A Kansas City native, Gracie earned her bachelor’s degree in Apparel Production and Design with a minor in Art from Kansas State University. During college, she completed three internships focused on personal styling, fashion week event production, and small business product development.

After graduation, she accepted a position as a Pattern Designer at Rightfully Sewn, a Kansas City nonprofit dedicated to seamstress training and small batch production. After several years developing garments for small businesses, she moved to Design Resources, Inc., where she worked as an Assistant Merchandiser, focusing on large scale production for companies including Nike and Dri Duck. Throughout her career, she has continued to manage and grow her brand, Gracie Key, consistently designing and producing original garments.

Through her brand, Gracie has participated in nine seasons of Kansas City Fashion Week, one season of St. Louis Fashion Week, and one season of Omaha Fashion Week. She has also completed large scale projects, including producing 750 units of her original lounge tee for local author Sierra Simone. She has remained committed to ethical fashion by ensuring every product is sewn in Kansas City using sustainable materials and practices.

Outside of work, Gracie loves to read romance and fantasy novels, cuddle with her dog Oregano, oil paint, and spend time with her family and friends.