SWWP #45 - Suing Nike/Converse: A Creative Director's Journey (feat. Love, Kelly)

Summary

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Episode Overview

Podcast: Something Wrong With The Podcast
Episode: #45 – Suing Nike/Converse: A Creative Director's Journey (feat. Love, Kelly)
Date: November 25, 2025
Host: Julian Delgado
Guest: Love, Kelly (Kelly)

In this wide-ranging and candid interview, Julian Delgado welcomes multi-hyphenate creative director Love, Kelly (“Kelly”), whose journey from small-town show promoter to fashion innovator has taken both inspiring turns and unfortunate detours—including a high-profile battle with Converse over creative theft. Through personal stories, honest reflection, and sharp cultural commentary, the episode dives deeply into themes of independence, creative risk, community-building, and the real costs of being a creative in an industry where big corporations don’t always play fair.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introducing Love, Kelly: Identity, Recovery, and Intentionality

• [00:47–02:47]
  • Julian introduces Kelly as a creative director, multi-hyphenate, advocate for clean living, and community-minded role model—someone whose openness about substance abuse recovery has created real impact.
  • Kelly: “That was actually like the most meaningful part for me of like building a platform… If I was just doing [fashion and music] and there was no sort of like purpose to the messaging I think eventually I would burn out and just be like, who am I making this for?” (02:14)

2. Background & How Julian and Kelly Met

• [02:47–06:27]
  • Met in the Atlanta/Chicago music scene during Summer Smash through mutual connections, working with artists.
  • Kelly’s journey: LIU Brooklyn student, started as a videographer, developed a parallel interest in fashion, and produced his first fashion show soon after meeting Julian.

3. Early Creative Risks, Learning on the Job, and Breaking Into the Industry

• [06:27–11:43]
  • Bootstrapped initial projects, including a breakthrough animated video for Trippie Redd—financed out of pocket as a student.
  • Key insight: Hustle, resourcefulness, and the willingness to “gamble it all” are common themes in Kelly’s origin story.
  • Quote: “Instagram DM for me has been like—that’s my whole business… That’s how I got into everything.” (06:27, Kelly)

4. Growth, Imposter Syndrome, and Drawing Boundaries

• [11:43–14:42]
  • Artist-fan relationships evolve: from starstruck and doing free work “for the love,” to recognizing the need for boundaries and charging for value.
  • The challenge: when collaborators are “friends,” it’s hard to make things transactional.
  • Kelly: “There has to be a certain point where you kind of have to draw a line in the sand of, like, I’m not gonna do work like this anymore for free.” (12:18)

5. Independence, Authentic Creative Community & Solo Validation

• [14:42–19:41]
  • Both Julian and Kelly emphasize the power of building something that’s truly your own and the validation that comes from community engagement, not proximity to famous names.
  • Kelly: “It used to be, like, I felt like my progress was dependent on… if I could work with artists that was bigger every couple months. And now I just feel like I'm standing on my own two feet.” (16:59)

6. Long-Term Storytelling and Event Production

• [19:41–23:25]
  • Kelly’s “Love, Kelly” brand is narrative-driven and dialogic—framing all releases as part of a larger story, not merely trends.
  • Experience throwing hip-hop shows in his Vermont hometown, pushing boundaries in a progressive but largely homogenous town, sometimes facing pushback and event shutdowns.

7. Fashion World Ascent, Mentorship, and Community

• [24:07–28:35]
  • Internship at V Files (secured through college connections), first fashion week show, and crucial support from founder Julie Anne.
  • Discussion of role models: KidSuper, Cole Bennett—DIY-minded, community-building creatives who fused music, fashion, and collaborative spaces.
  • Kelly: “That’s my biggest gift with this—is bringing people together. That’s always been something I love to do, is just like, connect worlds that wouldn’t otherwise collide.” (28:27)

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The Converse Controversy: Creative Theft and Corporate Overreach

8. How the Converse Deal Happened and Went Wrong

• [30:36–39:55]

