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NiK Kacy, the visionary behind NiK Kacy Footwear, is revolutionizing the queer fashion scene. Joining us on Transition of Style, NiK discusses their groundbreaking journey in the industry, highlighting the unique challenges and triumphs as a queer entrepreneur. This episode delves into NiK's experiences from navigating microaggressions to pioneering LGBTQ-focused fashion initiatives like Equality Fashion Week in LA. Episode Highlights: Journey into Queer Fashion: NiK shares the story of founding NiK Kacy Footwear, a brand born out of a need for gender-neutral footwear. Overcoming Industry Challenges: Insights into tackling challenges in manufacturing and raising capital as a queer entrepreneur. Community Empowerment: The role of events like Queer Prom in empowering the LGBTQ+ community and raising funds for queer artists and designers of color. Advocacy Through Fashion: How NiK Kacy's work transcends fashion, advocating for inclusivity and equal opportunities in the industry. Resources for LGBTQ+ Entrepreneurs: Discussing the importance of resources like the NGLCC and the power of mentorship in supporting upcoming queer business owners. Tune in to explore the inspiring world of queer fashion entrepreneurship, understanding the intersection of identity, advocacy, and business acumen.
Special guest: Nik Kacy
About NiK KacyNiK Kacy is the founder of Equality Fashion Week, as well as the first gender equal luxury footwear and accessories brand, NiK Kacy Footwear - an LGBT-certified business enterprise. As a transmasculine individual who identifies as gender non-binary, Kacy's designs are inspired by both their personal identity, style and activism. Since their successful Kickstarter campaign in March 2015, NiK has been featured in numerous publications including, but not limited to The Advocate, Autostraddle, CNBC, Forbes, Fortune, LA Times, Out, Ozy, PBS NewsHour, Refinery29, Ryot, SheWired, TimeOut, The Huffington Post, and WWD.
NiK Kacy is the Creator and Executive Producer of Equality Fashion Week, the 1st LGBTQ+ focused Fashion Week in LA, as well as the Founder and President of NiK Kacy Footwear, a LGBT-certified business, and the first gender-equal footwear and accessories brand for genders and identities in all spectrums. As a gender nonconforming, transmasculine individual who identifies as nonbinary, Kacy's designs are inspired by both their personal identity, style, cultural background, fashion, and activism. Their hope is to provide a solution to individuals who have been seeking footwear alternatives that fit not only their feet but also their authentic expression of self. Their mission is to utilize fashion as activism in a way that inspires change so that gender is no longer a force that limits or restricts, and EQUALITY becomes the vernacular that ALL individuals speak.
NiK Kacy is the Creator and Executive Producer of Equality Fashion Week, the 1st LGBTQ+ focused Fashion Week in LA, as well as the Founder and President of NiK Kacy Footwear, a LGBT-certified business, and the first gender-equal footwear and accessories brand for genders and identities in all spectrums. As a gender nonconforming, transmasculine individual who identifies as nonbinary, Kacy's designs are inspired by both their personal identity, style, cultural background, fashion, and activism. Their hope is to provide a solution to individuals who have been seeking footwear alternatives that fit not only their feet but also their authentic expression of self. Their mission is to utilize fashion as activism in a way that inspires change so that gender is no longer a force that limits or restricts, and EQUALITY becomes the vernacular that ALL individuals speak.
