We had the good fortune of connecting with Khatera DeGrate and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Khatera, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk taking is one of my favorite things to do. I’ve always been the type to try my luck at things just to see if I can do it, especially if someone said it couldn’t be done. I think about risk taking as a gamble, either it’s a win or loss. Regardless of the outcome, the result is still a learned lesson that I could add to my knowledge.

Taking risks has gotten me to display my clothing at fashion shows, work sales jobs I had no knowledge in, generate a bigger clientele for my business, and different platforms/creatives reaching out to me.
While taking risks, I also took a lot of losses. That included losing money, sleep, product, motivation, and even “friends.” Majority losses inspired me to rebrand from, “KD Apparel” to what’s now, “Khatera’s Chamber.”

All in all, risk taking allowed me to gain stronger confidence and a stronger mindset. It has developed me into a strong young woman, who isn’t afraid to go after what she wants until she gets it.

Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Authenticity and my work ethic is what set me as a person and my clothing brand apart from others. The creativity I produce stems from emotion and ambition, more so not imitation from others as I usually see happening. Apparel is common when it comes to clothing lines, but hand sewing clothes from scratch is what set the tone and allows me to stand out from others.

I am more than excited to work with musicians and photographers. Musicians appearance is a big part of their brand, and they don’t like to look like anyone else. This is a great connection for us because I know what looks good on one’s body, and again, I create off emotions.
If I was to sit in a studio or listen to the lyrics in a song, I could create a garment based on the musicians emotions/feelings.
Photographers on the other hand, ALWAYS give you that extra boost of confidence you didn’t know you had. I learned and acknowledged how they teach you self love and confidence through their talent, and I can’t wait to work with more photographers to grow and evolve even more. Not only for me, but for everyone involved.

I’ve made my way up the ladder professionally in fashion by first designing myself clothes and modeling them. Later in the year 2020, I would drive myself to Downtown Dallas to show my face for branding purposes, networking, and even just to sketch. This helped me so much because, I know those exact supporters personally, vs trying to grasp support online from a stranger, which is challenging during these times.

In May 2021, I decided to learn something new, mixology. I went to class every evening until I was certified, and now I am an independent contractor! Bartending services will be held under the name, “Khatera’s Kocktails.”

It hasn’t been the smoothest path, but I’ve overcome every challenge by staying true to myself and knowing my deepest desires.

A few lessons I’ve learned along the way is to stay consistent, stay true to myself no matter what, and to never put anything past anybody because THEY WILL DO YOU LIKE THAT!

I would like the world to know that Khatera DeGrate, Khatera’s Chamber, and Khatera’s Kocktails will continue to evolve daily in every aspect!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
To be honest, I do not go out often. However, some of my favorite places I enjoy are located in Downtown Dallas or Deep Ellum! I’d show my best friend the illusion museum’s, comedy shows, shopping malls/outlets, different daiquiri places across Dallas, trails for exercising/walking, parks, lakes, and even take them to networking events.
There’s way more cool things to do, those are just a few to name!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shoutout my 2 bartender instructors, Kevin and Boogie. Although I went through car trouble and a water damaged home recently, they still worked with me and gave me the motivation to continue. I give acknowledgment to these 2 because, everyday I attended class they smiled and told jokes all the time regardless of what they & I had going on personally. This allowed me to gain strength, integrity, and motivation in my personal and professional life. Not only that, they gifted me great resources and enough wisdom to work for myself.

Website: KhaterasChamber.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/khateraschamber

Facebook: www.facebook.com/khateraschamber

Other: Bartending Service Page: @khateraskocktails (Instagram)

Image Credits
Eli Frausto

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