Originally from Ohio, designer Kandis May has always found herself surrounded by fashion and the art of creating clothes. Since the age of eight, after her mother, Gale May, began a community sewing class, Kandis has been immersed in the world of piecing together and creating clothing. As a child, Kandis’ mother would do different things in the community around the time of Kwanzaa, such as events to educate community members on African history, principles, and traditions. She would also call her name Kuumba, one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Being inspired by her mother’s
enthusiasm to bring her own ideas to life, Kandis made the decision to take a step forward with her sewing and fashion designs.
In it’s beginning stages, Kuumba Creations was started as a means to get Kandis’ mother back
into sewing. After breaking her neck about 12 years ago, she stopped sewing for a long time due physical limitations. As a way to inspire her to get back into what she loved, Kandis began Kuumba as a mother and daughter venture to invigorate her while providing assistance for the things that she was not physically able to do. Now housed in Tallahassee, FL, what started as a way for the two to bond has quickly grown into a business showcasing the talents of this mother-daughter pair
Kandis May sat down with AFIYA Magazine to share more about Kuumba Creations, her style and why she creates.
FULL STORY IN MAR/APR ISSUE
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AFIYA Magazine looks to enhance the awareness and knowledge of wellness issues important to African-American women while providing a platform for us to grow, expand, and develop within our personal and professional lives.
