Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kellie Mendoza . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kellie , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Our mission at Fruit by Kellie & Penelope is to celebrate and spread awareness of the incredible variety of exotic fruits from around the world and the numerous health benefits they offer. Through our travels, we’ve discovered an array of fruits that surpass the nutritional profiles of the more commonly known fruits in the US, such as bananas, apples, oranges, and strawberries. These superfoods, with their unique flavors and textures, are packed with powerful vitamins and nutrients.

In response to these discoveries, we’ve created a clothing and accessories brand that not only educates people about these extraordinary fruits but also allows them to wear sustainable and stylish fashion inspired by them. Our collection is designed to be simple yet chic, embodying the essence of these exotic fruits and promoting a more nutritious and diverse diet. Join us in this mission to explore, learn, and celebrate the wonders of exotic fruits while making a positive impact on both your health and the environment.

Kellie , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Absolutely! I’d be delighted to share a bit about myself and my brand. My name is Kellie, and I am an international model from the US with over a decade of experience in the industry. Throughout my modeling career, I’ve had the privilege of observing the inner workings of various designers and brands. This firsthand experience allowed me to see the significant investments of time and money that go into creating these brands. However, I also noticed a troubling trend: many products, despite being of poor quality, were sold at high prices simply because they were showcased with great photography and on professional models like myself.

Driven by a desire to change this narrative, I decided to create a brand that offers high-quality products infused with educational value. This is how “Fruit by Kellie & Penélope” was born. Our brand is not just about fashion; it’s about celebrating and spreading awareness of the diverse and exotic fruits from around the world, highlighting their powerful vitamins and nutrients. These fruits, often surpassing the nutritional benefits of more common fruits like bananas, apples, oranges, and strawberries, are showcased in our sustainable and stylish clothing and accessories.

What sets us apart is our commitment to both quality and education. We offer a range of products that not only look good but also educate our customers about the incredible health benefits of these exotic fruits. My youngest daughter, Penélope, is an integral part of the brand, helping to educate the younger generation about the importance of these superfoods, alongside our colorful and fashionable pieces.

I am incredibly proud of the content we create and the love we spread through our knowledge and fashion. At Fruit by Kellie & Penélope, we strive to provide our customers with more than just clothing; we offer a lifestyle that promotes health, sustainability, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Our mission is to inspire and inform, making a positive impact on both our customers and the environment.

I hope this gives you a good sense of who we are and what we stand for. We are excited to continue this journey, sharing the wonders of exotic fruits and stylish fashion with the world.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for me has undoubtedly been the connections I’ve made through my travels, especially at coffee shops. As a frequent regular at coffee shops around the world, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting incredible people and discovering unique small businesses. These places often feature distinctive products that I can’t find anywhere else, and I love supporting them while enjoying my oat milk latte.

My brand, Fruit by Kellie & Penélope, is currently displayed in one of my favorite spots, Secret Garden in Brooklyn, NYC. This vegan cafe serves amazing juices and vegan dishes that align perfectly with our message of eating well and living healthily. The atmosphere, the food, and the drinks at Secret Garden create an ideal setting for our brand, and it has been a wonderful way to introduce our products to a like-minded, health-conscious audience.

The combination of building relationships in coffee shops and having a presence in such a vibrant, health-focused cafe has been instrumental in attracting new clients who appreciate both the quality and the message of our brand.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

My reputation within the market has been significantly bolstered by my background and connections as a model. This experience has given me invaluable insights into the industry from the inside, allowing me to leverage my network effectively. I have many talented friends in photography and videography whom I hire to create stunning visuals for my brand. Their expertise ensures that our content is always high-quality and engaging.

Additionally, being in beautiful locations where I can find and explore exotic fruits has been a tremendous asset. I have firsthand experience with these fruits, allowing me to personally taste them, understand their nutritional benefits, and share this knowledge with my audience. This authenticity resonates with people, as they see that I genuinely believe in and live the lifestyle that Fruit by Kellie & Penélope promotes. Combining this with creating fashionable looks inspired by these fruits helps me connect with my audience on both a nutritional and aesthetic level, setting my brand apart in the market.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fruit_bykellieandpenelope?igsh=MTJlaWQwNHc3NGhwaA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@kellieisthebest?si=fCH_cJh5u1-wwUYv
• Other: My personal instagram https://youtube.com/@kellieisthebest?si=fCH_cJh5u1-wwUYv

Image Credits

Doccupine Studio located in Chiang Mai Thailand.
Some photos are shoot by myself.