If you were to visit local fashion designer Kenya Buchanan’s website or Instagram, you’d be immediately greeted with adjectives like “custom,” “luxury,” “elegant,” and “intricate.” But if you were to strike up a 10-minute conversation with the visionary behind the wording, you would find more than just beautifully sculpted dresses and designs — you would see a creative pioneer with a passion for giving back.
Reflecting on how she’s able to pour into young talent, Buchanan said: “My motto and business have always been about more than just a gown. After we’ve designed their gown, they still have access to me and always will. I used my talent of being Kenya B. to give them Kenya — someone able to mentor young girls.”
Buchanan didn’t have the typical beginnings in fashion: After graduating from Fairfield High School in 1998, she believed the mortuary was where she belonged…