Meet Keiona Cook

We were lucky to catch up with Keiona Cook recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Keiona, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Being the only African American woman in the room has never stopped me from showing up as my full, bubbly self. In fact, I make sure no one can miss me—in the best way possible! I always wear a statement outfit that I’ve designed myself or bold accessories that spark conversation. I’m not just the only one who looks like me; I’m also the only one rocking a one-of-a-kind designs straight from my own brand and made by me. It’s my way of turning heads, breaking the ice, and making sure I leave an impression. Plus, I keep my energy warm and approachable—because great fashion should always come with great conversation!

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Meet Keiona Cook: A Multitalented Artist & Community Connector

Keiona Cook is a couture fashion designer, artist, author, and motivational speaker who uses creativity to uplift and empower. As the founder of Qe’Bella Couture, she designs one-of-a-kind garments for women and little girls, helping them feel beautiful from the inside out. Her passion for fashion started at the age of six, and it has since become a powerful tool for storytelling—illuminating both hidden and present-day African American history through her designs.

Beyond fashion, Keiona is the Founder, Executive Director, and Lead Instructor of Lovely’s Sewing & Arts Collective (LSAC), where she teaches youth and adults across the Twin Cities the trade skill of sewing. More than just stitching fabric, students learn to create, sell, and develop financial literacy and money management skills. Sewing is also a tool for fostering patience, focus, leadership, and accountability.

Keiona’s artistry extends into mixed media, blending acrylics, African wax print fabrics, and found objects to create vibrant, textured artwork. She is also a self-published author of Lovely Helps Mommy Fold the Laundry and a thought-provoking motivational speaker, inspiring communities through her work.

A proud North High School graduate (Go Polars!), Keiona holds a BFA in Fashion Design from the Savannah College of Art & Design. For over 20 years, she has been dedicated to advocating for and working with parents and youth in the community. Her mission is simple yet profound: to connect and uplift through art, education, and storytelling.

Exciting News & Upcoming Events
* Fashion Show Fundraiser – Mark your calendars! Join us on March 27, 2025, at The Machine Shop from 6-9 PM for a stunning evening celebrating creativity, fashion, and community.

* New Adult Sewing Classes – Starting April 2025, we’re launching group sewing sessions on Mondays & Thursdays (6-9 PM) for $60 per person. Each session will feature one of seven different projects designed to be completed in just three hours—perfect for beginners and seasoned creatives alike!

We will also be updating our website by April 2025, www.lovelyssewing.org so that visitors and customers can purchase products made by the youth and instructors.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three key qualities have shaped my journey: creativity, resilience, and community building. Creativity isn’t just about designing—it’s about problem-solving, thinking outside the box, and making something extraordinary out of the ordinary. I’ve learned to embrace my unique vision and trust my instincts, which I encourage others to do as well.

Resilience has been just as important. The road isn’t always smooth, and there have been times when I’ve had to push through challenges, rejections, and moments of doubt. My advice? Keep showing up. Learn from setbacks, pivot when needed, and stay focused on your own personal life journey.

Lastly, community building has been a game-changer. I’ve never believed in doing this work alone. From mentorship to collaboration, surrounding myself with supportive people and uplifting others has opened doors I never imagined. For those starting out, seek out connections and mentors, give before you ask, and create spaces where everyone can thrive. Your network can grow to be your net worth!

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Let’s Collaborate & Build Together!
At Lovely’s Sewing & Arts Collective (LSAC), we believe in the power of community, creativity, and skill-building to create lasting impact. We’re looking for like-minded partners, sponsors, and sustainable donors to help us continue empowering youth and adults through sewing, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy.

Ways to Support & Collaborate:
💛 Become a Monthly Sustainable Donor – Your contributions directly support:

* Healthy lunches for our youth
* Youth scholarships to ensure access for all
* Instructor support to provide quality education
* Supplies & materials for programming
* Our beautiful teaching space in the North Loop

💡 Corporate Partnerships & Team Building Experiences – We offer Sewing Socials as a unique, hands-on team-building workshop. It’s an unforgettable way for teams to create together while learning a new skill!

🎁 Corporate Gift Purchases – Companies can support us by purchasing handmade gifts created by our students and instructors—items like earrings, keychains, pillows, tote bags, and greeting cards—to give to employees or clients.

✨ Event Sponsorship Opportunities – We’re seeking sponsors for our Spring & Fall Fashion Shows, where businesses can showcase their brand at an event that highlights creativity, sustainability, and community empowerment. More than just a promotional opportunity, sponsorship is an investment in equipping youth and adults with trade skills and financial literacy.

If you have an event coming up you can partner with LSAC and we will come add to your program with a mini popup fashion show.

If you’re interested in collaborating, sponsoring, or donating, let’s connect! Visit www.lovelyssewing.org or email [your contact email] to start the conversation. Let’s create something meaningful together!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lovelyssewing.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovelyssewing
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovelyssewingandartscollective

Image Credits

John Botkin
Keiona Cook
Profeshie
Fashion.Photography.All