  • Early 2024: Kelly meets a Converse global partnerships exec at a V Files event; proposes collaboration, eventually lands a deal to use Converse’s NYC store as a runway venue for his brand’s show, provides all creative concepts and mockups—including the “love, Kelly” signature (a play on love letters).
  • The show is a breakout hit. Afterward, communication is positive; discussions for future partnership are floated.
  • Months later, Converse launches a global campaign—“Dear [Artist]… Love, Chuck”—using the same love letter concept, visual layout, font, and even Instagram bio structure.
  • Kelly: “I go to their Instagram page… in my Instagram bio, it says ‘love comma Kelly’… I look in their bio and it says ‘love comma Chuck’ in the exact same way as mine.” (36:59)

9. Reaction, Fallout, and Going Public

• [39:55–46:53]
  • Kelly recalls the anger, hurt, and paralysis of seeing his work repurposed globally, receiving messages daily from friends and fans who spot the similarity.
  • Wrestled with the choice: keep the brand relationship (and hope for crumbs), or stand up and risk losing further access—deciding in the end to go public and pursue legal action.
  • His exposé video goes viral on TikTok and Instagram, drawing huge support from real-life and online followers alike.
  • “That relationship is nuked,” reflects Julian; they both discuss the possible “ripple effect” on Kelly’s other future opportunities.
  • Kelly: “I think my hope is that another big corporation can see that and not see it as problematic and see it as brave... I honestly think that was, like, one of the most defining career moments for me...” (43:06, 44:03)

10. Creative Integrity, Trust, and the Harsh Lessons of Industry

• [47:03–51:35]
  • Kelly explains how the experience has led him to become more cautious about what he shares and whom he trusts; a reality check about the prevalence of “snaky type people” and the importance of real values.
  • “I want to judge people for how they treat, treat everyone, not just how they treat me… People who don’t cheat and don’t steal and don’t lie, they do it because that’s who they are.” (49:10, Kelly)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Creative Risk & Success:
  “I really think everything was, like… I was so excited. I was for the love of the game. Never wanted any money.” (10:30, Kelly)

• On Friendship vs. Business:
  “Because I deeply care about you, we’re probably really good friends… I’m never gonna be like, ‘Yo bro, like, you know, like—’ I just can’t.” (12:18, Julian)

• On the Feeling of Being Ripped Off:
  “If we were to do a collab [now], we couldn’t do one… it wouldn’t be a collab. It’s the same as something you’ve already put out.” (39:30, Kelly)

• On Empathy, Integrity, and Real Community:
  “I want to start being around people who are good, period, not because of how much they like me or not.” (49:56, Kelly)

• On Viral Support and Resilience:
  “When I did put that [video] out, a lot of different resources came my way. I got connected to a really dope lawyer… For me, it… is one of those things where the scales are a little more even than they would have been in the past.” (46:36, Kelly)

• On Public Validation vs. Real Community:
  “A lot of artists overlook…they look at listeners like fans. But… you’re really building something that extends beyond the product you’re putting out…” (53:31, Julian)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:47–02:47: Introduction to Kelly, platform for positive impact and recovery.
• 06:27–08:54: How Kelly hustled into music video work, first artistic risks.
• 11:43–14:18: Transitioning from starstruck fan to drawing personal and business boundaries.
• 16:09–17:59: Redefining success as independent, not attached to bigger brands/names.
• 30:36–39:55: Converse story: how the creative theft happened and initial fallout.
• 41:24–41:56: Going public with the story, video goes viral.
• 43:06–44:03: The cost of standing up vs. keeping industry relationships.
• 47:03–51:35: Learning about trust, integrity, and self-protection as an artist.
• 53:12–54:16: On building purpose-driven community and looking to the future.

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Tone & Style

The tone throughout is candid, conversational, and thoughtful, with both host and guest willing to be vulnerable about insecurity, resilience, and the realities of creative work. Kelly’s reflections often veer into motivational territory without glossing over real-world cynicism and disappointment, balancing optimism about creative community with a measured wariness drawn from personal experience.

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Conclusion

This episode is a powerful, unfiltered look at the grit and heartbreak of being a young creative in today’s culture-obsessed world—one where community, authenticity, and personal boundaries are as crucial as technical talent. Kelly’s journey serves as both inspiration and warning, offering a clear-eyed view of the risks and rewards of carving your own path. For anyone navigating creative industries, startup fashion, or simply seeking meaning in their work, there are profound lessons here about self-worth, vigilance, and the value of standing up for your vision—even when the stakes are high.

Transcript

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[Co-host 1]

That's the intro right there.

