Posted Under: Entrepreneurship, Our Heroes

Paz (Peace), Amor (Love), Fe (Faith), Belleza (Beauty), Unidad (Unity) and Esperanza (Hope) is what makes KCTees. And Karen Crawford, our guest today under the “Our Heroes” series is who makes KC Tees. The T shirt line was created with the objective of inspiring integrity, respect and self-esteem with messages we can all embrace. Karen worked in the Film Entertainment industry as a Creative Advertising Executive however, the desire to apply her creative skills in a more personal endeavor led her design this t-shirt line which pays tribute to her heritage and celebrate what she believe is important in the world today. Let’s talk to her…

DD: Who are you and what kind of corporate job were you at?

KC: I have a line of Latina themed tees promoting positive messages with universal themes that everyone can embrace. I spent most of my professional career in entertainment advertising, mainly overseeing the creation of movie posters, print and online advertising. My last position was at a division of Twentieth Century Fox where I was a Senior Vice President of Creative Advertising.

DD: What made you leave the job? When did you realize that you wanted to be an entrepreneur & why?

KC: Fox shuttered the specialty division I worked at, which was at the beginning of the widespread downsizing at all of the major studios. It was almost impossible to find a job.

I had started my line of tees a while back mainly for family and friends. I had always been looking for Latin themed tees when I moved to Los Angeles and everything I came across was just so stereotypical. So I decided to create some on my own.  I was in between jobs at the time, and had gotten a bit of press, but then I got another job, so I let it sit for a couple of years. When I lost my job during this recent recession, I decided to put my energy back into the line. It was something I was always passionate about.

DD: What are your suggestions to aspiring entrepreneurs?

KC: 1. Never give up on your dreams! 2. Face your fears, listen to your instincts, and don’t listen to negative people. 3. Whether you’re starting out or starting over there is no time like now. 4. It’s never too late to follow your passions!

DD: How are you now? Are you still in the same business, and how do you feel?

KC: Yes, I still have my line and have also recently started a design company with my husband. I have been taking on some projects, but most of my energy goes into my t-shirt line (which is my baby)! I feel great about where I am now.  I wanted a creative outlet that felt personally satisfying to me after the politics of movie advertising and corporate life! I also knew I wanted to give back to the community on some level.

I was an exhibitor at the Latina History Day conference last year and happened to be sitting next to someone who worked for this non profit organization called Para Los Niños. We talked for awhile and I really liked what they were doing, so I now donate 10% of every t-shirt sale to them.  I have also done specific t-shirts for causes that are personal to me like the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Breast Cancer Awareness.

DD: Wow! Thank you so much Karen for talking with me about your journey from Senior Vice President of Creative Advertising to entrepreneur and creator of a line of Latina themed t-shirts! It is amazing how this economy can either make you or break you, and for a lot of entrepreneurs like yourself it is making their dreams come true! I wish you the best of luck in the future.

KC: Thank you, Devesh, for having an interest in my story and for supporting entrepreneurs like me who felt it was time to leave the 9 to 5 behind and start on a new adventure. As I said before, I now have time to focus on my t-shirt line, which I love, and I get to help the community at the same time! I also wish you the best of luck. Take care!

DD: Karen Crawford everyone, employee turned clothing designer and entrepreneur. Her straight-to-the-point tips for entrepreneurs were very inspiring: “Face your fears, listen to your instincts, and don’t listen to negative people.” I couldn’t agree more. Thanks Karen!

Go check out the T-Shirts at: www.KCTees.com

Success to all!!