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

Hi Kevin, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Early in my career, I would prioritize work over my personal needs and wants. At the time, I believed that working myself in to the ground was the best way to achieve success. Fortunately, I found out early on that the concept of success evolves over time. What has changed for me most is focusing as much of my time to actually work on things that give me satisfaction. Shifting my thoughts about work, and how it intersects with my values, has been the biggest adjustment over the years.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As the curator of my shop, and creative lead for my brand, I try to stay true to what has inspired me. I don’t think that is a unique trait, but I do believe that my unique life experiences is what sets me apart. Living all over the States, building relationships around the world has opened so many doors for me. Also, saying ‘Yes’ to most things creates an endless amount of experiences to draw from for creativity. I’ve learned a lot on the way including that there are significant gains without hard work and many sacrifices. My hope is that when folks have a chance to shop with us they walk away feeling the authenticity in what we are building.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Chicago in a week

Food: Au Cheval, Momotaro, Crisp, Silom 12 and Pequods
Drink: Fox Bar, Easy Inn, Emporium and Estereo
Fun: The Pop-Up, a night bike ride by the lakefront and a rooftop hang at the Woods’ crib
Stay: The Hoxton, The Robey and Nobu
See: street murals in Wicker Park, Logan Square and the West Loop

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?
My family & close homies. Without these people I wouldn’t be able to do what I need to do to make everything work.

Website: www.thepopup.com

Instagram: @thepopupdotcom

Twitter: @thepopupdotcom_

Facebook: @thepopupdotcom.TPU

Youtube: The Pop-Up TV

Image Credits
Photos by ogkwoods

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