[Host Julian]

That's it right there, man. Welcome to episode 45 of Something Wrong with the Podcast. I'm here with a, a friend of mine for a few years now and we haven't seen each other in person in I feel like we only run into each other, but it's been a long time since one of those has happened.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah, absolutely.

[Host Julian]

Kelly, AKA Love Kelly, which we'll get into the brand and all that before, but should we just explain who you are? You're a creative director, but like, I want to say like a multi hyphenate creative because like you do music videos, you have your own fashion brand. Like you've also. I don't know if you encapsulate this in your storytelling, like work wise. But I would also say like, you're an advocate for like clean living and just like a good person. If somebody's going through some like, issues with substance abuse, like you're somebody that has experienced your own troubles in the past and is like cleaned up and is like someone that people can turn to for that as well.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah.

[Host Julian]

So like when I was on the old show, I used to open up about some of my struggles with drugs and people would come to me and I'm like, oh shit. Like there's something here where people will like look to somebody that they want to listen to and like can actually trust and believe. And I feel like you have to be that for a lot of people, you know, as well.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

So I feel like that was actually like the most meaningful part for me of like building a platform.

[Host Julian]

Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

And I feel like when I was first doing it, there was always that question for me of like, because I feel like music and fashion, like naturally can the industries can be vain and kind of empty at times.

[Host Julian]

You know, every night's a weekend. Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Like for me, if I was just doing that and there was no sort of like purpose to like the messaging I think eventually I would burn out and just be like, who am I making? Like, I'm just making clothes for the sake of urban. Like, yeah, for the sake of. Of cool clothing. I feel like for me, like using the platform to also share a message about, you know, my recovery story and getting to help people who have, who are going through challenges. Like, you know how it is, like receiving messages, it makes me be like I'm chasing my passions, but I'm also along the way, like telling my story.

[Host Julian]

Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Like having an impact.

[Host Julian]

So let's get into the how we met kind of. Because I think that's. We need some context here for anybody that does not know how we came across each other. So when I was working at lvrn, I would go down to Atlanta and I met the team. And then were you hired by them or were you just working directly with Jax at that time?

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

I was just working with Jax and I actually, I think when we met, I was just kind of along for the ride. I was like doing creative stuff for one of the artists and. Yeah, and then we. Yeah, you were with him, Right. And we were at Summer Smash. Right?

[Host Julian]

That's where we met in Chicago at Summer Smash. So we're bopping around with like, I'm not gonna do the name drop thing, but we're bopping around with a lot of like industry ass people. And it was a really great weekend. And then, you know, we, yeah, just kind of stayed in touch and I saw that you really, you started doing fashion shows and that led to a fashion week, just like Runway show. When did you do your first one of Those?

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

So the 2022 was the first one with V Files because I was interning at V. It was kind of like right after that summer.

[Host Julian]

Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Where we met.

[Co-host 1]

And it was funny because I remember when we met you, you had just started.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Alright. And we were like, this guy's so dope.

[Co-host 1]

Like, we got it because we, we.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Just hit it off and we chilled all week.

[Co-host 1]

We were going out to park. Like we were going to like.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah, like all these sl.

[Host Julian]

Yeah, we went out, there was all.

[Co-host 1]

These like artists and it was in.

[Host Julian]

Chicago, man, that's my city. Like, I got my plugs there. So. But yeah, Chicago was. That was a fun time.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

So I was going to college at LIU Brooklyn.

[Host Julian]

Okay.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

In downtown Brooklyn. And so at the same time that I had got to college, I was, I wanted to study video journalism and do like documentaries, like investigative journalism with video. And then right when I got to college, I was starting the brand at the same. Literally at the same time. I had, like, thrown my first, like, concert. It was like a house party, and we had a show at it.

[Host Julian]

Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

And then when I got to New York.

[Host Julian]

We have a dog on set, by the way. His name's Phil. I'm dog sitting. Just don't chew any wires.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

He's got the thing. But. But basically when I got here, the brand started to, like, take a life of its own at the same time. And so I sort of abandoned the whole video journalism. I would love to do some stuff like that. Yeah. Yeah. Then I met you this summer after my freshman year.

[Host Julian]

Oh, wow.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

But I was sort of like, college New York. Like, I was living here.

[Host Julian]

You were so young when we met. Holy hell. I didn't even put that together.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

But I was a little old. I got to college at 21.

