meet kiyia

Kiyia is a remarkable young man who first heard about Suited & Booted when he joined the Care Leavers’ National Movement with whom we have a partnership which enables young people involved with the Care Leavers’ National Movement or the National House Project to visit us to be fitted with a suit for their annual conference.

Kiyia remembers his first visit: “My first time going was actually just a pop-in – it was lovely to meet everyone. Everyone was happy to help, giving us advice, talking to us, listening to what we were doing in life and what our aspirations were. I’ve been involved with Warwickshire County Council, Warwickshire District Council, and also with NHP and CLNM. Every time I’ve been, it’s always been really positive. What I find is there’s always the same empathy. Not everyone is cut from the same cloth, but it’s always “what can we do to help you?” Even if it’s not just help, it’s active listening – knowing they’ll do what they can.

The first visit wasn’t a styling visit, it was just a quick session, but we left with bags of stuff anyway. Then when I went down to actually be styled – I’ve been a few times – my stylist was absolutely amazing. She had a way of speaking – she was just incredible. That connection you feel with someone. Another time I went down with a problem – I had a few days until prom and didn’t have anything to wear. And the gentleman I saw just embodied what prom was and what would suit me. I found something that suited my character. Suited & Booted gave me confidence to be who I wanted to be, regardless of judgement. That prepared me for moving to London, where everyone dresses how they want because they can.

Whether you’re a care leaver, someone rebuilding their life, or an asylum-seeking young person, the response is always the same: How can we help?”

Kiyia has started his first year of university, studying through the University of Gloucestershire via a degree apprenticeship rather than the traditional route. On one of his styling sessions with Suited & Booted, he was fitted with a suit by one of our partners Oliver Brown, which he wore to his degree interview.

Kiyia joined the Care Leavers’ National Movement when he was 15, encouraged by his foster sister, who was the chair at the time. It has become a big part of his life, progressing from regional representative for Warwickshire to national rep, and later the Chair of the South region. He has now stepped into the role of National Chair and works as a Champion, focusing on governance, policy change, and improving experiences for care leavers nationally. He has spoken at conferences, worked with academics, and advised directors of children’s services – all with the goal of improving opportunities for care-experienced young people.

Kiyia was picked to represent Suited & Booted’s partnership with classic British tailors Oliver Brown. Asked what his Suited & Booted experiences have meant to him, “It’s the way they make you feel. Most people only get one visit, but I’ve been a few times and every time it’s the same confidence. I could’ve walked away with nothing and still had that feeling. The first time I didn’t walk away with a suit, I walked away with trainers, cufflinks, and a tie, but I felt the same as when I walked away with a suit. It’s being valued and listened to. Being somewhere where, regardless of where you come from or your experiences, what you say and what you feel matters. Not a lot of places do that. They capture that essence really well.”