Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiara Vaughn.
Hi Kiara, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Also known as “Key Toii”. I am the Founder of “Keys 2 the City” and owner of “Spoonfed Collection” which is located in Detroit, MI. I have been hosting “Keys 2 the City” for five consecutive years. Keys 2 the City is an event that I host about 3/4 times a year that helps assist small businesses with branding, networking and growing sales. My large following and growing platform help attract new customers for the small businesses that are involved in the event. There is always about 85 or more small businesses that participate in each event. I have also Hosted an Event called “Keys 2 the Street” and this event helps Felons get Job placement, expungement, housing and school grants. I’ve assisted with Coats for Kids, Adopted kids for Christmas, I’ve given a car away to a family in need, I’ve donated clothes to mothers in need, I have went to several high schools to teach and encourage them to start a business, I have done seminars for the youth, the weak and the depressed. So I am very much involved in my community. I started Silver Spoon’d Collection five years ago as well until three years ago became Spoon Fed Collection. My collection started as a kid’s custom fur jacket line and became more about urban joggers and t-shirts for adults and kids. Today I am still active with Spoon Fed Collection as well as Keys 2 the City. I also currently manage two music artists @najjthegreat and @makeasaleboog. I’m currently working on my online boutique and custom frame wear releasing next spring.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been easy, Entrepreneurship is not for the weak. My business has been up and down with sales, I’m starting to really know my dry season and my money-making season so this helps with saving money and not spending extras on inventory. It’s so hard getting people to love what you love or even buy what you create. I have to constantly think of new styles, new marketing ideas, and new ways to draw in new customers and cater to my current customers as well. Its been times I had no sales at all, so it’s almost discouraging at times. Trying to run a small business, run a household and take care of kids is really a task. I’ve had times where the manufacturer literally designed my whole order wrong with no refund, I’ve had inventory not come on time when I had my first pop-up, I’ve had people call me a scammer when one of my events went wrong. (And that was hard to get ppl to trust me again to even do another event). I’ve went to jail because a vendor didn’t come to get their tables and chairs (from one of my events) I have lost tons of money and barely made enough money, but I’m still determined that I will succeed and get further as an entrepreneur.
As you know, we’re big fans of Spoon Fed Collection and Keys 2 The City. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Spoon Fed Collection is an urban clothing brand that caters to the younger crowd with unique and bright designs. We specialize in kids’ clothing but cater to adults as well. You can find us online at spoonfedcollection.com. MY most proud brand moment would have to be getting a billboard for both my businesses. Keys 2 the City is an event hosted in Detroit, MI that helps small businesses brand, network and gains new customers. This event is free to the public. 85% of my vendors that attend of events sell out of inventory. This event is known to be one of the biggest Sip and Shops in the City. If you are ever in the Metro Detroit Area and want help growing your business, this event is for you.
How do you think about happiness?
Helping people makes me happy, I just love helping people grow, I love being resourceful, I love making people smile. My whole life I had to figure a lot out on my own, I had help from my closest family but I always wish I had a mentor that would help me make better choices, so I love helping people make better choices, especially by sharing my story and my resources with them. I love blessing people, I love giving back. I’m not my best if I don’t feel like I can contribute to the community and help give back.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.spoonfedcollection.com
- Instagram: bigkey313. and spoonfedcollection