[Host Julian]

Okay.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

I had taken some time off between. I kind of had a. I played a little baseball in college and then left, traveled for a while, and then realized I wanted to be, like, a videographer.

[Host Julian]

Okay.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Went back to college and moved to New York. Actually, I was living in New York when I met you, but I was traveling all the time because I was working with. That's when I started, like, working with artists. So I'd be, like, flying to Chicago one week, flying la, whatever.

[Host Julian]

In your. Your entry to working with artists was shooting and directing music videos, right?

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah.

[Host Julian]

So who. Who have you worked with, like, in that process so far?

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

So probably the biggest one I've done is I did a video for the band U2 that was on their album Rollout, so that was kind of crazy.

[Host Julian]

Yeah. Heard of them. Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

But then, like, mostly hip hop. Like, did Lil TJ Trippy Red. I used to work with this girl, Kenya Vaughn, and kind of, like, helped her sign with 300, which was pretty cool.

[Host Julian]

That's nice.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

So I feel like my favorite is, like, finding emerging artists and, like, working with them in the beginning of their career. But definitely have also worked with some big names as well.

[Host Julian]

How have you made that intro, like, on, like, the. The TJ Trippy Reds? Like, how did those relationships come about?

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Both of those actually were through other artists. So, like, with Trippy, it was. I was working with this artist, Mikey Polo, who was, like, opening on tour with him, and I was DMing him on Instagram when I was first starting out. Instagram. DM for me has been like, that's your whole. That's my whole business.

[Host Julian]

Yeah.

[Co-host 1]

I'm not even going to lie.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

That's my one. That's How I got into everything. And then. And then he had a song with Trippy that was kind of a crazy story because he didn't have a video. And I remember asking him, I was like, yo, why don't you guys have a video for this song? And he was like, trippy would never do a video. And then I ended up being like, what if we animated Trippy's part or whatever? And then we ended up animating the whole entire video and it went crazy. It has like a ton of views.

[Host Julian]

Did you get a studio to animate it?

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

So I got this friend of mine who had. It was one of those, like, universe aligning timing. And he had. He was an older brother of a friend of mine from high school, and she hit me up. He's like a professional animator and he was like, working for corporate America doing stuff. And he was like, I need a creative project. And he was like, yo, tell your boy Kelly, like, if he needs anything, I would love to work on something. And I was like, yo, I got this idea of like turning this Trippy Red video into a animated video. And he was like, I'll do it for cheap. And I paid him $3,000 over like four months. And he made it like, it was like, you know, it was like an insane video. And then.

[Co-host 1]

And then we kind of gambled it all.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

And then Trippy loved the video and, like posted it. It went crazy.

[Host Julian]

It was great.

[Co-host 1]

Yeah, it was kind of like one of those stories.

[Host Julian]

I feel like that's kind of how you've. At least from what I know, like, it's a lot of like, big risk taking. Yeah. To just like, you like the. The Trippy thing. Not even know if that's gonna work, but like throwing finance finances at it. And that's not, you know, it's a lot of money, especially you're a fucking college kid.

[Co-host 1]

I was paying one payment at it. Like a thousand at.

[Host Julian]

Yeah. Dude, that's awesome. So, yeah, that. Do you have any, like, stories or moments on set with an artist where you're like this, I can't believe this is happening. Or like, damn. Like, you know, this is a really cool thing that I'm like experiencing right now.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah, definitely. I feel like, like the last year or so I've like really dove into the clothing, which is sort of like an art of its own. And so for those, I've definitely had.

[Host Julian]

Because you can get the attention of a lot of artists with, like, clothing.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah, yeah. Those have been like, super surreal. Just because I feel like fashion is this Interesting, like, industry, where it's almost like anyone could do it, but. But to be in New York and stuff, there's sort of like. I got really lucky that I was interning at V Files, and she kind of opened the door for me into that world. And then I feel like artists love to be a part of it, you know? So, like, there were different times during fashion weeks where I was just like, this is unbelievable, you know?

[Host Julian]

Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

But I definitely think. But yeah, with. With artists, for sure. Like, I mean, I remember the first time when I was shooting that TJ video and Jax. It was like. I remember when. When TJ first arrived to set, you know, I was 21, and I was, like, directing the whole set, and there was, like, probably, I don't know, like, 30 people working on the set, you know, and they're all asking me, like.

