From a young age, Missouri State University alumna Kechena Heard dreamed of becoming a fashion designer. 

Through hard work and determination, she has made that dream a reality since graduating with a bachelor’s degree in fashion design and textile science in 2013. For the past decade, the proud Haitian American fashion designer has been making waves in the world of bespoke formal wear for women.  

“Bespoke fashion is the art of creating clothing that’s a true reflection of the wearer’s personality, style and unique measurements,” Heard said. 

Born in Jean-Rabel, Haiti, and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Heard now resides in St. Louis, where she runs her own fashion brand, “Kechena Designs.”  

“My brand represents empowerment, elegance and authenticity. It’s all about helping women embrace their unique beauty and strength through custom pieces that reflect their personality and story,” Heard said.  

Heard’s journey into fashion began with a desire to express herself, and it blossomed into a successful career. She was recently featured on ABC’s Tamron Hall Show’s “Up & Coming Designer Series.” 

Maximizing education and opportunity 

Heard’s academic journey at Missouri State laid the foundation for her success.  

“My time at MSU gave me a strong technical foundation in fashion design. It’s where I honed my skills in pattern making, fabric manipulation and tailoring,” Heard said. 

One life changing opportunity was an education abroad experience in London, which was offered by her program. She spent three months there.  

“Studying in London gave me a firsthand look at the global fashion industry. It pushed me to think beyond borders and explore creativity in new ways,” she said.  

After graduation, Heard dove headfirst into the industry, participating in fashion shows and refining her expertise in bespoke women’s formal wear.  

Her work eventually caught the attention of national platforms, including the Tamron Hall Show. Here, she connected with her mentor, renowned designer Bibhu Mohapatra. 

“That experience was surreal. Meeting someone like Bibhu, whose work I’ve admired for years, and having the opportunity to learn from him has been a dream come true,” she said. 

A journey of self-expression and representation  

Heard’s motivation to become a fashion designer is deeply personal.  

“Fashion has always been a powerful form of self-expression for me. Since the 8th grade, I knew I wanted to create beautiful, empowering garments that make women feel confident and seen,” she said.  

As a child, Heard was always fascinated by how fabric moved and transformed.  

“I would take my mom’s curtains and repurpose them into makeshift garments, draping them on myself. That’s where my love for design really started,” she said. 

Her work is not only about crafting stunning pieces. She also focuses on representing diversity and amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities in fashion. 

“As a Black, foreign-born designer, there’s often pressure to excel beyond expectations to prove your worth,” Heard said. “Opportunities aren’t always as accessible, and navigating certain spaces can be difficult without the right connections or visibility.”  

Despite these hurdles, Heard’s determination has only grown stronger.  

“I’m passionate about using my platform to inspire others who look like me to pursue their own dreams in fashion,” she said. 

Her recent roles as a fashion influencer for JOANN Fabric and Crafts and as a SHEINX designer have enabled her to achieve that. She has further solidified her place in the fashion industry, while reaching a broader audience and continuing her mission of representing diversity in fashion. 

Creativity and business  

She notes designers do not just create garments. They must also build a distinctive brand. 

Balancing the artistic side of design with the business aspects, such as financial management and brand development, has been an ongoing learning process for Heard.  

Advice for aspiring designers 

For those interested in following in her footsteps, Heard emphasizes the importance of embracing every opportunity to learn and grow.  

“Stay curious, take risks and believe in your unique vision, even when the world tells you it’s impossible,” she said. “You can’t have the good without the bad, and I’d never want anyone to see my success without knowing the hiccups along the way.” 

Learn more about the digital fashion and merchandising program