We had the good fortune of connecting with Kendall Olivia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kendall, why did you pursue a creative career?
It’s the only thing I feel like I know how to do. It comes naturally to me and it makes me happy!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
So, I make clothes by graphic design, sewing, and painting. I believe that fashion is the best way to express yourself and make yourself feel good. My motto is “fashion is personal, fashion is self love.” What sets me apart from others is that I use fashion as a way to talk about how i’m feeling mentally. My graphic tees have hidden messages that symbolize struggle and growth. I think fashion is supposed to be about you and the good and bad that comes with it. I use fashion to explain how i feel and relate to others. And I style my clothes differently based on the graphic/design by putting outfits together and creating an aesthetic that represents it perfectly to get the message across. Hard work and perseverance got me where I am today. Networking and connecting with others has also helped me and inspired me to step outside of my comfort zone which is what art and fashion is all about. It has been really hard try to express my emotions through fashion because I struggle with severe mental illnesses and I’m always worried about what other people are going to think about my message and the ideas I bring to the table. I think my mind works a little differently because of it so I have to work extra hard and be extra loving towards myself in the process. But, that’s also why I do what I do, for people like me who have trouble expressing themselves. So I’m trying to give them a brand that they can feel comfortable and understood in.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Okay so I’m always back and forth from 2 different places so I’ll tell you about my favorites in both cities.

Los Angeles, CA: breakfast at Blu Jam!! order the crunchy french toast! On sundays, I always go to the melrose trading post for shopping. I recommend hiking in malibu, it’s such an adventure! In the fairfax district there is a cute beverage spot called Pearls finest teas. You can customize any tea, coffee, or matcha. For dinner, I’m a very simple girl, I recommend my favorite food truck, Maxtros. Chef Max makes the best burgers I have ever had in my life!!!

Orlando FL: Indoor go karting and games at Andretti!! They have EVERYTHING! Go karts, ropes course, bowling, an arcade and food and drinks all in one building! For dessert, I recommend Jeremiahs italian ice. I always get the mango with vanilla ice cream gelati! and on sundays, brunch at ‘thrive’ and afterwards go to ‘mcqueens’ for drinks and great music, both in walking distance located in downtown.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mom is my biggest supporter. She has always been there for me through the darkest of times and really tries to understand my mind.

And my best friend, Brenda is so encouraging and is not afraid to challenge me (in the best way) and hold me accountable so I can stay on track.

They are both very strong and confident women who are solid in their beliefs and stay 100% authentic. They are so inspiring to me and always uplift me and show me lots of love.

Website: kendallolivia.com

Instagram: @kendalloliviaevans and @ko.klothing

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.