For 29 years, Kiyonna has been more than clothing—it’s been connection, craftsmanship, and confidence stitched into every seam. From the very first sketch to the moment your order is carefully packed for its journey to you, every step happens right here in the USA, thanks to a dedicated team of real people who care deeply about making your moments unforgettable.
In honor of our anniversary, we’re spotlighting some of the incredible hearts and hands behind your favorite styles. These are the faces you might not see, but who are woven into every special-occasion memory you make in Kiyonna.
From a Tiny Apartment to a Big Dream
Back in 1996, there were no iPhones, no social media hauls—just catalogs and, yes, malls! That’s when Kim Khanbeigi, Founder & CEO, launched Kiyonna from her tiny LA apartment with a simple dream: to design stylish, confidence-boosting clothing for women with curves.
As she recalls, “Racks of dresses lined every hallway, and getting poked by a rogue hanger on the couch was just part of daily life. My roommates were saints.”
Money was tight in those early days—so tight that Kiyonna couldn’t afford a UPS account. Instead, Kim and her team would literally chase down that iconic brown truck at the end of the day to make sure early customers got their dream dresses on time.
From those small beginnings in messy apartments came big dreams and a whole lot of hustle. Nearly three decades later, Kim’s passion for making women feel beautiful is as strong as it was on day one.
Our Fairy Godmother of Fit
Before a single stitch is sewn, a vision comes to life in the hands of Faina Portman, our Patternmaker Extraordinaire, who transforms sketches into patterns made to flatter real curves. “I imagine how the dress will feel on a plus-size woman…beautiful, sexy, confident,” she says.
Her process often means sketching multiple variations until her instincts say, “This is it!” In a world where most fashion design is entirely digital, Faina still begins with hand-sketched drawings, using the magic of colored pencils to map out every ruffle, pleat, and perfectly placed seam.
As a plus-size woman herself, she intuitively knows how to shape for curves while maintaining comfort and elegance. “The basics are similar to traditional patternmaking, but I make sure there’s the right amount of room where it matters most.”
Locally Made, Lovingly Crafted
Local isn’t just a label for us. It’s a way of life. Since day one, Kiyonna has been proudly produced within 30 miles of our home base in Southern California. At the heart of it all is Janet Mendoza, our Head of Production, who works hand-in-hand with local craftspeople and family-run factories to turn designs into finished garments, week after week.
“Over time, they really do become like family,” she says. And she’s quick to point out that creating a dress isn’t just cutting and sewing. It starts with sourcing the right materials, then patterns, fittings, adjustments, quality checks, and those final finishing touches.
Janet’s knack for turning fabric, timelines, and teamwork into fashion that delivers (literally) is one of the reasons our customers trust us for their most special moments.
The Friendly Voices Behind Every Call
When you call Kiyonna, you’re not getting a bot, a script, or a generic email. You’re getting Carrie Hale and Maria Saldana, our Customer Service Sensations, offering real voices and real help.
For Carrie, nothing beats answering the phone and talking directly with customers. “So many customers tell us how refreshing it is to have a live person answer.” Those calls can be anything from helping someone choose the perfect style to going on what she calls “little hunts” for a sold-out item. Searching every corner of the warehouse to find that one last piece — and hearing the excitement on the other end when she does — is one of her favorite parts of the job.
Maria shares that love for connection and enjoys hearing the personal stories customers bring to each conversation. One of the questions she gets most often is, “Is the brand really made in the US?” She’s always proud to answer yes and to share Kiyonna’s origin story, including the fact that production has stayed local ever since.
While most customer moments happen over the phone, some happen face-to-face. Located in Anaheim Hills, California, the Showroom at Kiyonna is where you can step into our world and explore the current collection up close.
Whether you’re searching for the perfect plus size wedding dress, a mother-of-the-bride or groom look, or a dream vacation outfit, we’d be delighted to help you find the one. Just give us a ring to schedule an appointment so we can set aside time and have a fitting room ready just for you.
From Our Warehouse to Your Wardrobe
Once you’ve found your perfect piece, the attention to detail continues behind the scenes, all the way to the moment it’s on its way to your doorstep. Before your order is carefully delivered, it’s handled with care by Tony Ardolino, our Head of Shipping and Warehouse Operations, and the team he leads. His secret? “Everyone here can do everything, and we rotate responsibilities daily. That way if someone’s out, we never miss a beat.”
Tony’s been with Kiyonna for over a decade, and if your order has ever arrived faster than you expected, there’s a good chance he had something to do with it. A proud Anaheim Ducks fan and a low-key foodie, Tony says this job completely changed his Mondays. “Before this, I dreaded going to work. But my bosses, Kim and Eddie, genuinely care about us, our work environment, and the culture. That makes you want to give your best—every single day.”
From Our Team to You
Every style we make carries a story—of artistry, care, and the people who make it happen. We’re proud to keep our production close to home and our customer connections even closer.
Here’s to 29 years of curves, confidence, and the incredible people who make it all possible. And here’s to you, for letting us be part of your special moments—past, present, and future.
