KIM POSSIBLE

“Wazzup, wazzup, wattaaap!” Listen, if you don’t know where that quote came from then your childhood was totally messed up. Anyway, I’m back in action and decided to revive my Original Stories series for your reading enjoyment. This time around, I aim to deliver exclusive interviews with some of the most sophisticated women in the game. Allow me to present my special first guest, Kimberlyanne Mendoza.

Kim and I met while we were patiently standing in line to enter a botched Hypebeast event in 2017. (Approximately two years after I left BAPE). Let’s put it this way: the shindig was like an oversold flight where they invited more people than the venue could even handle. As you guessed, we weren’t able to get in—at least it was great seeing Kim. As a matter of fact, she reminded me that we were already connected via LinkedIn! 

The New Jersey-bred, social media maven is balling to the squeaks of her own high-end sneaks in a male dominated arena.  Kim has worked for MTV, Complex, and is now a social strategist at Nike.  Oh, I almost forgot to mention she has a fledgling clothing line, aptly titled, Girls Who Dress Like Boys.

I sat down with the Filipina polymath to get a glimpse of what it’s like in her wondrous universe.  Check out our conversation below:

FRENDY:  What’s going on, Kim? I really appreciate you for taking the time to have this talk.

KIM:  Hey! Of course.

FRENDY:  The last time I saw you in person was when we bumped into each other about five years ago trying to get inside a Hypebeast event. It’s crazy how fast time flew by!  So much has changed in the world since then.

KIM:  Wow! That’s right, I totally forgot we met trying to get into their office. Pretty sure I was in the process of interviewing with them back then. I also ran into Michèle Lamy that same day. Super random! *Laughs*

FRENDY: *Laughs* That’s crazy. Interviewing with them—meaning a job interview?

KIM:  Yes, it was for a random social media position at Hypebeast—nothing crazy. I just wanted to find another gig outside of Beauty since that was the field I was currently in, and wanted out.  I actually ended up at [MTV] TRL after someone in HR reached out for their re-launch which was pretty sick.

FRENDY:  Everything happens for a reason.  We may not know why during the questionable events, but later on in life the answers reveal themselves. I’m definitely going to discuss all of your endeavors in a bit.  Let’s get to the nitty-gritty now though: what did you say to Michèle Lamy when you ran into her? *Laughs*

KIM:  *Laughs*  Actually, I stood around and contemplated if I should approach her. She walked past me, then turned back around and walked past me again for the second time. In my mind, I was like, should I say something or should I not? She then came back around a third time and I thought, whatever let me just say something to her. 

I didn’t want to come off like one of those people who are all in your face asking for photos so I politely said, “hi Michèle, I’m a huge fan of you and your work. You and Rick [Owens] are a huge inspiration.”  She said “thank you,” and kept it moving. I’m very happy that I had a chance to briefly speak to her face to face—I didn’t think I would ever meet her. 

FRENDY:  It’s funny because now we can hardly notice any public figures freely walking around in the streets since everyone is wearing face masks. How has this pandemic way of living changed your mindstate?

KIM: The pandemic was a blessing in disguise for me. Weirdly, it has challenged me to be creative in more ways than I already am. It has also pushed me to put in 1000% more time and effort in projects that I’ve been working on, and also try new things out.  I learned that the power of the internet is real!  A ton of small businesses benefited from it during this time period in terms of support. 

FRENDY: Absolutely. Were you born and raised in New York?

KIM:  I’m not. I'm actually from New Jersey--born and raised! Right now, I reside in Newark.

FRENDY:  Jersey in the house! Was it hard for you to go to the city often as a kid? Or were you able to get constant rides to enjoy all the festivities that were taking place in the Big Apple?

KIM:  It wasn’t hard at all.  I was always in the city! I went to college and interned there so I was in NYC daily. I was a heavy concert goer *Laughs*.  Not a huge party animal, but [I] loved the music and fashion scene there. 

FRENDY:  Which college did you attend? Also, what was your major?

KIM:  I went to LIM College and I majored in Marketing with a concentration in Social Media/Fashion Photography and Design.

FRENDY:  I know that you previously worked for MTV and Complex.  What was your position at those major broadcasting companies?

KIM:  I was a social media coordinator at MTV and at Complex I was a social media manager.  I’ve been in social media my entire career basically.  Besides in my early days when I was at Karmaloop, XXL, Jack Threads and Burberry.  I was still testing the waters at that point in time.

FRENDY:  Your resume is extensive—much respect!  For those who are not aware, what are the duties of a social media coordinator? I’m sure it’s more than just merely posting content on a company’s Instagram page.

