AMY JOHNSON

Age • 40

Home • Central West End

What she makes • Amy is the creator of KayOss Designs, a national women's clothing line made in St. Louis.

A trip to Italy was more than just a weekend getaway for Amy Johnson. It was an artistic excursion that would blossom into KayOss Designs.

After spending 15 years as an environmental engineer, Johnson realized that she had never found her place in the occupation and that she never felt creative. All she knew was that she wanted to make an impact on the world.

In 2006, after taking a fashion class in Florence, Italy, Johnson fell in love with fabric and knew what she wanted to do with the rest of her life.

She returned to the states, learned to sew and started KayOss Designs, a clothing line that encourages people to live in the now, in the chaos of life.

Since starting KayOss, Johnson has dived headfirst into a creative lifestyle that "keeps happening."

Where did the name KayOss come from?

It's more about the people than the clothes. I came up with it years ago in 1989. I always knew I wanted my own company; I just didn't know what my product would be. I came up with this girl KayOss who represents being in the now because this is all we have. And that's what the clothes represent, so I use very interesting fabrics with movement and colors and that are noticeable.

What are the signature pieces that define the KayOss collection?

I started with skirts, so I'm known for that. And now I'm moving into dresses and coats. When I went into boutiques, I didn't see a lot of skirts, so I saw a need for that. Visually I want my clothes to look great but also comfortable. I also never make things that I wouldn't wear myself. Everything's made in St. Louis, so I have a network of seamstresses.

Why is your dog Chihuli an important aspect of KayOss?

I feel like I started this with her. When I went to Florence, Italy, I designed this bag that allowed the models to carry her on the runway. So I just want her to be a part of it.

What does KayOss make?

A lot of different things; skirts, dresses, coats. A little bit of everything. Skirts and dresses are my main sellers. I have wrist cuffs and the Chihuli bags.

What's your vision for the St. Louis fashion industry?

We have so much history here, and we were once the fashion mecca of the U.S. We had the 1904 Olympics and the World's Fair. There's so much history here and potential; we just have to create the avenues to be known. You can go to New York or LA, and it's right there. Here you have to dig for it, but it's here. Artists can make it happen here.

What's the next step for KayOss?

I have no idea. I'm actually just enjoying the journey of all this. It's growing, like it's supposed to, and there's something changing each day. So I can't answer that question. But my main goal is to inspire people so that they know that they can do what they love and that it is possible as long as they don't give up.