Student-sister duo team up to chase fashion dream

Kellin Carter, a senior public relations major, knew she wanted to start a fashion company from the time she was 10 years old. At the time, her younger sister Kourtney Carter, now a junior public relations and photography major, was 9 —and was more concerned about one day becoming a chef.

Eleven years later with some continued persistence, Kellin got Kourtney on board and they teamed up to create the fashion line Kellin Carter dreamed of as a child.

The siblings left their hometown, St. Louis, and came to Muncie — where they pushed their business into full gear.

Their fashion creativity developed into RAXX — a clothing and accessory line aimed at women.

“I was trying to think of something easier to do while I was in college and then branch out more once I graduated,” Kellin said. “But now we’re making a lot more of our own things.”

Originally, Kellin and Kourtney teamed up with two friends to create a fashion line, but eventually the sisters decided to split off and work as a duo.

At first, the plan was to make something simple, like scarves. Then the sisters started to create on-trend vintage pieces, such as high-wasted distressed shorts.

“If I wasn’t working with Kellin I think a lot more problems would arise,” Kourtney said. “I know her weaknesses and she knows mine. We balance each other.”

Finding time doesn’t come easy with classes and part-time jobs. Kellin works on campus and Kourtney works at Jimmy Johns — both balancing full academic schedules. It’s not unusual for Kellin to be found sewing pairs of pants late into the night.

Along with clothing, they are developing accessories. Kellin and Kourtney are busy making earrings in several styles and colors and are crafting bracelets of wooden beads and charms.

Kellin and Kourtney make their clothing by hand and revamp vintage finds for their fashion line.

“This is something we are passionate about and we want to put our energy into, but we have to find enough time to put toward school and make both successful, all while trying to have fun with our friends,” Kourtney said.

Kellin and Kourtney are planning to not only make people look good, but do good — a dollar from each purchase will go to a scholarship fund or a multiple sclerosis charity. Education is important to both sisters, as is the subject of MS. Their mother was diagnosed with MS eight years ago. As RAXX becomes more profitable, the amount the sisters donate will increase.

For now, the sisters plan to further develop their online presence and stock up on their merchandise before the website goes live. Their Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr blog are starting to gain a following and their website will be up and running by the end of November.

Kellin plans to graduate this spring and continue to enhance the website and get the online store fully established. Once Kourtney’s time at Ball State is complete, the two hope to see a great deal of success that could potentially lead to a physical store.

Coming from parents that are business owners, ranging from interior design to business consulting, Kellin and Kourtney said they have learned a lot and have gotten all the advice and the push they need to be successful.

“Our parents are very supportive. They want us to start being millionaires,” Kourtney said.

With a little more than two months and all the work left to do before the website goes live, sacrifices are being made to get the business where it needs to be.

“Having the courage to go after what you want ...,” Kourtney said. “It takes a lot.”