Maurisa Westbury: The Visionary Behind Kat Alyse
Hello! I'm Maurisa Westbury, the heart and soul behind Kat Alyse, an apparel brand dedicated to empowering women sizes 14-24 with fashion that echoes their confidence and vibrancy. My journey to establishing Kat Alyse wasn't just about creating clothes; it was about challenging norms and embracing dreams.
The Spark that Ignited a Dream
Back in 2014, I found myself at a crossroads. Frustrated with the limited and unappealing options in plus-size fashion, I decided it was time for a change. One night, inspired by a few laughs and a happy hour buzz, I bought my first sewing machine from the Home Shopping Network. Learning to sew was a breeze, thanks to the internet. But the real challenge was finding plus-size patterns that weren't just as unfashionable and frumpy, as the in-store versions.
The Leap of Faith: From IT to Fashion
As a Business Analyst in the IT industry, I've always had a knack for solving problems. But fashion was a new realm. After being laid off in 2015, I took a leap of faith and moved to NYC to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology. There, I honed my skills in pattern making, a craft that's more science than art. After all the fit is in the pattern and I needed to know if it was truly rocket-science or if the plus size woman was simply being ignored by the fashion industry. Turns out, it’s a bit of both. But I was determined to tackle it.
Kat Alyse: A Dream Realized
My experiences as a plus-size woman in a world of inadequate fashion options ignited my passion for Kat Alyse. I envisioned a brand where plus-size women are not just an afterthought but the muse. Kat Alyse is about impeccable fit, classic tailoring, and a celebration of vibrant colors and prints. It's for the bold professional or entrepreneur, the metropolitan dream-chaser who inspires others by simply being herself and is looking for clothing that will help her show and stand out when it matters.
Living the Dream in NYC
As a founder, I continue to balance my career in IT with building the brand. I am bootstrapping this startup after 5PM outside of my 9-5 responsibilities. When it’s time to take the elusive break, you’ll find me enjoying the foodie scene in NYC or savoring a very smoky, peaty Scotch from Islay - a reflection of my own tastes for the refined and the bold.
Chasing Dreams, One Stitch at a Time
Kat Alyse isn't just a contemporary apparel line; it's a statement that style has no size limit. It's for every woman who's ever felt overlooked by the fashion industry. It's for those who are ready to show up and stand out while chasing their wildest dreams.
As we grow, I promise to keep the essence of Kat Alyse true to its roots - a brand that celebrates and aligns with the spirit of the confident, bold, and unstoppable woman. Join me on this adventure where fashion is not just about getting dressed but affirming the power within.
