Meet Sonia Smith Kang | Founder & Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sonia Smith Kang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sonia, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’m a multi-faceted individual who made the transition from being a registered nurse to a fashion designer. With an Afro-Latina heritage and military upbringing, I have a unique perspective I bring to the world of fashion. Born in Puerto Rico and raised on the picturesque Hawaiian island of O’ahu, I have a rich multicultural background that is reflected in my work.

As a proud military brat and married to a Korean husband, I’m the mother of four multiracial, multicultural, and multilingual children. My life’s mission is to celebrate diversity and promote multicultural representation in all aspects of life. I firmly believe that cultural pride is a vital component of personal and collective identity, and this belief is what motivated me to launch Mixed Up Clothing.

I was inspired to start my own fashion line after realizing that there was a significant gap in the children’s fashion space. I felt that there was a lack of representation for diverse cultures and decided to take matters into my own hands. With determination and a bold spirit, I cashed out my 401k and started Mixed Up Clothing, with the aim of instilling cultural pride in my children and others like them.

What should our readers know about your business?
Mixed Up Clothing is an esteemed children’s lifestyle brand with a purpose that extends far beyond just offering fashionable clothing. With a mission to empower and positively impact the well-being of children, the brand is dedicated to creating a positive impact on the world.

Certified as a minority-owned enterprise, Mixed Up Clothing is committed to promoting cultural inclusiveness and embracing diversity. The brand recognizes that children’s apparel is not just a reflection of personal style, but also a representation of their cultural identity. As such, Mixed Up Clothing provides children’s clothing that accurately reflects the multicultural reality of our world and instills a sense of pride in one’s cultural heritage.

At Mixed Up Clothing, the aim is to promote a sense of belonging and empower children to embrace their unique identities. By providing clothing that is inclusive, reflective of diverse cultures, and designed with the well-being of children in mind, the brand is making a meaningful impact on the lives of children everywhere.

Mixed Up Clothing is more than just a clothing line, it is a representation of a multicultural community that has long been underserved by the fashion industry. As a brand, Mixed Up Clothing is dedicated to inspiring the next generation by diversifying the fashion industry and promoting inclusiveness in all its designs and models.

Now sold at Macy’s and Belk, Mixed Up Clothing is well aware of the eager and willing customer base that is waiting for innovative products that empower children and celebrate their diverse cultural identities. With a commitment to providing clothing that accurately reflects the multicultural reality of our world, Mixed Up Clothing has filled a much-needed gap in the market.

By designing clothing that is inclusive and reflective of diverse cultures, Mixed Up Clothing is making a meaningful impact on the lives of children everywhere. The brand’s inclusive designs and models are not only empowering children, but they are also changing the fashion landscape, promoting diversity, and inspiring the next generation to celebrate their unique cultural identities.

Mixed Up Clothing is much more than just a clothing line; it is a symbol of hope and inspiration for a more inclusive and diverse world. With its commitment to empowering children and promoting cultural inclusiveness, the brand is a shining example of the positive impact that can be made through fashion.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Breakfast- Magaly’s Tamales (San Fernando) for chilaquiles Lunch- Dim Sum (Monterey Park)
Dinner and drinks-Blaqhaus Co (No.Ho)
Dessert-Beignet Box (Studio City)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I work in service of the multicultural community. I am vice-president of Multiracial Americans of Southern California (MASC) a 501c3 whose vision is to celebrate multiracial identity in a racially inclusive world. MASC’s mission is to advocate for and foster multiracial community and identity. With this vision and mission in mind, MASC creates activities and designs programs to educate, advocate for, and promote social justice for the multiracial community and increase awareness and understanding amongst the public about multiracial/multiethnic issues

Website: www.mixedupclothing.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/mixedupclothing

Twitter: www.twitter.com/mixedupclothing

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mixedupclothing

Image Credits
Sonia Smith Kang (headshot) Somerbliss (lifestyle images)