Inspiring Conversations with Diamond Hammonds of Afrikan Kings & Queens

Today we’d like to introduce you to Diamond Hammonds.

Hi Diamond, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Afrikan Kings & Queens was created in 2015 when I was a broke college student being plus size it was hard to find clothing that fit me living in the small city of Daytona Beach, FL. I began sewing by hand and eventually bought my first sewing machine and educated myself using YouTube and online books I created my first dress which was my graduation dress. I became a mom and began making mommy and son clothes and evolved to create custom clothes for family friends and clients.

AKQ is a contemporary fashion house rooted in the movement of Black consciousness. I intentionally spell Afrika with a “K” because I am honoring a symbolic reclamation of agency and rejection of colonial usurpation. I specialize in custom designs, modern apparel that bridges the gap between the diaspora and it’s ancestral heritage.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has been long learning to build a business while still learning to be a first time mother and a full time college student. Even after I felt I had a handle on things COVID-19 happened and I lost my job and clients events were getting canceled so I began to lose clients. I had to learn to strengthen my mental health so I can show up for myself my son and my business. Losing my job made me push my business more and educate myself on work life balance I stopped putting my jobs first and started putting my business first. I learned that the economy is always changing and you can either learn to change with it or get left behind.

As you know, we’re big fans of Afrikan Kings & Queens. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Afrikan Kings & Queens was created because I grew up in the era where people would compare light skin verses dark skin; there was even a “team light skin” and “team dark skin” groups at my school. I hated the comparison because in my eyes all black people were beautiful. I also was taking a Afrikan history class and was learning about black royal people such as Emperor Mansa Musa of Mali Empire one of the richest man who ever lived; and Amina Mohamud a Hausa a warrior Queen. After this I made it my mission to help Afrikan Americans know that they are royalty no matter how light or dark your skin.

I began to make clothing using Ankara Afrikan fabric but mixing it with Afrikan American style. I loved the significance of Ankara fabric and the education I learned on different tribes and how they created handmade fabric. Each collection is a tribute to the craftsmanship of the continent featuring authentic textiles sources from diverse Afrikan tribes.

I am proud of the confidence my clothing brings people that wears them. I have been told by clients and models that they feel like a king or queen. You can look and feel sexy and classy and walk with your head held high when you wear AKQ.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Running a business is always a risk I currently made a huge decision which is a big risk for me. I am lowering the number of hours I work at my job so that I can balance being a mother and pouring more into my business, I am nervous because with the type of economy you need multiple streams of income however I cannot continue to put my business last and it feels so much better to my spirit and my mental when I pour into my business because I am doing something I love doing so it doesn’t feel like I am working and I am showing my son what putting yourself first can bring you.

Pricing:

• $40 consultation/ measurements

Contact Info:

• Website: https://app.jotform.com/afrikan-kings-and-queens/designsbyakq
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designsbyakq?stkn=MXVmaXYzbWRuOHZxdg==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afrikankingsnqueens/