[Co-host 1]

Kelly, what do you think of this? I didn't even know what lighting, like.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Was supposed to look like. Yeah, that looks like.

[Host Julian]

That's cool.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah.

[Host Julian]

I don't know. They're here. Let's just hit bored.

[Co-host 1]

Yeah, exactly.

[Host Julian]

For real, though.

[Co-host 1]

And, you know, and I was like.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

And I remember, like, him arriving. He's got, like, the black truck, all.

[Co-host 1]

The security, and it was like, the.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

First time really being, like, working with, like, someone who I had only seen as, like, a celebrity on the Internet.

[Host Julian]

Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

And just being like, this is like, wow, you know, I can't believe this is actually happening when moments.

[Host Julian]

Because that's the question I always like to ask, like, creatives, because I think we all have struggled with this at some point where it's like, you dream of that moment, you get the moment.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah.

[Host Julian]

But then now it's like that imposter syndrome just slaps you in the face. And it's like, like you said, there's 30 people on set. He's with the security, the black trucks. How do you, like, sobering moment? Just, like, look at that and be like, okay. Like, this is it. I'm doing the thing that I knew I'm capable of and always wanted to do. This is the moment. Like, how do I put all of that doubt and anxiety aside and just do a good job of what I know I'm capable of?

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah. I feel like, for me, there's been, like, two chapters to my, like, journey with, like, creative work. And I think the first chapter was, like, around the time I met you, where I was just happy to be there. Like, yeah, I really think everything was, like. I was so excited.

[Host Julian]

I think I was for the love of the Game. Never wanted any money. Yeah. The amount of free work I did, like, it was such a. I mean, I guess everybody has to go through.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

That, but, yeah, I really did. And I feel like, because I was such a fan, I was willing to do things. Like, dude, I. Another artist was Famous Dex that I love that I've worked with a lot. Like, bro. The adventures I've had with famous just.

[Co-host 1]

Doing insane shit, you know? But I feel like, like, never.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

You know, I never, like, was worried about. I was just so excited to be there. And then I think for the second chapter, which has been more probably like the last two years.

[Host Julian]

Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

It's been a lot of, like. Of being like. I feel like. I don't know if you relate to this at first. When you're around celebrities and you're around artists that you were a fan of, you're so happy to be there. And then at a certain point, you start to be like, do I really want to do this as my job?

[Host Julian]

Sure. Yeah. Like, for me, it was never, like, a moment of starstruck. It was just a moment of, like, I've become friends in. My relationship in this ecosystem is like a creative but a friend.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah, exactly.

[Host Julian]

And when does it get to a point where I love our relationship as friends and I can maintain our relationship as friends? Oh, but I need to. I'm living in New York. I need to pay rent.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Exactly. Exactly.

[Host Julian]

Like, when does that become a thing?

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah.

[Co-host 1]

And I feel like, for me, I.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Actually wish a lot more people talked about that phase.

[Host Julian]

Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Because I think that's the most difficult phase for me. At least it's been the most challenging. Like, yeah, getting in the door was really hard, but I feel like people always talk about, like. And then I got my break, and that was it. And I feel like, for me, at least for me, it has not been the experience. It's been this, like, repeated. Like, where do I draw the line? Where do I. There has to be a certain point where you kind of have to draw a line in the sand of, like, I'm not gonna do work like this anymore for free. I'm not gonna. I'm only gonna work with people that are exciting to me or that are on my level or what, you know?

[Host Julian]

And I think I draw that line. I've had that, like, I'm working with people that I. I. Because I really don't do good work if I'm not invested in the person. So it's like, if I deeply care about you, I will throw myself at whatever you need My help on. Yeah, but the problem is because I deeply care about you. We're probably really good friends. And then I'm never. I'm never gonna be like, yo, bro. Like, you know, like. Yeah, it's just. It's just I can't like. And I've had instances where sometimes it's like, and maybe this is just me. I just not being a good business person would like, bro, it comes out the label. Like, it's not even my bread. Like, I don't give a fuck. And I'm just like, nah. Like, I feel like once we do that, I'm like, it's just weird. Like, I've done that a lot where I'm like, I don't know if I should take the money because like, whatever.

