BUCKHANNON — Kiara Williams, an inspiring local musician and member of the musical group Key to Adam, has found a unique way to blend her passion for music and fashion. Recently, she began designing and sewing her own performance gowns, adding a personal touch to her stage presence.

“My mom told me I’ve always wanted to have my own boutique,” Kiara recalls. “When I started getting into music, I wanted dresses that were both beautiful and unique, but finding long, elegant gowns was a challenge.”

The journey began in earnest last October when Kiara decided to take matters into her own hands. Armed with a mannequin and fabric from various places, she embarked on her sewing adventure.

“I started throwing fabric on the mannequin, and to my surprise, it actually looked good,” she said.

Kiara’s grandmother, a seasoned seamstress with a background working at a local sewing factory, played a pivotal role in her development.

“She really helped me refine it. It was incredible to see it transform from fabric on a mannequin to a wearable dress,” Kiara shared.

The transition from buying to creating her own gowns has been a fulfilling process for Kiara. She remembers the challenge of finding suitable dresses, often resorting to bridal stores or spending a significant amount on custom pieces. Now, she can create exactly what she envisions.

“I just throw stuff up on the mannequin, cut and sew. I don’t even sketch it out. It’s a very organic process,” she says.

This hands-on approach has not only allowed Kiara to express her creativity but also to add a personal touch to her performances. Each gown is designed with a specific event in mind, whether it’s a local fundraiser or an elegant concert.

“One of my favorite gowns was for the Dress for Success event. I even made a matching tie for Adam,” Kiara said.

In addition to performance gowns, Kiara has expanded her sewing skills to create everyday clothing and accessories. From upcycled jeans turned into a dress to cozy warm-up garments she calls “snuggles,” her creativity knows no bounds.

“I make them with heat packs that you can warm up and tuck inside. It’s like having a portable heating pad,” she explained.

Her talent has not gone unnoticed. Friends and fans often inquire about her creations, leading Kiara to consider selling some of her designs online. However, the time-intensive nature of her work makes it less feasible to create custom orders.

“Each piece takes time, but it’s worth it to have something truly unique,” she said.

Kiara’s journey is a testament to her determination and creativity. From aspiring musician to self-taught seamstress, she continues to inspire with her ability to merge her passions seamlessly. “It’s amazing to look back and see how far I’ve come. Each dress is a new challenge, and I love every moment of it,” Kiara reflected.

Kiara recently captured top honors at the highly anticipated Vintage and Vogue Fashion Show, organized by Dress for Success River Cities. This annual event, renowned for its celebration of upcycled fashion and support for women’s professional development, took place in Charleston, West Virginia, and featured a variety of innovative designs created from donated clothing items.

Reflecting on her experience, Kiara shared, “It’s so much fun and very soothing to create these works of art. It’s great to have a creative outlet that allows me to relax and unwind while still being productive.”

The Vintage and Vogue Fashion Show is more than just a showcase of fashion talent; it serves as a fundraiser for Dress for Success River Cities, an organization dedicated to empowering women by providing professional attire, career development tools and a network of support.

Kiara expressed her gratitude for being part of such a meaningful event, saying, “They reached out to us because they wanted us to perform and for me to design for the event. It’s an honor to support an organization that does so much for women.”

As Kiara Williams continues to captivate audiences with her music, her custom-made gowns add an extra layer of elegance and personal flair to every performance, making her truly a standout artist in the local community.