KIM:  Social media is a crazy job!  You’re on [call] 24/7 and you do way more than just post. In my experience, I was doing all the photography, producing, directing, editing, photoshopping, interviewing.  The list can go on and on. There’s usually a role for everything I just mentioned, but with social it comes with the territory.

FRENDY:  I know students are usually hired at a company they interned for right before graduating college.  Was that the case for you?

KIM:  I wouldn’t say that’s the case—it really depends if the company is hiring.  My last internship was at Nickelodeon and they were trying to get a head count on their team to hire me. I’m not one to wait around so during that period I started applying to multiple jobs.  I wasn’t being picky because I knew I was just starting out.  Eventually, after a few interviews, I nailed one down with a company I wasn’t too fond of.  Hey, it’s a job at the end of the day. 

FRENDY:  What propelled your move to Nike?

KIM:  Nike reached out to me regarding a social role on their team.  I honestly thought I wouldn’t be able to work for the company since they’re Portland based and I reside on the East Coast. I've always been a fan of the brand, and a huge sneaker lover. So I took the interview, got the role, and luckily for the pandemic it ended up being remote.

FRENDY: Let’s say the pandemic didn’t happen.  Would you have moved to Nike’s headquarters in Portland?

KIM:  I wouldn’t have.  And to be honest, I most likely would have asked if I could work out of the NYC office. I only say this because I love living near the city and having access to it because a lot of the things I do for my personal endeavors require me to be in and out of there. 

FRENDY: “Won’t he do it, yes he does” ::Kanye Voice::  What are the key lessons learned from your previous jobs that stuck with you?

KIM: One thing I learned is that a job doesn’t define who you are. I feel like a lot of times people tend to think their job defines who they are and link it to their identity—that shouldn’t be the case. 

FRENDY:  I totally agree.  Although you’re working in the media field, your love for fashion never faltered.  When did it begin?

KIM:  My love for fashion started at a very young age. I can’t say how young but I remember being a child. I had these paper cut out dolls that you would rip out of these books, and they would come with outfits you can interchange. I remember not liking any of them so I would get some paper then trace the dolls in order to get an accurate measurement to draw new outfits for them. I would say that’s when it all started. I always knew at a very young age that I wanted to make clothes.

FRENDY:  *Laughs* Such devotion at a young age. Passion is the key to everything in life and it’s so good you found yours early on.  What are your favorite brands at the moment?

KIM:  I would have to say Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, Aimé Leon Dore and, of course, Off White.  I never thought I would say Louis Vuitton, but since Virgil [Abloh] stepped in, I must say they have some amazing designs. Balenciaga has had some really dope pieces.  I’m really loving their oversized looks—I’m biased and love oversized/baggy clothing. Aimé because I love the creative route they are taking.  Very clean, minimal, and such a great aesthetic.  I’m also a sucker for athleisure though.  

FRENDY:  How would you describe your style?

KIM:  I have a range of styles, but it mainly consists of all black clothing with interesting cuts and fabrics. When I say all black—I mean it. My entire closet consists of all black clothing. I don’t remember the last time I wore color, and when I do it’s mainly on my sneakers. I really love a baggy fit paired with some Nikes or Jordans which is the usual fit for me.

FRENDY:  What kicks are currently in your rotation?

KIM:  It would probably be my Off-White x Nike pine green dunks, Aleali May x Air Jordan “Fortune” 14s and, throwing a curveball here, the Uggs x Stampd collaboration which I mainly wear to walk my dogs.

FRENDY:  That’s a curve ball for sure *Laughs*.  What is the purpose of your brand, Girls Who Dress Like Boys?  Obviously the name explains a lot, but is there a deeper meaning behind the moniker?

KIM:  *Laughs*  Right, but I had to be honest!  The purpose of the brand is to create a community and space for women who love sneakers, streetwear and sportswear. It's a brand and community that breaks gender norms. Women love our stuff but so do the men. It’s funny because a lot of girls will message us saying their boyfriend stole their hoodie or jacket, which we all know is usually the opposite. I also get DMs about how they can relate to the brand name and how in a lot of ways the brand spoke to them. 

FRENDY: There’s nothing greater than hearing positive feedback from supporters.  Is GWDLB only offering merchandise?  Or are you also planning on doing much more with the label such as curating events, etc?

KIM:  Yes, for sure!  We plan on doing much more than just merchandise. I have a ton of ideas and my team (consisting of 2 people) keep me level-headed because I really reach for the stars. It’s a gift and a curse *Laughs*.  There has been talks about curating events and much more but we’re being mindful of the pandemic.  Hopefully when the time is right you’ll see more of that side from us!

