Keiona Cook is the designer and owner behind Qe’Bella Couture. Cook also founded Lovey’s Sewing & Arts Collective, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit that builds patience, confidence, and leadership in children through lessons in sewing, yoga, entrepreneurship, and more.

Why did you choose a career in fashion?

The answer is simple: I saw a void in my community and decided to fill it. I strive to be the person I searched for as a child—someone to empower me to dream big and act as my safety net if I fall.

How do you select fabrics?

They whisper to me: “Take me home with you, I want to be a pair of bell bottoms or an enchanting dress.” The pattern I created for my fall ’22 Qe’Bella Couture collection helped shape my own African American identity.

Do any visual artists inspire your work?

Ta-coumba Aiken and Seitu Jones are two totally different artists, but when I experience their work I feel like I’m home. To me, their artistic voices keep the African American culture alive.

What about sewing brings people together?

It’s a combination of the fabrics and my spirit. When I bring people together and they know that they’ll be taking home an item made by their own hands, it sparks beautiful conversations. Plus, I have a compelling energy which can persuade just about anyone to give sewing a shot.

How does it feel to be a champion of this artform?

Being a couture fashion designer hasn’t been easy. I’ve had to pivot to fit the times and trends, waiting until the world caught up with my vision and recognized the importance of textiles in my work. Being a champion requires a drive to keep going even when you want to give up or throw in the towel.