We had the good fortune of connecting with Matthew Wolfhardt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Matthew, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I was always drawn to the creativity and success that fashion had to me. The translation of a designer’s creativity and the ownership someone had in that business was developed through passion and creativity. I wanted the same. A business of my own, a name I could stand for, and a legacy I could leave behind. The idea of leaving something behind meant that it was the beginning of a generation, an idea, a style. It took me a while to figure out what I wanted to leave behind, but while I was working for another brand it finally came to me… leather. Black leather. Leather had an attitude, a personality and at the time, not many people were doing accessories. Everyone else was doing denim, underwear, t-shirts, etc. But, my business was going to stand alone in order to be noticed. No one throws out leather, it just becomes a part of you. So I decided to do accessories. One-color (black), made here in Los Angeles, California, with my name on it, Wolfhardt.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My favorite saying when it comes to artists is, “in order to be a successful artist, you must be a good business person.” Something that really resonated with me shortly after design school. Often we follow our passion for creativity. Yet we forget the modern world structure and drive that makes success, and that’s business. Knowing the value of your product, your consumer and the power of branding makes a big difference in who we are as creatives. Every day is more about being a business than being creative. Knowing your goals and meeting those goals will give us the success necessary to do more as designers, stylists, make-up artists, and photographers.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Great question and I always enjoy showing people the many beautiful places of Los Angeles, California. One of the first places I introduce is Venice Beach. As an eclectic area on the beach it has been meaningful in my growth and holds a lot of history. Views in LA are treasured, especially during sunset. Griffith Park is a hot spot for moviegoers, history buffs, astronomers, and people who just love taking photos. Last but not least, a little drive at sunset with the top down on a sunny day is a wonderful drive through history, fashion, and the buzz of LA lifestyle. Ending your drive in Beverly Hills and dinner on Rodeo Drive makes any vacation a place to remember.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Anyone that has started or run a business knows that it takes the care and love of the people around you to make it happen. The friends, family, and people whom I do business with and believe in me are to thank. It’s not always champagne and models in the fashion industry, there’s plenty of ups and downs. But, no matter where you are in your journey the sincere people around you deserve gratitude and appreciation!

Website: https://wolfhardt.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wolfhardtofficial/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WOLFHARDTOFFL

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WOLFHARDTOFFICIAL

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com

Image Credits
Image Credits: Photographer: Alexandra Eissinger Female Model: Anna Bergman Male Model: Matthew Wolfhardt MUA: Christopher Miles

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.