Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily and Grant Kratzer.
Emily and Grant, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Emily: I graduated from college with a degree in Graphic Design, got a job right out of college as an in-house designer and quickly realized I wasn’t happy. I had a handful of jobs revolving around fashion, beauty and design for a few years thereafter and ultimately decided I was going to be the most happy as my own boss. I was running a social media account with a decent following and decided to take off from there. I quit my 9-5, and bought a domain to open my own curated shop. Thus Love from 1969 was born.
Grant: I graduated from Art Center in Pasadena and immediately started working in clothing design in Los Angeles. I did a lot freelance and editorial illustration in my free time. Since I was younger, I’ve always been into streetwear. In the midst of working, I started making bootleg t-shirts for my friends and it kind of snowballed into become a clothing brand. I ended up quitting my daily job and pursued my brand, Cheatin’ Snakes, full time.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Emily: The road in owning your own business is undeniably a rollercoaster. In the beginning, trying to figure out a structure for business is all trial and error. Trying to figure out marketing, how to run a website and finances were all pretty new to me. Luckily, since Grant and I both work together running similar businesses we have helped each other figure it out. Also trying to figure out how to consistently grow my audience has been a learning opportunity. Even though it can be hard sometimes, I would rather do this any day than work a job I’m unhappy in.
Grant: I think starting any sort of creative career is hard. The hardest thing for me is staying organized. My thoughts are always going a million miles an hour and sometimes I just get lost in it. Overtime you figure out what works for you and the road gets a little smoother. But its always interesting.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Emily: My business revolves around my illustrations, fashion choices and clothing designs. I’ve always loved traditional art such as painting and drawing, so I figured out a way to translate that into products. I purchased an iPad and started doing those things digitally and began selling prints. In combination with art, I love clothes. I collect vintage and eclectic clothing and would often post outfit pictures to social media in which people would ask for shopping recommendations. I remember thinking “I need one place to get all this cool stuff”, so I started researching how I could sell it myself. Eventually, the illustration and clothing started blending together and it evolved into designing fabrics and picking out fashion accessories that mirrored my style.
Grant: My work spans a few genres but I am most known as a clothing designer and for the brand Cheatin Snakes. Cheatin Snakes is known for limited release t-shirts and clothing. Cheatin Snakes is a projection of memories and interests from my personal life. I think this is what sets the brand apart and continues to push it forward.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Emily: I would say being authentic to myself along with creating lasting relationships with my customers.
Grant: I think being an individual is the most important characteristic to my success. Standing out is the best way to define your voice.
Contact Info:
- Website: lovefrom1969.com and cheatinsnakes.com
- Instagram: @lovefrom1969 and @cheatinsnakes
