Rising Stars: Meet La’Kishia Harris

Today we’d like to introduce you to La’Kishia Harris. 

Hi La’Kishia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I am a graduate of Tennessee State University (2014) with a Master of Science in School Psychology. Born in Nuremberg, Germany, I have gained the understanding that anything done with discipline daily prepares you for your destiny. 

The day I received my acceptance letter to Tennessee State University, I knew I was destined to be in the Fashion industry. I knew I would be the next Kimora Lee Simmons (don’t judge, she was my idol back in the day). Then I took my Fashion Textile Class. For the first time in my life, I received an F on an assignment! I’d never seen that letter grade ever in my life! I was devastated. So, I called my parents demanding they do something. My father’s response to me was, “Well, it looks like fashion isn’t your thing. You are good with kids, so major in education. Don’t waste any more of my money.” Then he hung up on me. 

Fast forward to now, and I have been an educator for the last twelve years. But this can’t be it. Don’t get me wrong, I love the kids, and it truly is my calling. But advocating for young people for the rest of my life and dress ALL the time professionally? Yeah, no! I can’t get with that. I have to be authentic. The only way to do that is to go back to my first love, fashion. One quote I like to live by is, “No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, show up and never give up.” Authentic Grace is a platform for me to embrace my love for style by encouraging women to live an authentic, meaningful, and purpose-driven life by embracing their imperfections, conquering fears, insecurities, and life struggles, while having style and grace. I am not letting that “F “I received in Fashion Textile nine years ago determine my fate. 

“Don’t be into trends. Don’t make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way you live.” 

-Gianni Versace 

I get asked frequently how do I put looks together. And the answer is truthful I go with what makes me feel good. There’s no method to my madness. I like it. I buy it. I’m not a “trendy” girl, in my opinion. I find pieces that work for my life and body type, and I go for it. I don’t believe in spending a lot on clothes. But handbags, I’ll I blow the budget it for. (I know that’s horrible; I am trying to work on that). I believe everyone has a sense of fashion, but not everyone has a sense of style. Having on designer from head to toe isn’t style. Style is putting your twist on everyday pieces. 

“Fashion is what you buy. Style is what you do with it.” 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My sister passed away when I was 16 years old. I don’t consider it an obstacle or challenge but rather a defining moment for me. Some switched in my head. Prior to her death, I was just a teenager without a care in the world nor did I take anything serious (like more teenagers) However, I had to grow and realize tomorrow isn’t promise. All eyes were on me and I refused to have a pity party for myself or allow folks to take it “easy” on me. 

I know I will always miss my sister, but I will strive daily to make her proud and keep the legacy going. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
“Fashion has to reflect who you are. What you feel at the moment. Where you’re going.”— Pharrell Williams 

I am all about encouraging women to live an authentic, meaningful, and purpose-driven life by embracing their imperfections, conquering fears, and life struggles, all while having style and grace. Some of the services that I provide are. 

Style Consultation: 

Style Consultations can be done virtually or in-person. I will analyze your wardrobe needs and personal style preferences along with your body type to determine the appropriate fabrics and apparel pieces that will make you look and feel your best. This consultation will last about one hour. 

Personal Styling + Shopping: 

This service I will curate 1 to 2 looks for an upcoming event and/or find statement pieces that you can add to your existing wardrobe. 

Closet Curation: 

How many of us are saying “I don’t have anything to wear” for an upcoming event? A closet curation will allow me to look in your closet, determine what to keep and what to let go. I can even donate the let-go pieces to a local women/ men’s shelter for you. Then collectively we can determine what pieces you need to complete your everyday wardrobe. This service can be performed virtually as well. 

Wardrobe Styling: 

I will create a series of 4 or more looks that will have you stop saying “I don’t have anything to wear”. We will incorporate pieces in your current closet or add pieces to curate a polished look. The sky is the limit when we are getting your wardrobe together. 

Wardrobe Styling + Photo/ Video Shoot: 

This service includes the Wardrobe Styling service for a photo/video shoot depending on a theme or specific look. I can also even be on set to help with all your styling needs. This service includes up to 8 wardrobe looks. Additional looks can be provided for additional fee. 

I believe you don’t have to break the bank to be fly. Furthermore, the clothes don’t make you, you make the clothes! I am just here to bring that out of you. 

Any big plans?
This is my year of “yes”. I am welcoming new opportunities with grace and fresh pair of show. I am excited for the future and can’t wait to embrace what the universe has for me! 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lakishiadenise.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/lakishiadenise?utm_medium=copy_link
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/drlakishia?s=21
• Other: Black Girls Next Door Podcast- Apple Podcast + Spotify

Image Credits
Ellen Danielle
Mario Charles Production
Drae Brown