We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sonia Smith Kang a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sonia, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Finding my purpose was a journey shaped by my experiences and heritage. Growing up as an AfroLatina in a multicultural family, I was deeply immersed in diverse traditions and stories. This rich cultural tapestry not only influenced my identity but also highlighted the lack of representation in the fashion industry.
My journey began with a career in nursing, where I nurtured and cared for others. However, when I became a mother to my four multicultural children, I realized there was a significant gap in the market for quality children’s apparel that celebrated diverse backgrounds. The fashion industry was not reflecting the world I knew and loved—a world where cultures coexisted and enriched each other.
This realization was a turning point. I decided to transition from nursing to fashion, driven by the desire to create a brand that empowered children to embrace their heritage and express their individuality. Thus, Mixed Up Clothing was born, blending vibrant prints, fabrics, and designs from around the globe.
Every step of this journey, from my childhood memories to my professional shift, was a part of discovering my purpose. It wasn’t a single moment of epiphany but a series of experiences that aligned to reveal my path. My purpose became clear: to use fashion as a medium to promote cultural awareness, celebrate diversity, and inspire the next generation to be proud of their identities.
Partnering with large retailers like Target is a testament to this purpose, as it allows us to reach more families and spread the message of inclusivity and cultural pride. Through Mixed Up Clothing, I aim to not only provide beautiful, quality apparel but also to tell the stories of different cultures and foster a sense of belonging in every child.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As the founder of Mixed Up Clothing, an AfroLatina and a proud military brat, my journey has been profoundly shaped by the rich tapestry of cultures I was exposed to from a young age. My brand, Mixed Up Clothing, is a children’s apparel company that celebrates diversity and multiculturalism through vibrant, unique designs and storytelling.
My Story and Professional Focus
Growing up, I experienced the beauty and richness of various cultures, and I noticed a significant gap in the fashion industry: a lack of representation for diverse backgrounds. This realization ignited my passion for creating a brand that not only provides high-quality apparel but also tells the stories of different cultures.
My professional focus is on using fashion as a medium to promote cultural awareness and inclusivity. Each piece from Mixed Up Clothing is designed to reflect the multicultural world we live in, blending fabrics, prints, and designs from around the globe. Our mission is to empower children to embrace their heritage and express their individuality.
What Makes Mixed Up Clothing Special
What excites me most about Mixed Up Clothing is its ability to connect with families on a deeper level. Our clothing is more than just fabric; it’s a celebration of cultural diversity and a tool for education and inclusion. We use diverse and inclusive models to reflect the rich tapestry of our global community, inspiring all children to see themselves represented in fashion.
We are proud to be a Black and Latina-founded business, certified by the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC). Our commitment to ethical production, slow fashion, and the use of local resources sets us apart in the industry. We believe in creating high-quality, sustainable clothing that promotes longevity and reduces waste.
What’s New at Mixed Up Clothing
We are thrilled to announce our recent partnership with Target, which marks a significant milestone for our brand. This collaboration allows us to reach a broader audience and share our vibrant, multicultural designs with even more families. We are also excited about our upcoming product launches and events that continue to celebrate and promote cultural diversity.
Partnering with large retailers like Target not only advances our mission but also helps these retailers reach new customers who value diversity and cultural representation. This collaboration underscores the importance of inclusivity in today’s market and the growing demand for culturally inclusive products.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three Most Important Qualities, Skills, and Areas of Knowledge
1. Cultural Competence and Sensitivity
Understanding and appreciating cultural diversity has been crucial in my journey. Growing up in a multicultural environment, I learned to value and respect different cultures, which directly influenced the ethos of Mixed Up Clothing. This skill is vital for anyone looking to create an inclusive and diverse brand or business.
Advice:
Educate Yourself: Immerse yourself in various cultures through reading, travel, and personal interactions. Books, documentaries, and cultural events are great resources.
Engage with Communities: Participate in community activities and build relationships with people from different backgrounds. This firsthand experience is invaluable.
2. Entrepreneurial Resilience and Adaptability
Transitioning from a career in nursing to fashion entrepreneurship required a significant amount of resilience and adaptability. Facing challenges head-on and learning from failures were critical components of my success.
Advice:
Embrace Challenges: View obstacles as opportunities to learn and grow. Each setback is a lesson that brings you closer to your goal.
Stay Flexible: Be open to change and ready to pivot when necessary. The business landscape is constantly evolving, and adaptability is key to long-term success.
3. Creative Vision and Storytelling
At Mixed Up Clothing, creativity and storytelling are at the heart of our brand. Designing unique, vibrant clothing that tells a story of cultural heritage has been a cornerstone of our identity and appeal.
Advice:
Cultivate Creativity: Allow yourself time and space to brainstorm and experiment with new ideas. Creativity often comes from exploring different perspectives and thinking outside the box.
Master Storytelling: Learn how to convey your brand’s story compellingly and authentically. Whether through visuals, words, or products, effective storytelling can resonate deeply with your audience.
Developing and Improving These Skills
Cultural Competence: Take courses or attend workshops on cultural studies and diversity training. Engage in conversations and collaborations with diverse groups to enhance your understanding and sensitivity.
Entrepreneurial Resilience: Develop a growth mindset by reading books and articles on entrepreneurship and resilience. Seek mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs who can provide guidance and support.
Creative Vision: Join creative communities and forums where you can share ideas and receive feedback. Attend art shows, fashion exhibitions, and storytelling events to inspire and refine your creative skills.
By focusing on these three qualities—cultural competence, entrepreneurial resilience, and creative vision—you can build a strong foundation for your journey. Embrace lifelong learning, remain open to new experiences, and continuously strive to improve these essential skills.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
At Mixed Up Clothing, we celebrate diversity and multiculturalism through vibrant, unique designs that tell stories of different cultures. We believe there is significant synergy between our brand and major toy (doll) manufacturers looking to expand their offerings to include more diverse and inclusive products. We propose a collaboration that leverages our expertise in multicultural fashion to design clothes and consult on creating culturally representative dolls and toys. This collaboration will provide children with toys that reflect their own heritage and expose them to the beauty of different cultures, fostering inclusivity and understanding.
We consult on the product development of multicultural dolls and toys, ensuring they are culturally accurate and respectful. Authentic representation in toys can have a profound impact on children, promoting self-esteem and cultural pride while allowing brands to tap into a growing market that values diversity and inclusion.
From collabs with celebrities and influencers to partnerships with large brands and retailers, we’re excited about the potential to work together and create meaningful products that celebrate diversity. If you are interested in exploring this collaboration further, please reach out to:
Sonia Smith Kang
Founder & Designer, Mixed Up Clothing
Email: sonia@mixedupclothing.com
Website: www.mixedupclothing.com
Instagram: @mixedupclothing
We look forward to the possibility of collaborating with you to bring culturally rich, inclusive products to children everywhere. Thank you for considering this opportunity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mixedupclothing.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mixedupclothing
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mixedupclothing
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonia-smith-kang-41812428/
Image Credits
Michael Letterlough, Jr. Photography, 8x10proofs, thebenitophoto
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
