During the early stages of the pandemic, many dreams were put on hold for people all over the world. However, Simi Valley resident Raelyn Dominick used her passion to help others. Kichi Designs, Dominick’s clothing line, made face masks for friends who were required to wear them for work and sold them on their website.

The masks had different unique, stylish designs. Kichi made over 50 face masks and donated them to the Los Angeles Fire Department and Henry Mayo Hospital.

In September of 2019, Dominick decided to take her drawings from her Wacom tablet and make them into her dream: an apparel line.

Dominick, a fashion design student at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM), was encouraged by her friends’ love and support of her artwork to start Kichi Designs. The brand is most commonly known for its production of sweatshirts and t-shirts, but has also designed face masks and prints.

Many of Kichi’s designs are smooth twisting lines that flow into feminine shapes. Dominick chooses to use female facial profiles and body shapes frequently in her art.

“I love line art because it’s ever changing, but still one solid type of artwork,” expressed Dominick.

Kichi’s delicate designs also reflect the brand’s ethical perspective with a very specific focus on being kind to the environment and to each other.

Kichi has also produced designs for breast cancer awareness, and even collaborated with visual artist Krzysz Wendling to support the Black Lives Matter movement.

“I decided to reach out and work with Kichi Designs because of their campaign that supported the Black Lives Matter movement. One hundred percent of our proceeds that we earned were donated to help organizations that supported social equality,” Wendling said. “I also know Rae, and she is exactly what her brand is; lighthearted and looking to make a difference.”

Kichi’s environmental impact ranges from its’ package shipping to the fabrics that are used in the face masks. Dominick specifically used fabrics made with recycled material to make the masks. This decision is also favored by many of Kichi’s customers.

“I love that the items are fairly priced and I really enjoy the packaging that it is shipped in, because it is made out of eco friendly material that can be recycled,” explained Whisper Ortiz, a frequent customer and supporter of Kichi on social media.

Dominick is currently running her business from her home office in Simi Valley. While her business is currently only online, she hopes to start participating in local vintage flea markets as she builds her inventory up.

Dominick’s hope for the future of Kichi is to be closed-loop in the means of production, to use dead-stock material along with recycled fabrics and to continue to involve her audience in the process.

“I feel like without the people that buy my stuff and support me and give me ideas, Kichi would literally not be anything; except maybe my own clothing,” said Dominick.