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

Hi Kate, why did you pursue a creative career?
I honestly feel like it wasn’t my choice to have an artistic/creative career. There never was another option for me. I have always been visually creative and gotten the most joy out of life when art is involved. When I decided I was going to art school, after having no back-up plan, it just became obvious that art was always going to be in my life. I studied fiber art and textiles and was on a fine art path in college. Since then, I naturally gravitated towards creating work that other people could own and enjoy. It was the only way I’d stay happy. The people I surround myself with are all creative — I wouldn’t know how to get a desk job if I tried! I don’t think a big fancy corporate company would even hire me!

What should our readers know about your business?

My business, Kate Corn, is a Los Angeles based accessories brand. Everything is very colorful and playful. Neon vinyl is basically my entire aesthetic. I love mixing bold colors and materials. That’s probably what sets me apart from a lot of other bag brands. Neutrals are not my thing when it comes to accessorizing. I don’t like taking fashion too seriously and feel that life is way too short to not have fun with your appearance. A neon orange purse paired with pink hair?! Yes, please!

Kate Corn was born on accident — a happy accident. When I first moved to Los Angeles from Philadelphia, I lived in Echo Park and spent a lot of time in the DTLA fashion district. I saw rolls of neon vinyl and literally felt a sensation in my body. I had to buy some and play with it. I started with making bags for myself and posting them on my Instagram for friends. I kept selling out and with the encouragement of my partner and close friends, I got legal and started my business.

I’ve kept everything at my own slow and steady pace. I only spend money when I feel positive about it and won’t do anything that feels super risky or makes me uncomfortable. Maybe I’d be further along if I did but I believe in staying true to what makes me feel good.

Something I’ve learned and loved the most since starting my business is how to use my friends. One friend cuts all my patterns, another one does my graphic design, another one helps me find local manufactures, others give me business advice, etc. There’s an amazing community of creatives around me. It’s so silly for me to try to do all of this myself.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

A huge perk of Los Angeles, as we all know, is the daily perfect weather. My favorite parks to take visiting friends to are Barnsdall Art Park, Echo Park Lake, Griffith Park, Pan Pacific Park and the creme de la creme — Huntington Gardens.

I love bringing lunch to all these spots too. You can’t go wrong with Wax Paper, Guisados, Best Fish Tacos, Ggiata or HomeState.

If you’re looking to do some local thrifting, there’s multiple amazing monthly/weekly outdoor markets. Rosebowl and Long Beach Flea are super fun. I also love Iguana in Hollywood for clothes and a chiller overall experience. While there, you get to see Hollywood Blvd and all the madness that has to offer!

Come evening, my low key dinner recs are La Pergoletta, Cacao, Pine and Crane and Carousel. If you want a little more than low key and eat meat, Genwa is my favorite Korean BBQ spot.

Post dinner, have a drink and/or go dancing at Footsies, Bordners, Cha Cha Lounge or The Prince. If that all sounds like too much, I love watching improv at UCB. I’ve never been to a bad show there, honestly. Cheap and fun!

Lastly, my favorite pastime of all, enjoying dessert. If you are anywhere near a Jeni’s, you must go. I’ve had a lot of ice cream and to me, they are the best. I’ve also gotten into donuts since living in LA and it’s hard to beat California Donuts on 3rd St — but let’s give Donut Friend an honorable mention too!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I’d love to give public praises to my partner in life and love, Gabe Yassky, and two of my nearest and dearest pals, Stacey Hollander and Mike Feldman. The four of us are constantly encouraging and pushing each other to live our most creative lives. Stacey and Mike have helped me with all of my graphic design needs and are always thinking ahead and telling me where I need to go next with my business. Gabe is wildly encouraging and never stops trying to help, even though I can be a true stubborn, pain in the neck. If not for all of them, I’d just be hiding behind my sewing machine hoarding all my creations.

I’d also love to shout out Brook Perdigon, of Brook Perdigon Textiles. She has selflessly taken me under her wing and has become a very important mentor.

Website: www.katecorn.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/katecorn

Image Credits
Personal photo and 5th (last) additional photo by Justin Hunt 1st additional photo by William Thaggard

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