Today we’d like to introduce you to Kailee Steward.
Hi Kailee, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Growing up, I dreamt of being a designer and would rip, sew and alter things to make them my own. Music and fashion were (and are) the great loves of my life. I felt a sense of nostalgia for a time long gone and one I never experienced. I wanted to recreate parts of it in my own way which lead me to begin I’m With The Band.
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?
The journey has been an interesting one and an amazing experience so far. I’ve learned to get as comfortable as I can riding the roller coaster that is owning your own business and having to become adept at all parts of it. Even those that don’t come naturally to you. It’s been a long road to where we are today. Some challenges include getting traction in the beginning. Learning how to grow and scale a business and the issues that come with it. Producing goods while trying to maintain sky-high standards and supreme quality. Learning how to build a small team. Learning what works and what doesn’t the hard way. Realizing what used to work no longer works and relearning and adapting to the ever-changing landscape that is our world today. Overall, rolling with all the ups and downs of running a business.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I own and run I’m With The Band. We make accessories in Los Angeles that evoke the spirit of the 1960s and ’70s. A large part of our creations are made from deadstock, remnant and recycled fabrics. We also design some of our own original prints. I’m proud that we’re able to use a lot of fabrics that might otherwise be headed to a landfill and give them a rockin’ new life. That we make our goods in Los Angeles and are able to support other small businesses along the way. With music as the greatest inspiration behind what we do, we’re known for creating pieces that look like something you might find Mick Jagger, Keith Richards or Brigitte Bardot rocking 60 years ago. Iconic prints, classic silhouettes with a modern flair and immaculate styles make our accessories recognizable and so very I’m With The Band.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Have passion for what you do. It’s such a challenging and rewarding road to walk running a business. I don’t think I would have made it this far or this long if I didn’t have something to keep my inner furnace lit when things get tough.
Pricing:
- Our standard prices range from $12-$74
Contact Info:
- Website: https://im-with-the-band.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imwiththeband/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imwiththebandheadbandsandturbans
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ImWithTheBandHB
- SoundCloud: https://open.spotify.com/user/yldr2rjjq8y8fgl15x1sox59w?si=4999aae663504d2c
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/imwiththebandLA/
Image Credits
Champagne Cochran, Tyler Stewart, Jason Augustine
