We were lucky to catch up with Bonnie Lawrence recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Bonnie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is a tie between two endeavors that hold a special place in my heart. The first is the creation of my own personal brand, POP KISS REBEL. The seeds of this venture were planted by my grandmother, who taught me the art of sewing from a young age. As a result, I’ve been immersed in the world of fashion design my entire life, using it as a means to heal, empower, and inspire others. The brand embodies the values and passions I’ve inherited from my grandmother, transforming them into wearable art that carries her legacy forward.

The second project is joining Curiouser.AI, a majority woman-owned startup, as their Creative Director. I was drawn to this opportunity because it allowed me to collaborate with brilliant, like-minded women who are shaping the future of technology. The intersection of art and AI has always fascinated me, and being a part of the team behind a product designed to help people think more deeply and ignite the imagination is an incredible honor. Working on Curiouser.AI has been not only professionally fulfilling, but also personally meaningful, as it aligns with my values of inspiring and empowering individuals through innovative solutions.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Bonnie Lawrence and I’m originally from North Carolina. I went to art school and majored in Printmaking. Immediately after college I drove cross country to LA from NC in my Jeep. I landed in Venice and worked as a graphic designer for a footwear brand, then later took on more responsibility to help run things. I later moved on to managing wardrobes for people with huge and interesting collections, some even being in music and entertainment. Though I learned to sew at an early age, I didn’t pick it back up until I moved out of LA with an ex in 2021 to road trip through Mexico and eventually landed in Mexico City. During this time I worked remotely on projects with Amazon Fashion, and did some copywriting for Adidas originals. PKR was born when I severed ties with my ex and found myself able to live my life the way I wanted, feeling creatively inspired again. I signed with two modeling agencies in Mexico City and immersed myself into fashion again. This project was inspired my my late grandmother, who was a total badass. I currently upcycle, make custom pieces, and do alterations. I design, sew, and direct everything myself. I’m about to start on my fourth capsule. I hope to inspire people through fashion – especially those who are shy, feel misunderstood, or need an escape.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My Mission:

Throw out any belief that fashion is mean or shallow, or that the people who work in it are vapid.

I want to make everyone feel valued and beautiful.
I want inclusion in all areas.
I want sustainable and vegan when possible.
I want to eventually hire people and treat them really well, because I have worked un-fun jobs in fashion, and I get it.
I want to find incredible craftspeople and artists, and give learn as much as I can from them, while giving them a platform.
When you put on an outfit, I want you to feel powerful.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Accessibility and affordability are key here. Accessible programs in schools and communities along with workshops, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities would help creatives improve their skills and make connections. Affordable spaces to work will also help to encourage the development of artists. Right in line with that, ensuring that creative opportunities are available to people from all backgrounds by addressing systemic barriers, providing scholarships for underrepresented groups, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and openness will also create a thriving creative ecosystem.

Value and appreciate creative work. Support fair pay and working conditions for creatives, meaning:
Please pay your invoice.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.popkissrebel.com
• Instagram: @bonn.i.e @popkissrebel
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ bonnielawrence900

Image Credits
Photographers: Villy @sukameuf , @bujeeart Hannah @hannahelizabethfilms Models: Self Fidel Kelsey Flora Bri Larissa Crystal Tja Kaitlyn