HCC student shows off her creations at artists showcase

Jan 31, 2017

Kisa Williams, a student in the Fashion Merchandising program at Houston Community College (HCC), wishes her days were longer. Since the opening of the LAUNCH Pop-up show, a showcase for up-and-coming Houston-based artists and designers, Kisa’s time recently seems to slip like sand through her fingers.   

“Having visitors in Houston from all over the world for Sunday’s big game allows us to reach a broader audience,” said Kisa. “This Pop-up show, which is created by the Greater Houston Partnership, is a great opportunity to demonstrate that Houston has true fashion talent.”

Kisa’s whirlwind schedule is all the more remarkable because she lives with Sickle Cell Anemia.  “I had both hips replaced and my bones act up in the cold weather.  But I’m one tough cookie.”

Although she is not expected to graduate until the fall of 2018, Kisa’s fashion talent is already evident in her own line of handbags and doggie accessories called “KisaKisa Fashion”. A woman who had an impact in her life inspires every item of her fashion line. That woman was her mother.

Her Rosetta Bag, named after her mom, is her favorite.

”My biggest inspiration was my mother, who died when I was only 10. I used to play dress up with her jewelry in front of her vanity. I would put on her bracelets and mix the patterns and colors.” Kisa recalled.    

Besides tending to the Pop-up show, Kisa also works at a local studio, teaching children how to unleash their creativity through sewing. For the HCC student, teacher and entrepreneur, Sickle Cell Anemia sometimes makes all the activity feel like an uphill battle.  But with the support of her family, friends and HCC professors, Kisa doesn’t intend to slow down.  “Life expectancy for a woman with this disease is 42.  I’m 46 and so I think I’m pretty blessed.”