We had the good fortune of connecting with Keila J. Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Keila J., what was your thought process behind starting your own business?Visibility amongst queer femmes can be a challenge. Initially, I just wanted to provide a means of being recognized by my community in a stylish way. In the queer community, we’re often used to those who are outside of the community providing what they think we want or need. There’s only so many of us that actually enjoy wearing rainbows 24/7 (laughs). And even then, it’s confused by heterosexual people wearing those symbols as well. I wanted something specifically for us by us.

What should our readers know about your business?
Visibility amongst queer femmes can be a challenge. The Femme Identifier offers a unique alternative that celebrates one’s identity with style and pride. The FI bracelet is designed with elegance and sophistication, that can be worn as boldly or as subtly as its wearer desires.

Many queer jewelry brands offer a variety of subtle pieces that sometimes require extra guesswork by viewers. “Is that Venus symbol for queerness or are they a straight feminist?” By offering one signature piece, it sends a clear message of “this is who I am,” easily recognizable by the community it’s designed for and overlooked as stylish jewelry by others outside of the community.

We’re aiming for a May launch (just in time for Pride) and this wouldn’t have happened without so many moving pieces, going back to my first business selling candles at 13. I’ve done everything on my own from concept to funding, educating myself through YouTube, webinars, and connecting with others in the queer community including wonderful mentors!

It definitely hasn’t been easy. I worked in entertainment and got laid off as a result of the WGA/SAG strikes. It was hard because I didn’t know how I was going to pay my rent. Starting a business when you’re working three part-time jobs is a pretty stressful feat but FI is a child born out of both necessity and great desire to see something I’d been craving for a long time. In a way, this was the only moment. I’ve been sitting on the idea since 2019. If not now, then when?

I’ve learned it really does take a village to get through life. Many queer kids end up raising themselves in profound ways. Without that guidance I needed to navigate certain disappointments in life, I naturally learned to isolate myself without even knowing. Since working on the business, it’s forced me to break out of my shell and connect to the gorgeous people I intend to serve. If I fall on my face, I fall. At least, I fought for the life I want. That’s something to be proud of.

When people look at the FI brand, I hope they experience joy in personal freedom. There’s no one way to be femme and I hope people don’t think I’m saying that if you buy this one thing, it’ll make you look more queer or make you more femme. That’s not the point. You already are. In a world where femininity is often overlooked and dismissed, I’m hoping to serve you a quality option that aids in the fierce celebration of identity YOUR way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m very blessed that when I first moved to LA, I got to land in Silverlake and it’s been incredibly kind to me. I appreciate all the eateries, events, and nature so we’d definitely make our rounds down Sunset – I8 for sushi, Mashti Malone’s for ice cream, and Ruby Fruit to vibe out with the sapphics.

On that same note, we’d have to go to Fan Girl Cafe and Honey’s as well. More people of color there. Let’s see…boba is a must. Cha Tra just opened in LA so we gotta get our fix there, if not at Cha Redefine or Heuk Hwa Dang. Ugh, can you see how much I’m an addict?

In WeHo, we can check out Sunset @ The Edition. I really enjoy the DJ sets there and the disco balls have a special way of transporting you somewhere magical. I’m pretty spontaneous but those are a few of my favorites!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve had a ton of support from friends close to me as well as guides who gave me a new perspective on my life. I’m so grateful to them so I want to throw a shoutout in particular to two people who facilitated profound shifts in my journey. My confidence coach, Alex Ray, is the unicorn who keeps on giving. I’m so happy to have met you!

My pleasure coach, Nadège Collot, helped me connect to myself in ways I didn’t know were fast asleep. Je te remercie!

Website: thefemmeidentifier.com

Instagram: @thefemmeidentifier

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keila-j-brown-83658abb/

Image Credits
B&W portrait: Darby Kelley @darbysnapped, assisted by Brynn Juniper Key @gendermoody

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.