How My Nan Inspired Me to Start a Boutique: Dressing for Confidence Not Just Size

There's something incredibly powerful about clothes. They can lift your mood, help you express who you are, and most importantly, make you feel comfortable in your own skin. But what happens when the clothes available don't do any of that?

That's the question that planted the first seed in this journey with my mum - and it all started with my nan. 

Growing up, my nan was my biggest supporter, and she still is to this day, she is my inspiration, who I wanted to be when I grow up. She always had a sharp eye for detail, the way she captured you with her confidence, when she was in her cafe (Coastal Treats) her cooking held your attention and made you come back for more. She always felt like a boss lady.

But after she retired, I noticed a change in her over time, especially when it came to shopping for clothes. What used to bring her confidence turned into disappointment and frustration

I remember one day like it was yesterday. Nan just came home from a shopping trip looking a little bit upset, asking what was wrong she said that she went to every boutique in town and couldn't find anything she liked, and it was all cater to the young ones. If she liked something it either didn't go to her size or wasn't cater to her shape or her age, it was like nothing was made with her- or people like her- in mind.

"Why do all the clothes that are made for my generation, make me feel older than I am, why isn't there a store dedicated to my age and why do they look like my husband has died" she said 

Putting on a dress that doesn't fit right and has no colours it whatsoever. It hurt see her put on a smile, and not seeing the confidence nan I know hit me hard. 

Why should anyone have to settle for clothes that don't fit their body right or making you feel older than you are, or your size can only be find online and not in stores. Why should confidence be a luxury reserved for select size, shape or generation.

That's when I knew I had to do something.

I didn't start this boutique because I wanted to sell clothes- I started it because I wanted to help people feel seen, celebrated and stylish at every stage of life. I wanted to create a space where people like my nan could walk in and actually look forward to trying on clothes. A place where the pieces are made with real bodies in mind not just mannequins. 

KACI is my dedication to my nan- to her resilience, her beauty, and her belief that everyone deserves to feel good in what they wear. It's about more than fashion. It's about feeling comfortable and confidence in your clothes, and in yourself.

And every time a customer leaves looking and feeling more confidence and loving they new outfit, I think pf my nan and smile. Because that's exactly what she deserved.

And now, thanks to her, I get to help others feel the same.

Lots Of Love 

Kyra xx