We had the good fortune of connecting with Linda Kieu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Linda, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

Starting my fashion and travel businesses was an incredibly personal and heartfelt decision. It all began with an unshakable passion for both industries and a belief that life’s most fulfilling paths are often the ones you carve yourself. Initially, I struggled with the notion of choosing just one of these passions, but then serendipity stepped in, allowing me to embrace both simultaneously. This dual pursuit was deeply influenced by my upbringing, where my mother instilled the idea that when existing avenues don’t align with your dreams, you must forge your own.

My journey took a significant turn during a transformative trip to Kenya. The dazzling patterns and high-quality fabrics I encountered there touched my soul. I felt an unwavering desire to share the vibrant beauty of bold African prints with the world. This endeavor also brought me closer to my Kenyan partners, one of whom is now my fiancé. Together, we harnessed my extensive experience in marketing and the entertainment industry to revolutionize the fashion landscape, particularly in the realm of suits. Simultaneously, my global travels revealed an untapped opportunity in the travel industry. Collaborating with my partner, Justin, we embarked on a mission to curate life-enriching experiences through our blog and Instagram posts. This journey was not just about business; it was a deeply personal commitment to independence, a burning desire to address market gaps, and a dedication to shaping our businesses in alignment with our unique vision.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

Professionally, I’m driven by two intertwined passions. Together with my fiancé, Justin, we pour our hearts into crafting African print bespoke suits that seamlessly blend vibrant cultural elements with modern fashion, creating a narrative of self-expression and exploration. Simultaneously, my love for travel has led me to embrace a content creator role, sharing extraordinary experiences from across the globe.

Our journey has been a challenging one. Countless sleepless nights were spent refining our approaches, and time often demanded sacrifices of our free moments. But each sacrifice propelled us closer to our dreams. What excites me the most is the uncharted path ahead. Our businesses have opened doors we never thought possible, promising unexpected opportunities that will take me to places and rooms I’d never imagined. If there’s one message I want to share about our brand and story, it’s the thrill of stepping outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s wearing a boldly colored, fitted suit that tells a unique story or exploring new and uncharted destinations, it’s all about embracing life to the fullest. It’s in these moments that we truly come alive.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

If you have a friend visiting, I’d take them on a journey through my favorite spots in town:

Monday: We’d start with a visit to the Brooklyn Museum to explore the Africa Fashion Exhibit and then indulge in delicious West African cuisine at Cafe Rue Dix.

Tuesday: We’d hang out in the iconic Dumbo area, savoring slices of Grimaldi’s Pizza with the Brooklyn Bridge as our backdrop.

Wednesday: We’d head to Manhatta for rooftop drinks, enjoying breathtaking views of Manhattan.

Thursday: A shopping day in Soho with some great people-watching, followed by dinner at Las Lap for mouthwatering Caribbean cuisine.

Friday: We’d experience the magic of Broadway with ‘MJ The Musical,’ explore Times Square, and savor exquisite sushi at Sushi By Bou.

Saturday: A relaxing day with a picnic at Central Park, featuring a hearty plate of halal food from the Halal Guys.

Sunday: We’d bid farewell with an unforgettable brunch at Jacob’s Pickles. Enjoy the city!”

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my incredible fiance, Justin. His unwavering support and partnership in both life and business have been a constant source of inspiration. Every day, his encouragement motivates me to strive for the best version of myself. The accomplishments we’ve achieved together have been nothing short of amazing. I’m immensely grateful for his shared vision and the pivotal role he’s played in elevating The Fashionable Frequent Flyers and The Wakilisha Collection to new heights with me.

Website: https://thewakilishacollection.com/ & https://thefashionablefrequentflyers.com/

Instagram: @Thewakilishacollection & @qinstilettos

Image Credits
Visionize Media & Gabrielle’s House of Photography

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