Q&A with Suited & Booted, Kiyia's Story

As part of our continued partnership with Suited & Booted, we’re pleased to share a Q&A with Kiyia, one of the young men supported through the charity’s work. Suited & Booted provides professional attire and one-to-one guidance for interviews and important moments — helping those they support not only look the part, but feel the part. 

In this interview, Kiyia reflects on how feeling properly prepared — and wearing Oliver Brown — helped build the confidence to step into new opportunities.

Read more about the wonderful work they do here.

Q: How did you first hear about Suited & Booted?

A: I first heard about Suited & Booted when I joined the Care Leavers’ National Movement. We have a partnership with Suited & Booted, so young people with the Care Leavers’ National Movement or the National House Project can go to Suited & Booted to be fitted with suitable clothing for our annual conference.

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.

Through my involvement with Warwickshire County Council, Warwickshire District Council, and also with NHP and CLNM, every time I’ve been to Suited & Booted, 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.

Q: What do you remember about your early visits — what stood out?

A: 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.

Q: What stands out most from your experiences with Suited & Booted?

A: It’s how they make you feel. I’ve walked out with a full suit, and I’ve walked out with just a tie or a pair of trainers — but the confidence is always the same.

There’s no judgement. 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?

That kind of active listening is powerful — and rare.

Q: Tell us about the appointment where you were fitted in Oliver Brown.

A: On my visit for that appointment, I presented another problem — I’d lost quite a bit of weight since the last conference and I spoke in a little bit of a panic, but they were so helpful again.

They had a stylist in and they were so encouraging — saying this is perfect, it matches, it suits your figure, it brings out that colour. And it was powerful because it wasn’t just me — every gentleman at the Care Leavers National Movement conference, everyone who stood up on that podium had been to Suited & Booted for their suit and the women had been to Smart Works where they were fitted with suitable clothing.

Everyone felt confident speaking and to share their story and talk about what they’d done in the last 12 months. That pays value to how you dress and how you feel.

Q: Did you wear the suit for your degree apprenticeship interview?

A: I did — and it made such a difference. It was a full assessment day with presentations, challenges, and interviews, and the suit helped me feel grounded and confident.

I also wore a red carnation in my lapel, which referenced the Red Carnation Hotel Collection —a detail that was picked up on immediately by the senior team. That attention to detail was actually mentioned as one of the reasons I was offered the role.

Q: What compliments did you get on the suit?

A: I had a few about the tie being well adjusted and complimenting the colour of my eyes. I wore it for an event at The Dorchester — and The Dorchester has a lot of American guests. People would literally stop me and say, “Oh my God, that suit looks amazing — with that tie, it matches you.” People will stop you in the street. Those little moments boost your ego — they make you feel amazing.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself and what you’re up to now.

A: I’ve just started my first year of university. I’m studying through the University of Gloucestershire, but via a degree apprenticeship rather than the traditional route. Academic learning was never really my thing; I’m very practical, and I learn best by doing.

It was really important to me to earn a degree — no one in my family has gone down that route— but I wanted something that worked for me. The apprenticeship felt like the right balance. I moved to London last year and now work full-time while studying Chartered Management alongside it.

Q: You’ve also been involved with the Care Leavers’ National Movement — can you tell us about that journey?

A: I joined the Care Leavers’ National Movement when I was about 15, encouraged by my foster-sister, who was the chair at the time. I didn’t expect it to become such a big part of my life, but it really did. I started as a regional representative for Warwickshire, then became a national rep, and later the Chair of the South region. After that, I stepped into the role of National Chair and now work as a Champion, focusing on governance, policy change, and improving experiences for care leavers nationally.

I’ve 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.

Q: Has Suited & Booted influenced your style and confidence?

A: Coming to London, and seeing everyone on the tube, and going to Suited & Booted — it gave me confidence that it doesn’t matter how anyone sees you. It’s how you feel and how you present yourself.

Style-wise, I love a smart outfit. For men, smart is: shirt, tie, jacket and trousers — with oxfords, brogues, loafers. Chelsea boots maybe. But I also like experimenting: flared trousers, wide-leg trousers, heeled boots, wearing neckerchiefs rather than a traditional tie.

Q: Looking back, what did the Suited & Booted experience mean to you?

A: 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.