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

Hi Chanira, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
As a student from the University of North Texas (UNT), majoring in Fashion Design, I started taking the first steps towards building my brand in 2016. With no business plan, brand purpose, or though process, I started by showcasing my class assignments on Instagram. I would create small collections outside of school using different things and ideas that inspired me, mostly my own inspirations.

My thought process came to me during the lowest time of my life. I wanted to create a brand that would make people feel and look great in what they wore. Additionally, my brand was geared towards focusing on building self-esteem and bringing awareness to suicide prevention. I wanted to instill powerful and meaningful quotes or a scripture into the garment. At this point my brand finally began to form and come to life, it had purpose.

As-far-as my gaming brand, it also came to me during a low point in my life and had a similar thought process. However, it started when I would find myself watching my favorite YouTube gamer and laughing uncontrollably. It is often said, “that laughter is the best medicine”. That’s when I decided I wanted to bring people laughter. I’m hoping I can provide that same kind of laughter that slowly brought me out of feeling low-spirited/depressed to someone that could be feeling the same way that I felt.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me and what I do apart is that I care for the well being of others. I know that some people battle with themselves, the war in their mind, and their circumstances, and I want to help ease the pain they may feel by bringing some positivity into their lives. I’m excited that I am able to use my gifts and talents that can possibly help someone. I got to where I am today by faith, dedication, consistency and hard work. No, everything wasn’t handed to me or easy, but I overcame challenges by just pressing forward and not letting self-doubt stop me from progressing.
Over time I’ve learned to just keep going, no matter how bleak things look or feel. Things always will turn around for the better in the end.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
To be very honest, I wouldn’t even know where to take them because I myself haven’t tried or know of a lot of places to go or eat in the area. What I would do is plan to go to some of the hottest food spots in the city and see what all the talk is about. I would also research some fun things to do or things to check out. In a way not knowing about everything can be fun, its like a mini adventure!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout goes directly to God. Without Him or His guidance, I wouldn’t have had the ideas, the strength, or the drive to carry any of it out! I would also shout out my mom. Her encouragement and support definitely does not go unnoticed.

Website: https://chaniramckinney.wixsite.com/italiabychanira

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldenjade__/ https://www.instagram.com/italia.by.chanira/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItaliaByChanira/ , https://www.facebook.com/RealGoldenJade

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuFXArg0MKxFnxhMc0gcS5A

Other: Twitch: https://m.twitch.tv/goldenjade_/profile

Image Credits
1st Photo: Model – ( no longer on Instagram ) Designer – @italia.by.chanira 2nd photo: Model – Chanira McKinney Designer – @italia.by.chanira 3rd photo: Cosplay: Wanda from Wandavision Photo editing: Chanira McKinney 4th photo: Cosplay character: Lady Dimitrescu from Resident Evil Village Photo editing: Chanira McKinney 5th photo: Game: Resident Evil Village Thumbnail edit: Chanira McKinney 6th photo: Game: Super Mario Maker 2 Thumbnail edit: Chanira McKinney

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.