Creator Spotlight: Kendra Hartholt
Q: Can you introduce yourself to those that may not know you?
Hi there! My name is Kendra and I am a 23 years old entrepreneur who started my own clothing line called Corruptin Clothing in 2019.
Q: Can you describe the Corruptin Clothing brand?
Corruptin Clothing as a brand is all about embracing individuality, and self-love, while being accommodating to all body types and genders. I strive to make everyone feel GREAT in a piece as I feel this is extremely important for everyone’s day-to-day confidence, and as a designer this is something I can control to some degree, with attempts to make the most of this opportunity. Corruptin Clothing is all about not giving a shit what anyone thinks, rocking what you LOVE, whenever you want. Corruptin Clothing has gender-neutral items, with custom embroidery designs, measurements and patterns to fit the needs of each person…and if it doesn’t fit, I make a new one! Being accommodating is something of incredible importance, while also making sure I do my part in regards to going green and minimizing my carbon footprint wherever I can. Corruptin always utilizes thrifted fabrics, deadstock, recycled polyester, and other recycled items like plastics and fishing line used to create a yarn that eventually becomes the lycra fabric that makes the “Irie Bikini” possible.
Q: What made you decide to pursue fashion design?
Corruptin Clothing is a dream of mine that has recently come to fruition, with its inspiration stemming back to when I found out I could draw. Teachers of mine would constantly find me doodling dress designs and patterns on the sides of my homework, questioning why I didn’t put as much effort into the actual work that was assigned. With the first step to make this dream a reality I began sewing lessons at 11-years-old, having the pleasure of owning my first sewing machine at 12 receiving it as a gift for my birthday. Over the years that followed I would constantly challenge myself to make things out of my comfort zone like tote bags, and blouses. Not saying any of it was well-made, but it was a critical learning experience that allowed me to make mistakes that I could subsequently learn from. I began tailoring my uniforms in high school because I felt uncomfortable wearing something that was not suited to MY body. This was something that really propelled me into creating Corruptin as I found out the clothes you wear are a direct expression of yourself impacting how you feel. Knowing the effect clothes have on our self perception, the feeling that followed the alterations of my uniform is something I want everyone to experience when they wear a Corruptin item.
Q: What’s your favourite part about running your own clothing brand?
The part I love the most about creating and running Corruptin Clothing would be seeing people wear, and take pride in the pieces they order. It is still surreal to me that I can put my own ideas, designs, and pieces out into the world where people are actually wearing something I designed and created in my literal basement! I truly believe fashion can bring so many people together, and I want to contribute to that especially during a time where we can all feel so separated. I’ve met such great people in the industry and I hope to continue sharing my art with those who have similar passions.
Q: How would you describe your experience as a female creative in Toronto?
Coming from a small town, eventually moving to and experiencing the big city of Toronto over the past year, it was quite a shock to the system. While living in a big city is not necessary, I have noticed that there are significantly more opportunities for exposure, growth, and networking. Growing up, I didn’t have many supportive female friends, and I have been truly overwhelmed by the amount of love I have received from women not only in Toronto, but in general. It makes me extremely happy to see women supporting women in the creative industry and through some of these connections I’ve made in the city, I have also found myself lifelong friends in the process.
Q: Where do you draw inspiration from?
Growing up in the early 2000s, myself along with many other young women, were fascinated with clothing and the latest fashion trends. As previously mentioned, I would spend more time than I should have drawing different clothing items on my homework, and still to this day I find myself going back to those early 2000s trends when creating new designs. I have always loved the use of weird and funky patterns, trying to incorporate those into pieces that would be unique to Corruptin. Christina Aguilera, Rhianna, and Nicole Ritchie are three women who I drew a lot of inspiration from in regards to their personal style. Lastly, I feel like there is a hole in the market for those looking for a more subtle “stoner girl” vibe, and this is the reasoning behind the “Corruptin Kush”, “Girl Scouts”, and “Wake n’ Bake” designs. Again, I want to emphasize Corruptin is a brand for anyone and everyone. Corruptin is about not giving a fuck what others think, rocking what YOU WANT to wear, when YOU WANT to wear it, baby!
Q: Have you struggled with motivation throughout Covid?
Myself, along with many others are feeling drained due to the pandemic with it taking a significant toll on my mental health. Inconsistent work schedules, and the resulting financial situation this has put me in, provides a number of different hurdles I didn’t think I would have to deal with early in the process. This had a carry over effect on the work and effort I would put into Corruptin as even though I had more “free” time on my hands, the increased levels of stress and uncertainty distracted my attention . While I love being in the big city for some of the reasons previously mentioned, the rent prices are not feasible for me currently with this compounding the financial stress associated with the pandemic. Working as a waitress for my primary source of income, this cannot fully support my Corruptin endeavours as this cannot remain a top priority when it comes to my current financial situation. By saying that, I’ve tried my best to remain productive and determined throughout these tough times, still creating and collaborating with talented people to produce the pieces I love.
Q: Where would you like to see your brand this time next year?
This time next year I WILL be selling Corruptin pieces in local shops around the GTA. I hope to be able to almost entirely support Corruptin financially through clothing sales with little to no reliance on alternative sources of income. I would love the opportunity to hire other artists to help and see how much Corruptin can grow. I want to continue putting out new designs I’ve currently put off due to the pandemic, with attempts to continuously improve and refine material choices and methods to perfect my pieces. - I cannot wait to see how Corruptin progresses over the year to come, while perpetually sharing my love for self-expression and feeling SEXY!
Q: Tell us where we can go to support Corruptin Clothing?
www.corruptinclothing.com (will take you to my Etsy shop) @corruptinclothing on instagram/tiktok - Feel free to DM or email corruptinclothing@gmail.com with any inquiries, collaborations, or custom orders.