Growing up as an awkward, tall, super skinny boy was not easy for Austin designer Cleva Kah. He was teased. He faced body image issues. It led him to layer clothes to conceal his insecurities.
A transformative moment came when he went to a John Casablanca modeling audition in support of his girlfriend and was unexpectedly offered a contract. The experience reshaped his self-image and taught him to embrace his unique physique.
"Growing up in a low-income household, I never had the latest brand name clothing or designer labels that most of my classmates seemed to flaunt, and to be honest, designer labels were not a priority to me," Kah said. "I learned to thrift shop to find affordable pieces that I could mix and match to create trendy outfits. In my final year of high school, I was voted best dressed by my peers."
In 2003, he founded the House of eMaGi, a clothing boutique that stands as a beacon of self-expression and self-love. Central to its mission is the "Look Good, Feel Good" initiative, which empowers individuals to embrace their unique beauty and build self-confidence through fashion.
"I have come to realize that I am alright with who I am," Kah said, "and it has been a liberating journey of peace and self-discovery."
"I have come to realize that I am alright with who I am, and it has been a liberating journey of peace and self-discovery."
Upcoming events
The House of eMaGi is hosting a Dress for Inner Success Fashion Show Competition from 4-7:30 p.m. Oct. 12 and a free “Look Good, Feel Good" Mental Health Education Symposium from 3-6:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at Motion Media Arts Center, 2200 Tillery St. #A in Austin. Learn more at emagi360.com.