Special reminder that Kris is on maternity leave. We will be circling back on previous episodes and feature special new episodes with our guest host, Culture Editor at Autostraddle, Shelli Nicole. We will be back to our regularly scheduled programming mid-November!This week we welcome comedian, event producer and activist, Kia Barnes (aka Kia Comedy). We discuss how Atlanta has been in these streets during COVID. Growing up Black and Queer in the south. Event producers suddenly changing their tune when it comes Black talent and what older studs need to stop doing. Shoutouts:Shana: Nik Kacy - Founder of Nik Kacy Footwear, gender free footwear and accessories that are quality, handcrafted, utility products to make a social impact. Follow @nikkacyfootwear Kris: Amber Hikes for her TED talk, it's finally out. 5 mins of greatness - definitely worth your time. Check it out on YouTube and follow Amber @amber__hikesKia: Alter Ego Cosmetics - Queer and Black owned skin care line that focuses on Black skin. Portion of the proceeds go to charities. Follow and support @alteregoscosBad Queers is co-hosted by:Shana Sumers: @shanahasagramKris Chesson: @kris.chessLet's keep in touch:Email us for advice at badqueers@theherapp.com or DM on InstagramFollow us @badqueerspod on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram & Tik TokShop for official Bad Queers ApparelLove our soundtrack? Check out Siena Liggins: @sienaliggins
Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talked with The Dinah's all-female celebrities on the Red Carpet at the legendary Black & White Ball and Hollywood Party in Palm Springs, CA in this exclusive audio montage. We had a blast chatting with these fabulous women about their music, what they hope to accomplish with their work and how they cope in these challenging times. First we talked with singer-songwriter Cassidy King who has built a reputation as a solo artist with her singles “Professional Smiler” and “Wasted”. Then we spoke to singer songwriter Riela who is the daughter of Cuban and Panamanian immigrants about performing at The Dinah. Next we spoke to entrepreneur Nik Kacy creator of footwear and accessories for all gender identities who was attending The Dinah for the 20th time. Then we chatted with Jeopardy! winner Amy Schneider about how she would like to see more federal protections for our LGBTQ community. Next we talked with content provider Breanne Williamson who is working on her first feature film after her short film "Coming Out" gained over 2 million views. Then we caught up with Rose Garcia from the Showtime hit “The Real L Word” about the importance of LGBTQ visibility. We were thrilled to talk with Taylor Dayne 80s pop icon who was headlining the Black & White Ball about her music and upcoming projects. Up next was Mariah Hanson founder and producer of the 31st Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend and her partner Maureen Vanderpool, Director of Special Education at Sonoma Valley Unified School District. Then we chatted with Canadian rapper Haviah Mighty who co-headlined the Black & White Ball. Next we talked with rapper Siya followed by queer pop sensation Zolita. Then we chatted with reality stars Cuppie, Haley Grable and Brianna Murphy from the hit lesbian series “Tampa Baes” currently on Amazon Prime. Next we talked with singer-songwriter IV4 who has signed with Warner Records followed by Siena Liggins who is one of Billboard's Top Ten new LGBTQ artists of the year. Then DJ Alex D talked about spinning at The Dinah followed by the fabulous artist Melanie Posner who also appears on the hit lesbian reality series “Tampa Baes”. We concluded our coverage with singer songwriter Fletcher who headlined The Hollywood Party and just released her debut album “Girl Of My Dreams” on Capitol Records. (Photos by Marilyn Rosen) For More Info… LISTEN: 600+ LGBTQ Chats @OUTTAKE VOICES
This week we welcome comedian, event producer and activist, Kia Barnes (aka Kia Comedy). We discuss how Atlanta has been in these streets during COVID. Growing up Black and Queer in the south. Event producers suddenly changing their tune when it comes Black talent and what older studs need to stop doing. Shoutouts:Shana: Nik Kacy - Founder of Nik Kacy Footwear, gender free footwear and accessories that are quality, handcrafted, utility products to make a social impact. Follow @nikkacyfootwear Kris: Amber Hikes for her TED talk, it's finally out. 5 mins of greatness - definitely worth your time. Check it out on YouTube and follow Amber @amber__hikesKia: Alter Ego Cosmetics - Queer and Black owned skin care line that focuses on Black skin. Portion of the proceeds go to charities. Follow and support @alteregoscosBad Queers is co-hosted by:Shana Sumers: @shanahasagramKris Chesson: @kris.chessLet's keep in touch:Email us for advice at badqueers@theherapp.com or DM on InstagramFollow us @badqueerspod on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram & Tik TokShop for official Bad Queers ApparelLove our soundtrack? Check out Siena Liggins: @sienaligginsShoutout to our sponsor HER App
It's the last week of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time to celebrate and honor the achievements of this vast and diverse community. But what happens come June? Will people stop caring about inequality and justice? On this special episode, host Alex Cohen addresses these questions with "Dear Asian Americans" podcast host Jerry Won, comedian Kristina Wong, fashion designer NiK Kacy and "SoCal in 17" producer Esther Lee on the audio app, Clubhouse. GET IN TOUCH Want to ask Alex a question? Visit the SoCal in 17 page On Twitter using hashtag #SOCALIN17 or her handle @alexcoheninla
It's so easy for us to sit back and be comfortable as leaders, because learning and growing is tough. Yet those who have been discriminated against and those who have been marginalized have it even tougher, and sometimes in the simplest ways. Nik Kacy is a queer, trans-masculine, gender non-binary, Chinese immigrant who is now an L.A.-based entrepreneur/designer/ and event producer who refuses to be confined by societal boundaries or limited by the gender binary. Passionate about visibility, equality & equity, NiK created Equality Fashion Week in 2018, the first queer Fashion Week in LA, featuring over 150 QBIPOC talent. Nik is also the founder of NiK Kacy Footwear, the first luxury gender-free footwear & accessories brand in 2014.on the importance for leaders to get out of their comfort zones so they can create environments that allow individuals to stand tall in their own shoes. Nik and Chris Lin discuss the importance of creating safe employee experiences and environments that allow individuals to stand tall in their own shoes, and how leaders need to become uncomfortable in order to grow. Connect with Nik Kacy Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkacy/ Footwear Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkacyfootwear/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkacy/ Website: http://www.nikkacy.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/nikkacyfootwear Subscribe & Follow Leading People First https://my.captivate.fm/www.instagram.com/leadingpeoplefirst/ (Instagram) https://www.linkedin.com/company/leading-people-first/ (LinkedIn) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGlWhzDv2lg3k2CThajh14A (YouTube) https://my.captivate.fm/www.LeadingPeopleFirst.com (LeadingPeopleFirst.com)
On this episode, Michelle Van Der Water (Rockin Cushions CEO) talks to Nik Kacy! Nik is a gifted shoe designer, the Creator and Executive Producer of Equality Fashion Week, the 1st LGBTQ+- focused Fashion Week in LA, and the Founder and President of NiK Kacy Footwear - the first gender-equal / gender-free footwear and accessories for genders and identities in all spectrums. Michelle and Allison sit down with Nik to talk about all of this and more. Hope you enjoy!
