By: De’Jah Seabrooks, Follow South Jersey Intern
SOUTH JERSEY – Kayla Ferguson, a passionate designer and stylist, is making waves in the fashion world with her bold, one-of-a-kind designs. From her childhood days in New York, to her recent pop-up shop event in New Jersey, Kayla’s journey to creating her own fashion brand has been shaped by a combination of inspiration, drive, and determination.
A Creative Spark from a Young Age
Ferguson’s love for fashion didn’t come from the typical childhood story of playing with dolls or watching runway shows. Instead, it all began at the age of nine when she started drawing in a simple notebook.
“I remember in school, someone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up,” she recalls. “I knew I loved fashion but didn’t quite know how to make it a career.” Despite being in the fifth grade, Kayla began sketching stick figures and creating outfits, drawing inspiration from pop icons like Lady Gaga and the avant-garde designs featured on shows like Project Runway.
It was these early experiences that planted the seed for what would later become her brand, KAYLZEE.
Turning Passion into Profession
Ferguson says that joy drives her passion for designing.
“Fashion brings me happiness,” she says. “When I’m drawing and designing, it takes my mind off everything else. It’s like a part of me – putting things together is like completing a puzzle.” Her designs are not just about clothing but are deeply connected to her emotions, experiences, and personal expression.
She likens the process of styling to solving a puzzle, finding the perfect elements and making them fit in a unique, artistic way. “It’s about getting that right look together. It feels so satisfying when everything clicks.”
A Vision of Confidence and Uniqueness:
When it comes to what she wants people to feel when wearing her designs, Ferguson has a clear vision.
“I want them to feel confident and special,” she shares. “I don’t like to make too many copies of the same thing. My clothes are often custom-designed, so no one else will have exactly the same look. I always try to add a personal touch, something that makes it unique for the person wearing it.”
Her commitment to creating one-of-a-kind pieces extends to the way she works with her clients. Ferguson hand-paints many of her designs, ensuring that each piece is distinct and cannot be replicated easily.
“All of my designs are hand-painted by me. It’s a lot of work, but it makes each item truly unique,” she explains. “Eventually, I would like to explore printing to make the process a bit easier, but for now, I enjoy the hands-on approach.”
Overcoming Challenges and Building a Brand
Starting a fashion brand is no easy feat, and Ferguson’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. When she first decided to turn her passion for design into a business, she faced the typical hurdles that many aspiring designers encounter – from finding the right resources to figuring out how to balance creativity with the demands of running a business.
“One of the biggest challenges was figuring out how to scale my work while keeping it personal and unique,” she admits. “It’s tough to stay true to my vision while also growing a brand that can reach more people.” Despite these challenges, Kayla’s determination has driven her to keep pushing forward, learning from each obstacle and finding new ways to innovate in her designs.
The Future of KAYLZEE
With a clear passion for her craft and a commitment to creating custom, hand-painted pieces, Kayla Ferguson is carving her own path in the fashion world. As she continues to grow her brand, she remains focused on creating designs that empower people to feel confident, unique, and stylish.
“I want people to know that they are wearing something special,” she concludes. “When someone wears my clothes, I want them to feel like they’re the only ones in the world wearing that design.”
Kayla Ferguson’s story is one of creativity, passion, and perseverance, and with the future looking bright, there’s no doubt that KAYLZEE will continue to make its mark in the fashion industry.
For more information about Ferguson’s designs, check out her Instagram page by clicking here.
- What’s Good in South Jersey? Chris the Barber
- Stockton Hosts Annual Lines on the Pines Event
- Rowan University Virtua Health Opens Research Center
Follow South Jersey provides local journalism which highlights our diverse communities; fosters transparency through robust, localized, and vital reporting that holds leaders and institutions accountable; addresses critical information needs; supports people in navigating civic life; and equips people with the information necessary to partake in effective community engagement. If there is a story or event you think we should cover, please send your tips to news@followsouthjersey.com with “NEWS” in the subject line.
