We were lucky to catch up with K Lobo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, K thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?

In motherhood, I realized how quickly life could become isolating. I realized that, as a young mom, I always felt like the odd one out. For the mom groups, I was too different – I was newly single and divorcing, at least 5 years younger than the other moms, and into streetwear and sneakers. I was navigating the most trying times of my life and felt that there was no reflection to be found in anyone around me.

As I found community in online spaces, seeking and searching for moms who felt the same, were interested in the same things though from vastly differing lifestyles, and ultimately a sense of belonging, I realized how lacking these spaces were. I quickly learned how loudly some scream ‘community,’ all the while being exclusionary and cliquey with the women searching for connection. Like many before me and many to come, it prompted me to transparently and openly create spaces for these women to network across, learn one another, and mostly importantly, learn just how surrounded by love they are.

My passion for connection ultimately led me to connect with various creatives, sponsoring and creating events, fundraisers, community hangs, and all-round experiences to create that safe space for other moms who felt like I did. The moms that had been counted out from streetwear and sneakers, the moms without mom friends, the moms lacking the so called villages were all promised in motherhood… I felt my mission of granting others visibility through my own transparency shine through.

K, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As a multi-hyphenate creative, I’ve always struggled with putting myself in particular boxes for fear of limiting myself. As a writer, content creator, creative director, social media manager, mom, and a consignment relations senior manager in the sneaker space, I wear more hats than I can often count.

With sneakers being the forefront of my passion, I’ve envisioned myself in these spaces since childhood, which was extremely difficult to dream as a woman in an incredibly male-dominated space. The connections and relationships I cultivated throughout my many stages in sneakers have absolutely propelled my visions and passions forward. As for my creative work, my passions have all luckily intertwined. Event planning and turning ideas into tangible goals is a passion for me, with regards to my community. I take pride in being a mother, pride in being from The Bronx, pride in all that I am. My goal will always be to partake in things that further open these spaces to those that need them.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Non-creatives might struggle to understand the depth of emotional investment that goes into every creative endeavor. It’s not just about producing something tangible; it’s about pouring your soul and all of who you are into facet of your work. The constant dance with self-doubt, the highs of inspiration… All contribute to a slew of runs mentally that can leave you feeling lost when you can’t create. The vulnerability that comes with putting your creations out into the world is often overlooked. Each piece feels like a piece of your heart, exposed and open to interpretation.

In essence, the creative journey is a kaleidoscope of emotions, and it’s in the shadows and highlights of this emotional spectrum that the true beauty of creation is revealed. Sharing these insights may offer non-creatives a glimpse into the intricate world of creativity, fostering empathy and understanding for the emotional landscapes traversed by those who embark on this artistic odyssey.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

There was a time when life threw unexpected challenges my way, testing the limits of my strength and determination. I found myself juggling the responsibilities of motherhood, a full-time job, and pursuing my own dreams simultaneously. In that, I was also trying to discover who I was for the first time in adulthood.

In the midst of sleepless nights, lack of help, and the emotional weight of seeing my children suffer from an unhealthy environment cultivated by their dad, I could have easily succumbed to the overwhelming pressure. However, my commitment to providing for my family and pursuing my passions fueled a resilience within me that I didn’t know I possessed.

I navigated through the challenges by reorganizing my schedule, seeking support from friends, and prioritizing tasks with unwavering determination. My entire perspective shifted from one of scarcity to one of gratitude. Late nights turned into early mornings, and vice versa, as I strived to be there for my children, excel at my job enough to build a career, and make progress on my personal goals. It wasn’t easy, and there were moments when doubt crept in, but the love for my children and the desire to set an example of resilience kept me going.

Ultimately, my life recovered and I emerged from the experience stronger than ever. This journey taught me that resilience is not just about bouncing back from adversity but adapting and growing through the process. As a single mom, every day is a testament to the strength that comes from embracing challenges head-on and turning them into opportunities for personal and familial growth.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kay.georg/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiara-lobo-5513a7a0/

Image Credits
@sirshanephoto