Fashion
Face of the Week: Kaliah Elliot Educator and Entrepreneur
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: Tell us about yourself
-My name is Kaliah Elliott. I was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. I am married with children. I am an elementary school teacher, currently working as a math internationalist for kindergarten through 6th grade in the public school system. I also have earned a master’s degree in education.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: What separates you from others who do what you do?
-Many fiber artists who specialize in crochet make garments like clothes, hats or blankets. I specialize in handbags. I also use a material that is thicker than your average yarn to make my products more durable.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: How long have you doing what you do?
-I have been crocheting for about 5 years now.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be? Explain why.
-Creative, open, nice
I definitely have my own style and march to the beat of my own drum. I am pretty accepting of people; I accept you for who you are. I tend to treat others the way that I would want to be treated.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
-I would be more outgoing.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: Describe your daily routine.
-I wake up; get myself and the children together for their day. I go to work. Generally, someone (one of the kids) need to be picked up or taken to an extra-curricular activity. Once I make it home, I help with homework and cook dinner for the night. Whenever there is any downtime, I crochet.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: Who is your role model? Why?
-Good question!
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
In 5 years from now, I see myself as the CEO of KaliBHookin, and Co-Founder or Founder of a Literacy and Life Skills program where we create a safe space for parents and their children to team up to help lead more productive and healthy lifestyles.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: If you could give a bit of significant career advice to your younger self, what would you say?
–I would tell myself to just get out there and get it. Whatever you don’t know now, you can always work toward learning and applying. Don’t let a lack of knowledge or confidence stop you.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: What has been your career highlight until now?
–One of my handbags was featured in Snoop Dogg and Dave East’s “21 More Questions” music video. One of my handbags earned 2nd place in the 2022 Indiana State Fair Competition.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: What is the best advice you received that changed your life?
-Your work is good. Do it. (This advise has come from different people whenever they heard any doubt in my voice about showcasing my work.)
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: What professional skill makes you stand out in your field of work?
–All of my pieces are one of a kind; wearable art! My product is known for being fashionable, functional, and durable.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: What is that one life lesson that you learned a little too late?
–I am a lifelong learner. It is never too late.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: What is your biggest lifetime accomplishment?
–Family. The family that I have created is everything!
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: Tell us about one event that had a big impact on you.
–2 scenarios… There was an event that I really worked hard to prepare for…I barely made any profit. I used that as a learning lesson and thought about all of the ways that I could have improved and come out on top. It was definitely a learning lesson about the business aspect; on top of being one of my first events. I always had thought that I had a good product, but I learned that that is not always enough; there is more to just having the product. Growth and knowledge is key!
There was another event where I set an ambitious goal. Not only did I make my goal, I surpassed my goal. If I had given up because of barely profiting at the event I just mentioned, I would have never been as successful.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: What is your number one goal for 2023?
I want to learn how to better market my product. I want www.KaliBHookin.com to get more traffic and sales!
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: What is your biggest regret in life?
–Not regrets; many lessons learned tho!
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: Do you have a favorite quote? What is it?
–Just do it like Nike.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: What is your favorite book?
–The first book that I read that made me enjoy reading.. “Fly Girl” By Omar Tyree
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: What do you think is your worst quality?
–My worst quality is self doubt.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: What type of music do you love the most? Why?
–I love gospel music the most….but soul music and trap come in a very very close second. Gospel music inspires me.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: Do you have any favorite pairs of shoes? If yes, explain!
–Right now, I love my Pumas.. They are very colorful with little to no rhyme or reason.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: What is your opinion on the kind of current music that the artists are releasing?
–Music is what it is. Some artists I can dig, others, I don’t have a clue what they are saying nor talking about but they have nice beats.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
–I love my city, but the violence is too much. If I could live anywhere in the world, I would love to live on a farm in a peaceful city.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: Prince or Michael Jackson? Why?
–Tough question!!! I grew up on Michael Jackson (He is simply amazing!!!) and he’s from Indiana, but the more I learn about Prince, I can dig him.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: Pop or Hip-Hop?
–Hip Hop
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: Afro-Beat or Hip-Hop?
–Hip hop because I have not been exposed to much Afro Beat that I know of.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: Money or Love? Why?
–Love. I love love. I like money and it helps, but I love love. It feels so good.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: What makes you feel most confident?
–My experiences.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: If you could thank two persons for everything you achieved in life so far, who would they be?
–I would thank my mother and my father. They individually and together instilled great ethics and morals in me. I also learned about being a parent and spouse, the good and the bad helped shape me.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: What is your biggest dream?
–My biggest dream is to be happy and make my family happy.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: What is your new year’s resolution?
–Find my happy and go for it.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: Can you say Happy New year in any other language?
-Bonne Annee’
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: What language is that?
–French
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!
You’re welcome so much!!!