By Colleen Murdock
When one steps inside the MsTQUE hair salon, in Pembroke Pines, it immediately becomes apparent that hairstyles are not the only thing created by owner Terry Kyle Hewett. Evidence of Hewett’s work as an accessories designer is everywhere.
Shells in varying shapes and sizes lay waiting for Hewett to transform them into a much desired evening purse, a playful pair of earrings or a slinky hip belt.
Alongside her business of owning a salon Hewett launched SanKyle Couture Accessories in April 2002, after a friend dared her to make a bag that was advertised in a magazine.
“I went out immediately, bought the material and made the bag,” Hewett says. “The following day I wore the bag to an NBA game where several people complimented me on it and inquired where I bought it.”
Hewett, who began her fashion career designing outfits for contestants in the Miss Jamaica World Beauty Pageant, was excited about her creation and decided to make belts, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings using the same material. She held shows for family members and friends who encouraged her to pursue a career in accessory design.
“I spent just three months making over 250 pieces of accessories by hand before going public,” Hewett says. “In April 2002, SanKyle was officially launched at the Marlin Hotel, in South Beach. The products were immediately picked up by a local boutique.”
Since the initial launch, Hewett’s products have been showcased at the “Southern Africa Fashion Festival,” in Namibia, at “Accessories the Show,” in New York, at Urban Fashion Week 2002, and featured in Accessories Magazine. Hewett has also donated products for auction, to the Alonzo Mourning Foundation, The Children’s Home Society and Honey Shine Foundation.
Hewett is on the verge of launching her latest line which incorporates the use of shells that she has carefully handpicked. Hewett’s designs are fashionable as well as functional and can be worn in any season.
I’m very excited about my newest line of accessories,” Hewett says. “My earrings and bracelets can be worn to the beach or used to add the finishing touch to a cocktail outfit. Belts can also double as necklaces.” Even though Hewett devotes every spare moment to her creation she has no plans to give up her hair salon.
“I have to find a steady buyer for my products first,” Hewett says. “Most of my products are sold by referral from friends and family members.” Some of Hewett’s accessories have also been sold in boutiques in Miami and Atlanta but her dream is to see them in Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.
SanKyle Couture Accessories can be viewed at, www.SanKyle.com.
