Kim Stephens-Olusanya, President/CEO of multiple successful businesses and a passionate advocate against domestic violence, has built an impressive portfolio as a multifaceted entrepreneur and fashion designer. From her upbringing in DeSoto, Texas, alongside her sister and loving parents, to her deep commitment to making a difference, Kim’s journey has shaped her into a resilient and compassionate woman.
EMBRACING CHALLENGES AND LEARNING FROM MISTAKES
Reflecting on her journey, Kim shares advice she would give her 21-year-old self, “Understand that it’s never too late to change course if you realize you’re on the wrong path. Be kind to yourself, grant yourself grace, and accept that you will make mistakes. Also, remember to celebrate not only the significant achievements but the small victories. Each step forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goals and contributes to your personal growth.”
OVERCOMING OBSTACLES WITH FAITH AND DETERMINATION
Starting a business brings its fair share of hurdles, and Kim faced obstacles that sometimes hindered her from leading a deliberate and meaningful life. “When starting my business, I encountered numerous challenges that sometimes made it difficult for me to live a purpose-filled life,” Kim shares. “Among these obstacles were financial constraints, identifying my target market and customer base, and managing supply chain issues. However, I turned to my faith as a source of strength and grounding, reminding myself of the reasons why I embarked on this entrepreneurial journey in the first place.”
BALANCING BUSINESS, LIFESTYLE, AND FAMILY
Balancing the demands of running a business while maintaining a healthy lifestyle and nurturing family relationships can be a challenge. Kim shares in reflection, providing valuable insights, “I learned to delegate tasks to reliable partners and employees. I trust them to handle responsibilities effectively and understand that their approach may differ, but that’s okay as long as the job gets done. I had to embrace the art of letting go of some control to make room for living a full, happy life.”
LE’ ANTOINETTE: EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH FASHION
In being a multifaceted woman with a desire to uplift other women in her sphere of influence, Kim decided to expand her Kim O. collection, through creating a subsidiary line specializing in couture fashion. She made this dream a reality through a partnership with her longtime stylist and friend, Alisha Horton as the co-designer of the line. When asked about her heart behind the fashion label, Le’ Antoinette, Kim shares, “What I love most about our fashion label, Le’ Antoinette, is its incredible versatility that caters to a wide range of women’s bodies. The brand is deeply committed to crafting luxurious, elegant, stylish clothing that empowers women to embrace their fierceness and express it fearlessly.”
THE LE’ ANTOINETTE WOMAN: CONFIDENT, BOLD, AND SOPHISTICATED
Describing the Le’ Antoinette woman, Kim states, “The woman who wears Le’ Antoinette is a confident, bold, and sophisticated individual who embraces her unique style. She is unapologetically herself, unafraid to make a statement and stand out from the crowd.”
FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS AND FAITH AS A GUIDING FORCE
Looking towards the future, Kim reveals exciting developments for Le’ Antoinette: “At Le’ Antoinette, we are currently creating our first Fall Collection, which I am particularly enthusiastic about. We are also thrilled to be accepting pulls, opening up new opportunities for collaboration and exposure.” Kim’s faith plays a vital role in both her business and daily routine. “My faith serves as a reminder that my path is predestined, but I am responsible for putting in the work to achieve success,” Kim affirms.
LESSONS LEARNED AND SPREADING KINDNESS
Throughout her business journey, Kim has learned valuable lessons. “The most significant lesson I’ve learned in business throughout the years is the importance of putting everything in writing,” she reveals. “Contracts are not a sign of mistrust but a tool to establish clear expectations and responsibilities between parties. This clarity helps prevent misunderstandings and fosters a healthy business relationship.” Kim Stephens-Olusanya’s message to the world is one of kindness, empathy, and self-reflection. “Practice kindness and extend grace to others, and perhaps most importantly, to yourself,” Kim asserts. “This mindset encourages compassion, understanding, and fosters a positive environment for growth and self-improvement.”
INSPIRING WOMEN EVERYWHERE
Kim Stephens-Olusanya’s journey as an entrepreneur and fashion designer is an inspiration to women everywhere. Through her work and her fashion label, Le’ Antoinette, she empowers women, celebrates their individuality, and makes a positive impact on the world. With her resilience, compassion, and commitment, Kim continues to create a more beautiful and equitable world for all.
This article feature is from our annual special edition issue, the L.A. STYLE Magazine Most Influential of 2023.
