We caught up with the brilliant and insightful KoolKase a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
KoolKase, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Adopting the famous slogan from Dr. Seuss ” Those That Mind Don’t Matter and Those That Matter Don’t Mind” has paved the way for many including myself and my thought process on things. It has inspired us with Mind Over Matter Clothing. In today’s world, where social media and the internet seems dictate the lives of so many. I believe our mission is very strong. “Be Free, Be True, Be You …UNAPOLOGETICALLY “. Everyone has the right to feel freely and be true to themselves and their beliefs without being judged or criticized. No one should feel sorry because they believe in something different, feel something different, or for just being different in general. We stand strong on that and want everyone who is wearing our brand to feel as if they’re able to be themselves and express themselves unapologetically.
KoolKase, 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?
I am a serial entrepreneur or what I like to call myself a “Jill Of All Trades”! I don’t have just one brand in particular. However, the brands that I have tend to go hand in hand with one another. KK Management and Productions, LLC (KKMNP for short) is where it all started in 2009. KKMNP works with artists and businesses in management, promotion, marketing, branding, and more. I am a published author. I have a self gratitude journal available on Amazon titled “iJournal: Inside Thoughts “. I am currently working on more pieces to be published. Using my creative niche, I’ve been able to incorporate writings into my business, by writing storylines for music videos, articles, and personal non-fiction pieces for others, etc. Mind Over Matter Clothing, is an urban streetwear yet chic clothing brand for men and women encouraging all to be themselves unapologetically with no regards to the opinions of others. Be Free, Be True, Be You.
I’m most known for KKMNP (KK Management and Productions, LLC) and all the community work I’ve done within Pittsburgh, PA, and from the grind with artists, shows, etc over the many years. Soon, Mind Over Matter Clothing will become a well known brand as well as we are on our way.
KK Management and Productions is my first business and my longest-running as it is still going strong. Over the last 14 years KKMNP has taken me to places and linked me with individuals that only people dream to go and meet. Growing KKMNP people were able to see my journey, my character, my strength, my creativity, and more; people got to know me, KoolKase genuinely.
My inspiration to becoming an entrepreneur came from the administration of creativity and the joyful feeling I always have after seeing the happiness of my helpful doings for people. Those two things gave me the confidence that I can create things that the masses would enjoy, and that I’d be able to use my selflessness is ways that can help others achieve things they set out to obtain.
These things alone have set me apart from others in the industry and have kept my longevity in this business. I didn’t have to compromise myself, my beliefs, or values, and for that, I am most proud.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I tend to correlate risk and resilience together. Risk factors are the personal characteristics that increase vulnerability as well as daily stress; whereas resilience builds the strength to get through those disturbances and stresses while still being able to function daily. With that being said, taking risk has not only been the core of entrepreneurship for me but in life in general. So, no risk no reward! I take risk directly and indirectly. For example as shameful as this is in 2023 being a Black intelligent lesbian woman is such a wonderful thing yet it is risky. Many are very fearful and/or intimdated by that combination, which can make it an indirect risk for me. Sudden movements I make, my tone, my facial expression can be threatening or just perceived totally wrong by someone, and that can put me at risk. Being able to see the next day, make and execute plans, to graduate, to have a job or career, that’s resilience in life for people like me.
As far as my path on entrepreneurship and with Mind Over Matter Clothing there has definitely been some risk, and lots of resilience on this journey. Every risk that I’ve taken may not have been rewarding in the sense of being successful, but it has been rewarding in lessons. Which shows resilience due to staying strong and not giving up on whatever obstacles I had to go through.
The biggest risk I’ve taken with MOMC has been the investment of my own personal funds to carry the load of the brand. I never had any investors, loans, grants etc to assist with any part of my business. I’ve soley taken my earnings from working my day to day job (9-5) and put any and everything I have left over from my bills into my brand, promotion, and marketing. In hopes of reaching the market thats into urban streetwear yet chic men and women’s apparel. Doing this I knew in order to make money I had to spend money. Yes, I’ve taken somes losses. That didn’t stop me. I kept going, kept making sacrafices, kept investing. I didn’t give up when faced with any type of adversity. I didn’t change my routine. I stayed consistent with what I believed. Now Mind Over Matter Clothing is being recognized, people are shopping with us all over the USA. That is resilient!
Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.
When it comes to merchandise, it’s a team effort! Using the creative minds of myself (team), graphic designers/artists, and the manufacturers. Overall, yes I have the final say so, but there is a lot that goes into it. Manufacturing has been one the biggest obstacles I’ve faced with Mind Over Matter Clothing. We use different manufacturers/vendors for different garments.
Buying plain shirts in bulk from stores like h&m and forever 21, then taking them to local businesses to get the logo put on with a heat press, was how it began. Wanting more creativity, better quality, wanting to stand out and make a statement, I knew work had to be done.
Not knowing where to start with the manufacturers was a huge set back. In the beginning everything was trial and error, at times it still is. The manufacturing business is very competitive. As a brand we want more for our money yet we want quality. We want correct stitching, sizing, colors, etc. We want to make sure they specialize in these styles of clothing designs. There are many components to choosing a vendor, the top three for MOMC is price, quality, and delivery.
Many lessons had to be learned when it came to choosing these vendors. I had to learn about so many different fabrics, price points, lead time, MOQ, the different print methods. Things we don’t really think about as consumers, we like the design the softness of it on our skin, and buy it. As the brand itself I have to know every little detail about how the shirt, sock, hat, etc is made. Before it gets to that point I have to be one hundred percent satisfied with the designing of the piece; that it gives “The appeal” that MOMC wants to give. After all of that I can go into the mindset of a consumer making a purchase. Beyond everything, that is in fact one of the most important yet rewarding lessons to be learned. 
Contact Info:
- Website: Shopmindovermatterclothing.com
- Instagram: Mindovermatterclothing20
- Facebook: Mindovermatterclothing20
- Other: [email protected] @itskoolkase
Image Credits
@kkmnp (photography) Gianni- @gi.brooks (photography) @martell_19_ /@tell.sfit (model) @look_itskor / @chefkorr_ikater (model) @toniwiththetea1 (model) @7vventh_genie (model) @sue.sbeih (model) @_smileynicole (model)