FRENDY:  Looking forward to it all.  On January 4th, 2018 you shared an Instagram post stating: “Start A Movement.”  Was that the moment you decided to embark on this new creative venture?

KIM:  Woah, you really dug around! I always knew GWDLB was going to be something much more than a brand. I wrote that because I wanted to inspire others to start their own projects, side hustle or whatever you want to call it. There’s a lot of room for people in this world to do dope things, and if we can help facilitate that then we're here to support.

FRENDY:  Thank you, thank you.  I put my heart into this and I really love what you’re doing—I had to come correct.  In your opinion,  what is it about menswear/streetwear that intrigues women all around the globe?

KIM:  I would say as women we can wear anything, and I don’t think just because something is made for a man it should only be worn by men. There’s something really intriguing about women putting on men’s clothing and feeling confident in it. Now, streetwear is a very male dominated area. I think when it comes to that, women tend to gravitate towards it because there is a lack of representation of them there.

Clothing is clothing to me. Anyone can wear whatever it is they want. Whether it be women wearing men's clothing or vice versa. It really doesn’t matter as long as you’re confident and happy in whatever article of clothing that is.

FRENDY: At the end of the day, it’s what’s in you not on you.  Back in 2016, you had a minimalist clothing brand titled Arevalo && Company.  Are you still working on it?

KIM:  Yes, I still work on the brand with my fiance.  However, my main focus has shifted to GWDLB. There's momentum there and crafting a brand is a ton of work!  I had to learn to prioritize so I don’t stretch myself too thin.  With that being said, there are a few new pieces for Arevalo that are currently in the works so you can look out for that in the near future.

FRENDY:  Bet!  Behind every great woman there is an equally great man.  I love the relationship you have with your best friend/fiance John Vincent.  Was it love at first sight?

KIM:  *Laughs*  Oh God, the relationship questions!  We were and still are best friends—I've known him since the seventh grade. We spoke to each other all the time and were around each other a lot. High School hit, and next thing you know we’re in a full blown relationship.  So yes, kind of love at first sight.

FRENDY: Jeeez! Since the seventh grade.  I saw that John was recently named the youngest vice president of Columbia Records.  Where were you guys when the news broke out?

KIM:  *Laughs*  We were home hanging out—it was exciting!  Our families saw him on TFC, which is a Filipino news channel in the Philippines and he was all over it. I’m genuinely happy for him since he’s born and raised there. It’s a huge accomplishment especially since there is a lack of Filipino representation in the music industry.

FRENDY:  Shout out to my dude [OVO] Niko one time. Congrats to him! You’re of Filipino descent as well right?

KIM:  Yes, I’m Filipina.  A lot of people think otherwise *Laughs*.  I’m born and raised here in the United States, but lived and went to school in the Philippines from the age of five through seven.

FRENDY:  Awesome!  I was born in Haiti and moved to NYC when I was seven-years-old. One more relationship question *Laughs* : how supportive is your fiance when it comes to your personal endeavors?

KIM:  He’s very supportive in everything I do and continuously pushes me to do more with my talents. Low key he’s like my manager *Laughs*.  He helps me on the business side of things, and I can always go to him for his advice or opinion on anything that I’m working on. 

FRENDY:  In 2018, you put me on to rapper Coi Leray before she really blew up.  How’d you get involved with her music career at such an early stage?

KIM:  Coi! I love her.  One of my best friends, D'anthony, actually manages her.  One night he brought her to our apartment to vibe out.  We all knew she was a star from that day alone. The team was very small when she was starting out.  Since I have a photography background, I was able to help out on a few shoots by taking BTS photos of them. The rest is history clearly because look at her now *Laughs*.

FRENDY:  Are you still in contact with her team?

KIM:  Yes, I'm still in contact with her manager since he’s a close friend. He's usually out in Los Angeles, but when he’s around we’ll grab dinner and catch up.

FRENDY:  How do you balance your work and romantic life?

KIM:  It’s really not hard. We do dinners often and make sure to take trips every couple of months—nothing crazy. When couples say they can’t balance work and their romantic life I really don’t understand how. It’s not that difficult. Anyone can find the time to dedicate to their significant other. The real question is if they want to or not.

FRENDY:  Bars.  What advice would you give to young women who are trying to dip their toes in the media/fashion world?  Especially during this unique covid situation.

KIM: I would say: use social media to your advantage. If you’re interested in fashion, post about fashion, and showcase your work. Companies aren’t just looking at your resume nowadays. They also take your social media account into consideration—especially during these times when the majority is remote.