Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimia Arya.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
I always had a passion for the arts and fashion. I majored in Visual Arts at university, and I knew that was going to be my profession. I started my company with the goal of combining these two passions, in addition to creating a positive impact in the fashion world through sustainable and ethical production. I have been able to successively accomplish this through my namesake Ethical Couture Fashion House, Kimia Arya. We create High Fashion at Zero Cost to Our Planet, and we are a purpose-driven brand at the forefront of responsible high fashion.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
We have had many obstacles to overcome along the way, the main and most recent one was the pandemic. As an emerging designer, it was a really difficult time financially, and also as a leader to make impactful decisions. On the positive side, it allowed for us to pivot and to grow our brand in unexpected ways. We shifted our business model from b2b to direct-to-consumer, and became heavily active on social media. This helped grow our brand exponentially, with an even wider reach than before. Every set back is an opportunity for growth and adaptability.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
I am the founder and creative director of my eponymous Ethical Couture Fashion House, named Kimia Arya. We create made-to-order and ready-to-wear clothing and statements pieces for both Men and Women, in our Atelier known as Maison Kimia. We specialize in silk and silk textile designs, which are created in-house by myself from my original paintings, and have been famously coined as Kimia Arya Silk. All of our garments are also hand cut and hand prepared in our Atelier. All of the materials and notions, including our silks, are locally and ethically sourced, and we take pride in the transparency of our supply chain. We also repurpose the majority of our fabrics from previous collections and donate the remainder to fashion schools for reuse, and we have a business reforestation partnership with OneTreePlanted.org. The Fashion Industry is the second biggest pollutant in the world, next to agriculture, and my team and I are doing our part to reduce the global impact and to promote ethical couture. We are leading by example that you can do good for our planet without compromising quality, and that you can own luxury items that last and that are sustainable, without compromising style. We are a purpose-driven business, in addition to creating tailored suits, beautiful custom clothing, statement pieces, wearable art, bridal gowns, and street couture, which adds to our competitive advantage.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
My best piece of advice for those whom desire to find success is to know your “why”. Why are you doing what you are doing? What problem are you trying to solve? What is your brand purpose? When you know your “Why”, you will always have an anchor and point of reference that will help you stay focused, and to not give up. More importantly, it will help you carve your own path that will ultimately lead you to your desired success.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
Success to me means being better than I was yesterday. I am my only competition and I strive to be better and do better every day. Consistency will out perform experience. As long as you are consistently making progress, no matter the speed, you will become successful in whatever you are aiming to achieve. You must believe in you and your potential, and your people will find you.
What’s next for you?
This is just the beginning for me and my brand. We have a lot in the pipeline and we actively post updates on our social media accounts. Kindly follow us to know more and subscribe to our news letter, via our website, for exclusive content.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
To learn more, kindly visit our website www.kimiaarya.com and follow us on social media across all platforms @kimiaaryasilk. Our Atelier hours are 10-5pm Monday-Friday, by appointment only via info@kimiaarya.com. All pr and media are encouraged to email pr@kimiaarya.com.