Being an immigrant from Hong Kong to New York as a child, NiK Kacy knows firsthand what it’s like to struggle with fitting in and finding a sense of belonging. Despite growing up in a family full of fashionistas, NiK hated shopping since it only forced them to mold to a girly stereotype and not getting to wear what they liked — including men’s clothes and shoes that didn’t come in their size. As an adult, that experience led them to launch a gender neutral shoeline: NiK Kacy Footwear. Turning their cheek to the doubts and phobias of what NiK believed in, they broke the gender mold by successfully creating a non-binary shoe that anyone could wear. NiK didn’t need a degree or experience in the fashion industry to make a difference and prove gender neutral footwear is a niche worth tapping into. Like every monumental change in the course of history, change makes it mark when someone pushes for what they believe in, regardless of what others say. NiK encourages the fashion industry powerhouses to become allies with LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs instead of finding income opportunities to push them out. It’s time for the waymakers to partner with the changemakers to give credit to their unique solutions. NiK Kacy Links: https://www.nikkacy.com, https://www.facebook.com/nikkacyfootwear, https://www.instagram.com/nikkacyfootwearGoDaddy Links: https://businesscuriouspodcast.com, https://www.godaddy.com, https://www.youtube.com/user/godaddy, https://www.instagram.com/godaddy, https://www.facebook.com/godaddy, https://www.twitter.com/godaddy
Nik Kacy was born in Hong Kong and grew up in New York before heading to LA for college. Nik is the founder of NikKacy Footwear and we had the pleasure of accessorizing some of our designs at the dapperq show with Nik Kacy footwear and accessories. Nik has an interesting story that will pull at your heart strings as they share their struggles to live in a body that didn't belong to the real Nik Kacy. Nik knew at around 8/9 years of age that they were born into the wrong body, and they longed to be able to live life as a boy. Suffering childhood depression and wishing they had never been born, Nik struggled for many years. After 3 non fatal attempts at suicide, Nik knew they had to make some changes. They share the life changing moment they made the decision to live and not simply exist and how it set them on a journey to make a positive impact on the lgbtiq community.
We go deeper into gender than ever before when we're joined by footwear and accessories designer and trans/non-binary activist, NiK Kacy! NiK started their gender-free company because they were tired of shoes being limited to the binary, so it's not surprising that this concept extends to their entire life. We get an ED-U-CATION as NiK talks about their journey from coming out as gay, then butch/masculine presenting, then trans, and finally non-binary. We talk shades of grey in gender, queerness, and more!
Shoeline founder Nik Kacy sits down with Cameron to discuss Equality Fashion Week, gendered bathrooms, and shoes! This episode is sponsored by Helix Sleep (www.helixsleep.com/QUEERY) and Penguin Random House.
The "Left of Str8 Show," is currently broadcasting LIVE, 2 days a week for our LGBT Community, Allies, & Friends on Mondays and Tuesdays. Your host, Scott Fullerton, brings together Fun Chat, and Celebrity/Personality Interviews, for a great variety of listening fun. Find us every Monday and Tuesday, right here on Blog Talk Radio, at 2pm PST / 5pm EST on www.blogtalkradio.com/leftofstr8 Go to your iPhone or Android App Store and download the “Left of Str8 Radio” app for free, to never miss an episode, or on the website at www.leftofstr8.com The "Left of Str8 Show" is part of the "Left of Str8 Radio Network," and we are dependant on your support to bring you quality content and guests for our LGBT Community and Allies, free to you, five days a week. Your support, starting at only $10 a month is invaluable. Please check our our Patron page at www.patreon.com/leftofstr8. Follow me: Twitter/Instagram: @leftofstr8 / Facebook: Scott Fullerton or LeftofStr8Show.
