Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Dickie
Hi Kayla, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Kikos Kloset started as a side hustle during the pandemic, but it quickly became something much bigger than I ever expected. With a background in design and Art Direction, I’ve always had an eye for storytelling—whether through visuals, branding, or fashion. But my love for vintage clothing had been brewing for years, and during lockdown, I finally took the leap and launched Kikos Kloset as a passion project.
What I didn’t expect was how fast it would take off. Almost overnight, my dancing videos showcasing vintage pieces went viral. People resonated with my philosophy: “If you can’t dance in it, why wear it?” Fashion should be expressive, freeing, and full of movement. Orders started pouring in, and I realized I couldn’t keep treating this like a side hustle—I had to go all in and see where it would lead.
Now, five years later, Kikos Kloset has grown into more than just a vintage shop. It’s a space where history, sustainability, and self-expression collide. I’ve traveled far and wide to source rare, one-of-a-kind pieces, restored historical garments, and built a community that values fashion as something to be danced in. Based in Venice, CA, I’m constantly inspired by the creative energy around me and the endless possibilities of what’s next.
As I continue expanding—from personal styling services to curated events and beyond—my mission remains the same: to help people find pieces that make them feel alive, confident, and free to move through life with ease and joy.
And this is just the beginning. ✨
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was keeping up with the rapid growth of my business. Kikos Kloset grew very fast, which was incredible, but as many small business owners know, initial hype isn’t enough—long-term success comes from building a loyal customer base. I knew that sustaining momentum and turning first-time buyers into returning clients would be key. Navigating that while learning how to scale and adapt was definitely a journey. But like any business, growth comes with change, and I’ve learned to evolve alongside it. Every challenge has pushed me to refine my vision, improve my processes, and stay true to what makes Kiko’s Kloset special. And through it all, the business has continued to grow, proving that adaptability and consistency are just as important as the initial spark of success.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Kikos Kloset is a vintage fashion shop where history, sustainability, and personal expression come together. I specialize in curating unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that bring timeless fashion into modern life. From antique garments to bold Y2K finds, every item in Kikos Kloset is handpicked for its character, craftsmanship, and the story it tells.
I quickly became known as the “dancing girl in vintage” online back in 2020, a nickname that helped propel Kikos Kloset into the spotlight. Through my dancing videos, I showcased how vintage pieces could be fresh, fun, and full of life. That visibility opened the door to collaborations with major brands, costume designers, fashion designers, and now pop ups across the country—experiences that have shaped and expanded my vision.
Today, Kikos Kloset is an internationally recognized brand, with my offerings extending beyond just selling clothes. I now offer personal styling services and continue to collaborate with creatives. For local clients, I offer one-on-one shopping appointments where client’s come and shop my larger collection. I have 11 racks of vintage clothing so the appointments are always a blast, since many pieces are often not yet listed online.
At the heart of Kikos Kloset is my belief that fashion should represent freedom of expression and joy. But most importantly, lived in. Whether it’s a rare vintage find or a custom piece designed with love, I want every customer to feel confident and inspired. As the brand grows and evolves, I’m excited to see where this journey will take me and to continue sharing my love for fashion, music, and creativity with the world.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The Covid-19 crisis taught me many valuable lessons, but one of the most important was the power of emotional connection. During this time, I was battling deep depression, and Kikos Kloset became my emotional saving grace. It allowed me to express myself unapologetically, and that creative outlet was incredibly healing. I began sharing my dancing videos online, where I’d wear beautiful vintage clothing and pair it with great music. It wasn’t just about the clothes—it was about feeling free, joyful, and alive.
What I didn’t expect was how much people would resonate with that energy. In a time when so many felt isolated and disconnected, dancing outside sparked a sense of joy and togetherness, not only for me, but for the rest of the world. The emotional bond that grew from that experience wasn’t just beneficial to my followers—it helped me heal, too. It’s still wild to think that this business grew entirely online in the beginning. .The support and positivity from the community reminded me that creativity and authenticity have the power to uplift and connect us all, even in the darkest times.
Kikos Kloset became a lifeline for both my mental health and my business, and the way the world received it was something I will always cherish. It showed me that when we express ourselves fully, the world can meet us with love, and that has stayed with me as I continue to grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kikoskloset.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kikos.kloset/
