A Girl, Africa, Kindness, and Clothes.
When I sit for interviews, or asked this question in person, half of me cringes and the other half is excited for the opportunity to spread KAE’s mission once again. You may hear “cringe” and think why? Well, because, “what is KAE?” is equivalent to the age old interview question, “So, tell me a little about yourself?” Although it seems like an easy question since the answer lies solely in you, it’s really not that simple. Here we are, three years later. Allow us to reintroduce ourselves.
KAE began, on paper, in grad school when my class was told to create a mock business
idea. KAE was later solidified after I graduated and shared the idea with my sister and close friends. However, without calling it “KAE”, this idea of creating something that would help others while doing what I love was planted when I traveled to Uganda, Africa two years prior to grad school to build a school block. It was during this trip and my second trip to Africa a year after, that I saw such a contrast in how human beings lived and thought to myself, “ No matter how miserable life gets, God gives each of us so much to be grateful for- if only we took the time to notice and appreciate it.” The people there had little, but were so kind! With this gift of life that God has given to me, the resources I have, the people I meet, and KAE, I want everyone to understand what it means to exercise “kindness above everything”. I once read, “If you knew everyone’s story, there is not a person you would not love.” That quote is beautiful. Living in our world and getting caught up in our routine, we forget the impact we can have on another person. We see so many horrible things on the news and in our circles, that we sometimes use those things as our “reasons” for being rigid and blinded. I want to KAE to be the bold and intentional reminder that God did not create us or this world to live for ourselves. As a Christian, my purpose here is to hope that others will see God in me. In John 13:34-35, Jesus says that we must “Love one another as I have loved you…By this, all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” I am not perfect, never will be and because God finds a reason to love me anyhow, I challenge others to do the same by putting kindness ABOVE everything.
As KAE grows, so will our SUPPORT. Who decides where the money goes? You! Our aim is to make it easier for shoppers to: 1. Afford trendy and fashionable clothing and 2. Give back in a way that is practical and accessible. With profit made, we strive to create community projects or work with others who need support. I’ve always had an avid interest in fashion and style. Being able to remain trendy without overspending is a skill I take pride in. In being able to combine fashion and philanthropy, KAE Collection thrives. I hope to reach many people in need with KAE. I am overwhelmed and honored simply because I believe it is my time to contribute to this world in the best way I know how- by helping others. The thing that makes KAE pop is the authenticity of its mission and goal. Winston Churchill once asked, "What is the use of living, if it not be to strive for noble causes and to make this muddled world a better place for those who will live in it after we are gone?”
Not one of our supports go unnoticed- whether it be a follower, retweet, repost, or like. We hear and see you and we hope you all will continue on this journey with us and continue in assisting in helping those outside our circles. For everyone who has stuck around with KAE since its creation, we thank you and love you.
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