Community Highlights: Meet Kianna of Refined Peddler Apparel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kianna.

Hi Kianna, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Refined Peddler started when I was in college, I always knew I wanted to have my own business of some sort and there were a lot of steps that kind of helped me get to the role I am in today, which is so cool to look back upon.

I was originally an interior design major and planned on using my degree to start an independent design firm. Well, my junior year of college came around and I had this feeling that this was not for me, I did not love it, I was confused and it just was not the path I had envisioned in my head. I just knew I wanted a degree that would get me out of school haha and allow me to reach my end goal which was owning a small business in my local community to give back and pour some love into the small-town USA! So, I looked into some other degrees that were available and that would still allow me to graduate on time, and “fashion merchandising” just spoke to me.

I was amazed that I had never thought of owning my own clothing store, and I have always loved fashion. Growing up getting to go shopping and put together outfits was something I so enjoyed, and in high school, I loved getting dressed up for school and that’s when it all kind of “clicked”. So, I switched my major, and my senior year of college I launched Refined Peddler Apparel as the beginning step and knowing that someday I would want to make it my full-time career.

And here we are today. I am married to a farmer, a full-time momma, and operating my small business all from our family farm. It really is a dream come true especially since a lot of the fashion industry is associated with the corporate world in big cities I’m so grateful to get to be involved in the industry right here in rural America.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For the most part, yes, but there are always bumps along the way. I think the hardest part of owning your own business is just always reminding yourself of the reason why you are here + why you want to keep going. There are days when business is tough, or you are exhausted or overwhelmed but then you get to interact and make connections with your customers or people you have met along the way and it is all worth it.

I always say “people buy from people” and I want to be the person that is always welcoming with open arms + just totally genuine in everything my business touches. And nothing is better than when a customer tells you how much they love the products or the packaging or that you inspired them to try something and it’s just the best feeling.

I think social media and the online retail world is a big struggle too, just getting in front of the right audience and remembering that you won’t be for everyone. And not to compare my business and its success to others’ success. Something else that I and my business have really had to work on is balance. This really played a role when I became a Mom in 2021, and I know that I want to be a mother first and a business owner second and I am SO grateful that I get to combine the two!

And show my little gal and other young females that they can do anything they set their mind to!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I think one of the main things brand-wise that I try to focus Refined Peddler Apparel on is that God has a bigger plan for everything in life. And while my business is selling apparel my ministry is always spreading light and love and just Jesus.

Being kind and uplifting and especially on social media trying to be a happy place for gals to land whether it’s just finding some style inspiration, sharing recipes, spreading some light on the agriculture industry, showing other moms that they can do things with their baby on their hip, or being a positive influence to younger gals who are not sure what their path may be yet and letting them know that being unique is amazing quality! Don’t be like the rest of them.

Something I think that I also want RPA to be known for is natural fibers and having more of a sustainable approach to fashion. I really combine the love of fashion + apparel with having a sustainable edge thru the quality, fibers, how we launder our apparel, mending it, styling and layering is also a big deal for me. But not in an all-or-nothing way like some of the sustainable fashion world is, I feel like there is a happy medium and small choices can make a HUGE impact.

We don’t need to buy every article of clothing we see, smaller but more versatile wardrobes are the best. And buying natural fibers can really make a larger impact than we realize. As well as having apparel that can be styled many different ways so we really extend the life of a simple garment rather than wearing it once and donating it. I want your Refined Peddler Apparel pieces to be what you reach for 1 to 2 times a week, and they last and you feel confident in them.

I just love that kind of stuff.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
In a social media-obsessed world and with so many businesses to influence us, just follow the ones that bring you joy and shed some light.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.refinedpeddler.com
• Instagram: @refinedpeddlerapparel
• Facebook: refinedpeddlerapparel