her brand but the entire St. Louis fashion community. The controversy began when popular local comedian Lady Re criticized the fashion scene in St. Louis, particularly targeting designers who, in her view, lacked the skills of a traditional seamstress. Her comments sparked a heated debate, with many feeling that she had taken an unnecessary jab at the creativity and effort that go into local fashion shows. Kisha, whose brand embodies inclusivity and empowerment, felt that Lady Re’s remarks were not just an attack on her work but on all designers who strive to express their creativity in unique ways.
In response, Kisha passionately defended the diversity of the fashion industry, emphasizing that design is not solely about sewing skills but about the broader creativity and vision that different types of designers bring to the table. She argued that dismissing someone’s efforts because they don’t adhere to traditional methods is both narrow-minded and potentially damaging to aspiring designers. Kisha’s response highlights her commitment to creating a positive and supportive fashion community in St. Louis, where all forms of creativity are valued and encouraged. Her stand against such criticism reinforces her role as a leader and advocate in the local fashion scene, championing the idea that fashion should be inclusive and accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or skill set.
Kisha has two locations for The Woke Brand. One is at St. Louis Galleria Mall and the other is on Cherokee St. Looking ahead, Kisha envisions The Woke Brand as a franchise, expanding its reach while continuing to be a voice for those who need it most. She wants to be remembered as someone who regained her voice and used it to inspire others, showing the world that fashion can be a powerful tool for change.
#FashionforChange, #RefugeeTransformation, #SocialJusticeFashion