An episode to upstage all episodes. NiK Kacy came and sat with me on my couch, and yes we talked about shoes and how they created their own brand, but honestly we talked about so much more. Tune in to hear not only their story, but my story…the parts that often get left out simply […] The post MOTM #024: Gender, Footwear, and the Pursuit of Happiness with NiK Kacy appeared first on The Movement Maestro.
The Out Entrepreneur | Bringing Our Whole Selves to Work | Conversations with Leading LGBTQ Bosses
NiK Kacy is a fashion line inspired by the fashion needs of both its founder and the larger LGBTQ community. NiK Kacy, who identifies as gender-fluid, queer and trans, designed their first collection of "masculine of center" gender-neutral shoes in order to provide a solution for the on-going problem of individuals unable to purchase men's styled shoes due to limitations in sizing set by the shoe industry based on gender. Their first collection, named "Fortune", consists of 5 classically masculine looking styles, now modernized with colorful contrasts and re-proportioned to fit those who identify in whatever spirit they deem fit.
The Out Entrepreneur | Bringing Our Whole Selves to Work | Conversations with Leading LGBTQ Bosses
NiK Kacy is a fashion line inspired by the fashion needs of both its founder and the larger LGBTQ community. NiK Kacy, who identifies as gender-fluid, queer and trans, designed their first collection of "masculine of center" gender-neutral shoes in order to provide a solution for the on-going problem of individuals unable to purchase men's styled shoes due to limitations in sizing set by the shoe industry based on gender. Their first collection, named "Fortune", consists of 5 classically masculine looking styles, now modernized with colorful contrasts and re-proportioned to fit those who identify in whatever spirit they deem fit.
Inspired by the fashion needs of both its founder and the larger LGBTQ community, designer Nik Kacy formed Nik Kacy Gender Equal Footwear, a groundbreaking shoe company specializing in the creation of stylish, uniquely unisex footwear for individuals of all gender expressions, paving the way for all people to rock what's in their hearts and souls on their feet without being (shoe)boxed in a gender binary.
NiK Kacy talks about feeling ignored by the fashion industry and why they created their gender equal footwear company. Nik Kacy discusses the difference between “gender equal” and “gender neutral”, immigrating from Hong Kong, pineapple leather as a vegan leather alternative, and why they chose to embrace their masculine and feminine sides. LGBTQ&A is hosted by Jeffrey Masters. @jeffmasters1 You can recommend a guest or let us know what you think about the show on Twitter or by emailing lgbtqashow@gmail.com More information: www.LGBTQpodcast.com
My show today with NiK Kacy. We talk about gender equality in fashion and the bio/socio/cultural reasons they are building a beautiful Brand of handmade gender equal shoes: nikkacy.com
NiK is a badass shoe designer who is revolutionizing gender and the fashion world. NiK, who identifies as gender-fluid, queer and trans, chats with me about their first collection of gender-neutral shoes with "masculine of center" style, what inspired them to create this collection, and how they want it to evolve. This episode is much more than shoes as we discuss gender, undoing and doing away with gender altogether. We talk about sexism around shoes/fashion, revolutionizing people's thinking of gender and what it means to be your authentic self, why the gender binary is necessary/unnecessary, how gender is subjective, balancing various identities, and how NiK left their dream job at Google to follow their deeper passion and dream. For anyone interested in gender, queerness, challenging gender and the binary, and imagining a different world, this episode is perfect for you! Go to realfeministstories.com/podcast and click on the one with NiK Kacy to find links to their website and social media. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting Real Feminist Stories on Patreon. Go to patreon.com/realfeministstories. I appreciate anything that you can give! Special thanks to Eva Roberts for producing the intro/outro music for Real Feminist Stories Podcast.
This episode features gender-neutral fashion and shoe designer, NiK Kacy. NiK and Michael chatted about fashion, shoes, gender-neutrality, mens vs. womens fashion, fine art, photography, art shows, growing up as an immigrant, growing up different, childhood, pronouns, culture, education, politics, history, media suppression, greed, tattoos, the business of art, marketing, LGBTQ scenes, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, LGBTQ allies, transition, family gender roles, male privilege, modern kids vs. our teenage years, trans discrimination, safe spaces, gender-neutral bathrooms, subverting the binary, Eva Green, OutFest, Jewel's Catch One, Madonna, Netflix, and podcasts.
Live Live Thrive is a women's Empowerment hour featuring women who are doing amazing work in the world to inspire others to do the same. Producer 360 Karma's ideology is about women helping women so as to catapult females into more positions of influence