Meet TeaonChanae Thortvedt of KRĒT COLLECTION in Aurora

Today we’d like to introduce you to TeaonChanae Thortvedt.

TeaonChanae, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In 2016, I received the biggest blessing in my life! My son, Orion “Chicken” Sigars. As I have always had a passion for fashion, I just knew that I would pass this passion down to my children. So yes, my son now has the juice lol. I’ve always wanted to start my clothing brand but never knew where to start. In 2017, after my son was over the onesie faze, I loved big boy shopping for him. The only problem was, the boys section was very limited! This is where my motivation began to create my sons very own clothing brand. Let me say, it is not easy coming up with a name. I had a meaning, but I could not put a name to it. As a mother, I want to raise my son in a way that he is not damaged from his past. I want him to have a good foundation, to be nurtured, loved and to grow. Wait? Good foundation, nurtured, loved and grow? That sounds like a rose!

Growing up, my life has not been an easy straight path, but I made something out of it. Tupacs collection of poetry book, The Rose That Grew From The Concrete, helped me get through some of my toughest times. In 2018, one day in my room, after writing down 100+ names, I was listening to the audiobook, The Rose That Grew From The Concrete.” While listening, I kept writing down names and saying them out loud. “Rosecrete, Koncrete, Krete, Krēt..” There it is! KRĒT, accent over the ē represents two sounds and different. It has taken off since representing both children and adult clothing.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth? Oh, no, lol. I would say very bumpy with a little bit of rain and heavy wind. When I first began, I had no idea where to start. I was big on being a self-made brand which comes with a lot of trial and error. From being overcharged for the product to print shops canceling on me, not to have a logo for the first year, etc. I was putting out more than was coming in, which put me in a financial hole. I wanted to give up so many times, but my heart was in it for the vision and I knew the money would come. As time passed, I focused on cutting out the middle man. I knew it would take dedication and motivation, and I pushed to find it. Youtube became my everyday tool! I watched videos every day on new machines and how to learn their operations. Also, my friends: Erick, Eyonna, and Malikea played a big role in helping me where I struggled with learning new machines. Now, I fully operate KRĒT COLLECTION in my home from printing, sewing and embroidery.

Please tell us about your business.
KRĒT COLLECTION is a lifestyle brand with comfortability and simplicity in mind. With the motto, “not just a clothing brand,” KRĒT is a brand to live by. Currently branding both kid and adult clothing and soon expanding to accessories etc. KRĒT COLLECTION means an improvement in the condition or strength of something. To repair or bring something back that may have once been lost. I am proud to say my brand has touched many, as the meaning is powerful. As clothing brands are one of the most popular industries, KRĒT stands out from its quality stitched logo and the love behind each created piece.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from my childhood would be collecting sneakers. As I was nominated best dressed in 8th grade, I have been infatuated with collecting sneakers. My sneaker of choice as a child would be Michael Jordan. I have been collecting sneakers since 8th grade which as I child, I owned close to 200 pairs. Now, I collect sneakers for my son, which has been a pleasant experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kretcollection.com
• Phone: 7209653212
• Email: 2018kret@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kretcollection/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steviet4

Image Credit:
Monaie Diamond
Elaine Robinson

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