We recently connected with Kyle Denman and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kyle, so excited to have you with us today and we are really interested in hearing your thoughts about how folks can develop their empathy? In our experience, most folks want to be empathic towards others, but in a world where we are often only surrounded by people who are very similar to us, it can sometimes be a challenge to develop empathy for others who might not be as similar to us. Any thoughts or advice?
The conditions that allowed me to develop my empathy were shaped by a combination of my personal experiences, my diverse background, and my journey through both the fashion and nonprofit worlds. As an Asian, gay, and adopted individual, I grew up navigating multiple identities that often felt like they didn’t fully belong in the spaces around me. That sense of otherness and the need to constantly adapt gave me a heightened awareness of how important it is to understand people’s emotions, struggles, and lived experiences.
From an early age, I learned how powerful empathy can be, especially in a world where people can feel overlooked or misunderstood. Growing up, I didn’t always see myself reflected in mainstream media or in the people around me. That disconnect taught me the value of truly listening to others—understanding not just their words, but the deeper context behind their actions and feelings. This fostered a natural curiosity about how others experience the world, which eventually became a cornerstone of my creative and professional life.
My work in the fashion industry, where diversity is still often an afterthought, further sharpened my empathy. As a designer, I started to realize that fashion isn’t just about the clothes—it’s about how those clothes make people feel. And the people who wear them are not just customers or clients; they are individuals with complex stories, emotions, and needs. Being able to listen to those stories, and then translating them into designs that reflect someone’s unique identity, was a huge shift in my thinking. It pushed me to approach design not from a “one-size-fits-all” perspective but through the lens of authentic representation and personal empowerment.
My work with Arts Bridging the Gap, which focuses on making art and culture accessible to underrepresented communities, also played a significant role in nurturing my empathy. Engaging with communities who have faced systemic barriers to creative expression made me understand the power of art not just as decoration, but as a tool for healing, representation, and social change. Seeing firsthand the transformative power of providing spaces for people to express their identities, whether through murals or other forms of art, reinforced my belief in the importance of creating opportunities for others to be seen and heard.
Empathy was also something I learned to cultivate in my personal relationships, especially in my friendship with Bryan. He has been an incredible teacher when it comes to emotional awareness and support, helping me understand not just my own feelings but also how to be more attuned to others. His ability to listen without judgment and his
encouragement to always approach situations with kindness and understanding has made a lasting impact on me.
Ultimately, it was a combination of my personal journey of self-discovery, my professional experiences, and the people who’ve supported and guided me that allowed me to develop my empathy. It was through seeing the world from many different perspectives, embracing vulnerability, and truly engaging with the stories of others that I learned the importance of putting myself in someone else’s shoes. Empathy, for me, is not just a quality; it’s a practice—a daily reminder to listen, understand, and connect.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a fashion designer, artist, and advocate for inclusivity, driven by a mission to foster authentic self-expression and social change through creativity. My work is deeply rooted in storytelling. I specialize in creating fashion that transcends mere aesthetics, using clothing as a canvas to tell powerful, personal stories. My designs challenge conventional beauty standards and are meant for people of all sizes, abilities, and backgrounds—empowering them to feel seen, valued, and authentically themselves.
What excites me most about my work is the ability to connect deeply with others. Fashion is more than fabric and stitches for me—it’s about creating pieces that make people feel powerful and express their identities in ways they might never have felt comfortable doing before. I work with models of all sizes and abilities, breaking barriers in an industry that too often marginalizes people who don’t fit into a specific mold. I strive to make fashion an inclusive space where everyone can feel like they belong, regardless of gender, race, or background.
In addition to my design work, I also serve as the Executive Director of Arts Bridging the Gap, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit focused on providing accessible arts and cultural experiences for underserved communities. Through this organization, I’ve had the privilege of helping to create over 115 murals across Los Angeles, all designed by local artists and painted in collaboration with community members. This initiative has been a dream project for me, combining my passion for fashion and public art to create a lasting social impact. By bringing art into public spaces, we’ve not only beautified neighborhoods but also sparked conversations about representation, social change, and the power of community expression.
Looking forward, I’m excited to expand my work in several ways. One of the most exciting things on the horizon is the launch of a new inclusive fashion collection that’s centered around pushing the boundaries of design and further exploring themes of identity and self-expression. This collection will also be about sustainability, using eco-friendly materials and production methods to ensure that the designs are as kind to the planet as they are to the people who wear them.
Beyond that, I’m working on new collaborations, including projects that integrate fashion and art in innovative ways. These collaborations will bring together diverse creatives, providing a platform for their voices and talent while making art and fashion accessible to an even wider audience. My goal is to continue using my platform to ignite change, celebrate diversity, and champion the idea that creativity can transform the world—one design, one mural, one story at a time.
Ultimately, my mission is to build a culture of change through creativity. I want my work to inspire people to see the beauty in diversity, to express themselves without fear, and to feel empowered in their own skin. Every piece I create, whether through fashion or public art, is a step towards making the world a more inclusive and empathetic place. So, for anyone who follows my work, I hope it sparks something inside them—a sense of belonging, pride, and freedom to express their own truth.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey, I believe the three qualities that have been most impactful are lifelong learning, empathy, and creativity.
First, lifelong learning has been the cornerstone of my success. I didn’t have a traditional background in fashion, so I had to teach myself many aspects of the craft—from design techniques to understanding the business side of the industry. The willingness to constantly learn and adapt has allowed me to evolve in ways I never expected. For anyone starting out in any field, my advice is to never stop learning. Whether it’s formal education, mentorship, or simply learning from your own experiences and mistakes, commit to growth. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek out new knowledge, because each piece you absorb will help you build a stronger foundation.
Empathy has also been crucial to my journey. As a designer, empathy allows me to connect with people on a deeper level and understand their needs, desires, and struggles. This ability to put myself in others’ shoes has shaped not just my work but also my leadership style. When you design with empathy, you create pieces that resonate with others, making them feel seen and understood. To develop this quality, take time to truly listen and engage with people—whether that’s through your work or in day-to-day interactions. Understand that everyone has their own story, and that story shapes their perspective. Empathy is about connecting on a human level, and it will not only help you in your creative work but also in building strong, meaningful relationships with others.
Lastly, creativity has been my driving force. Fashion is my way of expressing stories, ideas, and emotions, and it has always been about finding new ways to think outside the box. Creativity is what keeps my work fresh and innovative, pushing boundaries and challenging norms. For those starting their creative journey, I encourage you to embrace the freedom that comes with being creative. Don’t worry about perfection, and don’t hold yourself back. Experiment, take risks, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Creativity thrives when you step outside of your comfort zone and allow yourself to explore without limitations.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was simply believing in me. Their support and confidence in my abilities, even when I doubted myself, gave me the strength to pursue my dreams and overcome challenges. Their belief laid the foundation for my own self-belief and has been a driving force throughout my journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kyledenmanfashion.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekyledenman
- Other: Arts Bridging the Gap: www.artsbridgingthegap.org
Image Credits
last image: Roy Nelson, @roynelsonphotos
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