Today we’d like to introduce you to Kisha Damali Kingston.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My design journey began in 2009 after designing custom stationery for my sister’s wedding. What started as a creative outlet quickly grew into a business, leading me to officially register my LLC and spend over a decade designing stationery for published weddings and events.
In 2023, my work evolved beyond paper into the world of interiors, branding, and surface design. Today, I help shape brands, spaces, and visual experiences through wallpaper collections, textiles, brand strategy, and digital design bringing together creativity, structure, and storytelling in a way that connects both visually and emotionally.
My approach to design is deeply rooted in stewardship, excellence, and intentionality. I believe creativity is a responsibility as much as it is a gift, and I strive to approach every project with integrity, clarity, and care; creating work that not only looks beautiful, but serves a meaningful purpose. Inspired by Colossians 3:23, I believe in working wholeheartedly and producing well-executed designs that honors both the vision and the people it’s created for.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
To go 16 years without challenges would not be realistic (in my point of view.)
Many challenges I faced included raising capital needed to scale, not having the right systems and processes in place to run the business efficiently and finding the right team to support the work.
Much has changed overtime with the help of community support and educational resources.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
16 years in business, I am proud to call myself a multidisciplinary designer. I specialize in surface pattern designs for wallpaper and textiles. I also offer web design, branding and business strategy services to my peers in the interior design industry.
I’m especially proud of being able to pivot and step into new territory fearlessly; from designing for milestone events to designing for interiors. I was able to transfer a lot of my skills from my prior experience (building community, keeping up with design trends, the essentials needed to run a business operation, etc…)
This has allowed me to show up now with more confidence not only in my work, but how I show up in my network as a contributor.
I’m also proud of serving as Brand & Marketing Lead for RVA Design Group (an interior design and creative collective) where I help create visibility, community, and strategic opportunities for designers and creatives throughout Richmond and beyond.
At the core of my work is stewardship, excellence, and service. My faith influences how I lead, create, and show up professionally, and I strive to build work that is both impactful and meaningful.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
ALIGNMENT – I had to learn that creativity without alignment can produce amazing things – but not lasting things. As a creative, I come up with so many ideas with the desire to execute every single one of them. Although, I was able to bring a lot of these ideas to fruition, some of these passion projects led to burnout and other business hardships. So, now I build with God instead of ahead of Him, this way I know that the work I do is not built from FOMO (fear of missing out) or other pressures, but now with more purpose. Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain.” Psalms 27:1.
PRIORITIZING REST! As a creative, you may desire to create or work non-stop. However, I had to train myself to rest in between creative projects. I had to keep in mind that rest is an important part of my creative process and without it I run the risk of burning out. Rest is your birthright.
COMMUNITY IS A MUST! We are truly stronger together. I was able to get this far in my business with the help of mentors, my network and people who were invested in my success and vice versa. So as you climb the ladder, look back and around see who you can support.
YOU DON’T FAIL – YOU LEARN! Experiencing failure in business is a part of the journey. I believe in “failing forward” and walking away with lessons that you will not only apply in the future but be able to share with others as teachable moments.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dmalibykishadamali.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dmalibykishadamali
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dmalibykishadamali
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kishadamalidesigner/
Image Credits
Sandy Swagger Jones
Septima Phillips
