Kai’lee Marie

Kai’lee is an 18 Year old entrepreneur. She started her business, “Softlyfestylez” back in 2022 just at the age of 16. Softlyfestylez is a crochet clothing and accessories company. According to Miss Marie she can easily adapt to different environments and different situations while still being herself. We had the honor of meeting with her to discuss where it all started for her.

What was the inspiration behind your business?

My mom use to crochet a lot, even when she braided my hair she’d always use left over yarn. After her passing I thought about ways I could still have memory of her while combining that with fashion. I learned how to knit in middle school and from there I self-taught myself how to crochet.

How do you want people to see you and your brand?

Creative, Different, and Stylish

How did you overcome the challenges that you faced while starting your business?

Instead of going out, I stayed in. I worked on what I could work on, still by being in school . Being young and in high school while having a lot of things going on is hard but I started to get used to managing my time properly, and I did that by prioritizing and not rushing anything because nothing comes overnight. It takes time to perfect your craft. I still haven’t perfected what I’m doing but I believe I am on the right track.

What were some ways you balanced your everyday life while maintaining your business?

Whenever I had free time and didn’t have my equipment with me, I would watch videos and memorize patterns while trying to create my own. I tried to use my free time wisely instead of wasting most of my time on social media.

What does success mean to you?

Being fulfilled and happy with what you’re doing! It shouldn’t matter the amount of money you have or get, whats more important is the positive impact you have on others. When your motivation is only needing and wanting, it creates corruption and greed, and you shouldn’t want that in your life.

Where do you want to see yourself in five years?

I want to see myself traveling. Not only do I have a passion to pursue a career in fashion, but I also want to become a travel nurse. I hope to move to New York City and be exposed to the fashion capital while also pursuing my dream of becoming a nurse.

What advice would you give someone who’s starting a business?

Do what is best for you, it is always important to find your own rhythm in whatever you chose to do because what works for others may not work for you. Make sure you always have your goals in mind and never give up.