A&F: What's Buttafly Unltd all about?
Kissa: The idea is to create a style that moves beyond time. Buttafly Unlmtd is a line of classic basics brought to a new level of style and creativity. Our main goal is for the customer to define the design and not be defined by it. Our motto: " Free Your Soul, Be a Leader, Be Unlimited, B.U.". I was in the fashion and music industry for a while and really didn't like how people defined themselves with the brands/designers they wore. Our line is the exact opposite of that. We're all about the self-expression of our customers.
A&F: Where does the butterfly come into the picture?
Kissa:The Butterfly represents metamorphose. It's the image of self actualization.
A&F: What products are in the line?
Kissa: Buttafly Unlmtd only makes tops and accessories, all from natural materials, specifically tees, zip-ups, hats and scarves. We want to stick to basics that can be worn year-round. Our most popular product is our "I Love My Hair" tee shirt series (pictured left).
A&F: How did you get into the business?
Kissa: About 9 years ago I saw a beautiful crocheted hat and really wanted to make one just like it. So I learned how to crochet and got pretty good at it. Then I thought, why not make this into a business?
A&F: What inspires your creative designs?
Kissa: A few things really. One is my travels. After coming back from Brazil I put out a line of tees that was all about bright colors and vibrant images. My recent trip to Ghana is the big inspiration for most of our current scarves. The materials I collected there are amazing and inspire my designs. I am also inspired by iconic women like Billy Holiday and Grace Jones. The real trail-blazers. Our line of hats are all inspired by strong women of previous generations. I'm also inspired by the things around me: the seasons, the layers of the city around me.
A&F: What are your plans for the future?
Kissa: We are definitely going to stick with our basic products as far a clothes go, but we've already started branching out beyond apparel. We're in the middle of creating a craft book and hope to move into other forms of media in the near future. Our vision is for Buttafly Unltd to be a multi-media experience.
A&F: Anything else you want us to know?
Kissa: We love our customers' feedback. We're all about listening to what our customers want and giving it to them. We appreciate our customer support and couldn't have gotten anywhere without them. Thanks!
Visit Buttafly Unltd this weekend and next weekend, Saturday and Sunday 12-8pm at the Indoor Artist and Designer Market.
