Silk. Sequins. Satin.
If it’s a fabric type, I bet Victoria Kageni-Woodard has it.
The York County-based independent designer has piles and piles of colorful and patterned fabrics that she uses to create the clothing designs of her wildest dreams.
Kageni-Woodard, born in Kenya, has always felt a passion for sewing and design. With encouragement from her parents, Kageni-Woodard moved to the United States in 1991 and honed her skills at Savannah College of Art and Design.
“It’s just fascinating to see that my life has continued to be this creative thing that continues to evolve,” said Kageni-Woodard.
In 2016 Gusa By Victoria was founded. Now, Kageni-Woodard works with clients across the country to create bespoke shirts, dresses and wedding dresses.
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Additionally, she has pre-made pieces available for purchase in her online collection at victoriakageni.com.
While it really depends on what she’s currently working on, Kageni-Woodard said she can finish a piece of clothing like a shirt in hours. A wedding dress, on the other hand, could take several months.
First, his muses and inspiration are the women who live in his community, especially women in the world of work.
“Now that I call York home, this is where I find inspiration among the people I live with,” said Kageni-Woodard.
Her influence goes beyond fashion and she wants everyone to know that her story and talents don’t stop at the sewing machine.
Kageni-Woodard hosted two Gusa Dining Excursions in Central Market York where she had the opportunity to cook traditional Kenyan dishes for the community.
The Gusa World Music Festival, meanwhile, has been bringing the community together for four years through a variety of instruments and songs.
“He always seems to want to surround me with good things and creativity has taken me this far,” said Kageni-Woodard.
That sentiment couldn’t be truer for Kageni-Woodard, in the form of a new idea that has blossomed in her most recent project.
A subscription box, called a “story box”, will focus on empowering women by introducing clients to various influential women from different parts of the world.
The box will contain a set of five items of clothing intended to be worn during the work week, made with African print decorations that help illustrate the story of a specific community leader.
The box will also contain literature and educational tools, as well as jewelry to match each piece of clothing.
“This subscription box is meant to inspire and encourage women to celebrate our differences no matter where they come from,” said Kageni-Woodard. “Always ideas, ideas and more ideas.”
Editor’s Note: York Against The Grain is a monthly series from The York Dispatch. We aim to highlight the unique small business owners in the county who deserve recognition for the work they are doing. Do you want to appoint a company? Reach Tina Locurto at tlocurto@yorkdispatch.com or on Twitter at @tina_locurto.
