Today we’d like to introduce you to Traeonna Wagener.
Hi Traeonna, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey with kimono began in 2010, starting with wa-lolita, moving into fusion styles (wafuku x youfuku), and ultimately embracing the traditional manner of wearing kimono. I wear kimono fashion almost daily in some form.
I’m a passionate educator with over 30 years of experience in engaging lectures and workshops, especially on my favorite subject—kimono fashion. My vision for spreading kimono fashion led to the founding of Kimono Kitsune in 2018. I began by presenting at universities, festivals, libraries, conventions, student organizations, and other community events. Since May 2020, I’ve also studied with a certified kimono instructor and stylist in Japan to deepen my kitsuke skills and kimono knowledge, while continuing ongoing education from diverse sources.
In 2023, I marked a significant milestone with the launch of an online store, enabling enthusiasts to explore and acquire a carefully curated selection of imported authentic new, vintage, and antique Japanese kimono and accessories. We also began hosting engaging pop-up shops to extend our reach and connect with diverse communities, showcasing our unique offerings. Furthermore, Kimono Kitsune evolved beyond retail, adding services such as dressing lessons, a measurement service, and personalized styling assistance, specializing in kimono fusion styling. At the end of 2024, we introduced our size-inclusive and eco-friendly kimono remake clothing and accessory line, furthering our commitment to sustainability and inclusivity.
Through it all, my mission has remained the same: helping clients transform themselves through the exploration of kimono fashion. We strive to connect individuals with beautiful kimono pieces that seamlessly integrate Japan’s rich textile heritage into their current wardrobes.
I continue to be involved in the Japanese community as a member of the Japanese Association of Toledo (JAT), the Japan-America Society of Central Ohio (JASCO), and MotivAsians for Cleveland. When I’m not presenting on kimono fashion and styling, having lessons with my students, or working at one of our pop-up shops, I often attend various cultural festivals to support and celebrate the community.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been the cost and logistics of importing authentic kimono and accessories from Japan. Navigating international shipping, proxy services, and now the tariff situation has been both financially and administratively demanding.
Another challenge has been access to specialized education. Kimono dressing schools do not exactly exist in the U.S., so I’ve had to seek out instructors in Japan and commit to ongoing study to ensure that the knowledge and skills I share are accurate and respectful of tradition. The majority of my training has been via distance learning, especially since nearly my entire apprenticeship took place during the COVID pandemic. Additionally, each kimono school has its own teaching methods and kitsuke tools, so each new teacher brings a new skill and perspective to kimono dressing. The world of kimono fashion is incredibly deep, with so much to learn and experience. That’s why I’ve decided to concentrate on fudangi (everyday wear) and fusion styling, where I can bring tradition into practical, modern contexts.
Balancing sustainability and inclusivity has also brought its own hurdles. Designing an eco-friendly, size-inclusive remake clothing line meant investing extra time and resources into research, materials, and testing to ensure the garments honored both the fabric’s heritage and the diverse needs of clients. With a major fabric supply company going out of business recently, it has become even more challenging to simply drop by and pick up the supplies needed to create these unique pieces.
Despite these challenges, each obstacle has pushed me to grow personally and professionally, shaping Kimono Kitsune into a business that values authenticity, accessibility, and transformation.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Kimono Kitsune, I specialize in sharing the art and beauty of kimono fashion while making it accessible and relevant to contemporary wardrobes. My work spans multiple areas: I offer traditional dressing lessons, a measurement service, and guidance in fusion styling, which blends traditional kimono with modern clothing. Fusion styling, in particular, makes kimono fashion approachable for those who want to dip their toes into Japanese traditional clothing without committing to full traditional wear, allowing anyone to integrate pieces into everyday outfits with ease. I also curate and sell authentic new, vintage, and antique Japanese kimono and accessories, and I continue to design size-inclusive, eco-friendly kimono remake clothing and accessories.
What sets me apart is my dual approach as both educator and creator. With over 30 years of experience teaching, I’m able to break down the complexities of kimono fashion into engaging, practical lessons. Thanks to my training and education, I bring a depth of expertise that few kimono businesses in the Midwest can match. At the same time, I combine respect for tradition with creativity, designing pieces that honor Japan’s rich textile heritage while fitting a wide range of body types and personal styles.
I’m particularly proud of our size-inclusive remake line, which merges sustainability, inclusivity, and cultural appreciation. It reflects my commitment to creating garments that people can love, wear confidently, and feel transformed by. I’m also proud of the community connections I’ve built through pop-up shops, workshops, and lectures—seeing people engage with kimono fashion and discover their own style is incredibly rewarding.
Ultimately, what sets Kimono Kitsune apart is a focus on transformation, accessibility, and authenticity: helping clients connect with beautiful kimono pieces, learn the art of dressing, and explore their own creativity through fashion.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I believe the most important quality for my success is curiosity paired with dedication. Kimono fashion is incredibly rich and complex, and staying curious drives me to continually learn, explore new techniques, and deepen my understanding of both traditional and contemporary styles. Dedication ensures that this knowledge translates into high-quality instruction, thoughtful designs, and meaningful experiences for my clients.
Being persistent and open-minded has allowed me to overcome challenges, whether navigating international sourcing or creating size-inclusive, eco-friendly garments. Ultimately, curiosity and dedication let me connect with clients authentically and share the transformative power of kimono fashion in a way that is both accessible and inspiring.
Pricing:
- Kimono are generally $100 or less with the average being around $70.
- Haori and Michiyuki are generally $65 or less with the average being $55
- We have many simple accessories under $20
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.KimonoKitsune.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimonokitsuneusa/ and https://www.instagram.com/traeonna/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimonoKitsune/ and https://www.facebook.com/Traeonna/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kimono-kitsune/