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[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah, I feel like it's been a dude. I. I'm so much of a. Like, we'll take it from like, literally, like, I've had times where I've took it out of my director's fee. Like, I don't even like, put it into the budget because we. We need an extra person on set. Let's do it. Like.

[Host Julian]

Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

And I feel like I definitely have hit a certain point and that's what's been amazing about the clothing is it's honestly allowed me to have a little more financial freedom with my videos to only really do stuff that I want.

[Host Julian]

And you can be more. I don't like when working with artists and other creatives with the clothing, like, you can be more bullish on it because it's literally your name and it's like, this is my baby. Like, I'm not. I'm helping myself. Like, what I want is the. This is what the project is. So, you know, it's. Yeah, it's less like you're not, you know, an assistant creative or like a co working with anybody on that.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah.

[Host Julian]

So.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

And I definitely feel like that's why I started like when I met you, I was doing the Love Kelly thing, but it was more like surrounded around the artists I was working with and directing people. And I think at a certain point, I just started to realize how people treat you in the end in the industries if you don't have your own.

[Host Julian]

Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Thing. And I think for me, like, you doing your own thing right now, it's just like, it's.

[Host Julian]

It's crazy, bro. When I did, I've gone to Dreamville every, like the last three years, so I did Dream Bill, obviously, when I was with Rory and Mall. And you know, people knew I had relationships with these people, but I was always like, oh, like, yo, from Rory, Mall, whatever.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah.

[Host Julian]

And then I went this past year after. And obviously that Dreamville weekend was a big pivotal moment in, like, that's when the Drake, Kendrick, the J. Cole apology. Like, that was all. And then like, Mal goes up there and bashes Cole's head in. I'm asleep on Boz's tour bus coming back from North Carolina to New York. I wake up and people are like, you know, killing me. Like, how you get your man's like, how's he bashing your boy when you were there with them this week? And I was like, I have no idea what you guys are talking about. So that became like, that was like, the story. And then this past year, obviously, I'm not on the show. I'm doing my own thing. Thing. And like, all these artists, all these people are just like, super proud of you for, like, landing on your feet, like, figuring out I with what you're doing. Like, this is Graham. It's like, oh, like, there's way more. This means. Obviously my reach isn't as wide as. As that show, but it means so much more to me, like, because my valid. Their. Their support is for me and just me.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Exactly.

[Host Julian]

It's not even like, in a selfish way. It's like, yeah, I kind of have to put aside that, like, I'm a part of something bigger, but I'm always like the little brother in that relationship. Or now it's like, if you fuck with me, you just fuck with me, and if you don't, that's fine. But at least like you, there's a level of respect that I'm a solo creator.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah, absolutely.

[Host Julian]

Which, yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Is that. I think that's like, really a beautiful thing when people do take that leap. Like, even seeing you make that transition, it's like anyone who knows you would be, like, proud and, like, happy for you and knows you're capable of it, you know, And I think for you, it's like that imposter syndrome for me, too.

[Host Julian]

Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

It's like, you have to believe that you. That you're worthwhile without the support of someone who has cloud or whatever. And I think that was, like, a big jump when I just started to be like, I don't want to have my career be so reliant on someone else.

[Host Julian]

Yes. Yeah. I don't want. Yeah. My success to be dependent on the success of somebody else.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah.

[Host Julian]

Or like, their cancellation being the reason why I don't have a career anymore. Like, anything like that. It can go both ways.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah, totally. So. And I feel like I was constantly in positions where I was out working everyone around me and still, like, living and dying by their.

[Co-host 1]

By their productivity. Yeah. Talk about it like, I want it, you know, so.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

And it's been insane when I shifted to focusing on my own thing to where it's like, it used to be. Like, I felt like my progress was dependent on, like, if I could work with artists that was bigger every. Whatever. Couple months. And now I just feel like I'm standing on my own two feet as.

[Host Julian]

Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

My own thing that doesn't require anything to do cool things.

[Host Julian]

There's a level of. And I learned this, too. Like, there's a level of. Is he chewing the rug? Yep. God damn it. There's a. There's a level of. Oh, no, that's the bone.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Oh, yeah.

[Host Julian]

Oh, you're good. Go ahead, buddy. There's a level of convincing that had to be done. Like, this was always the step that I hated. It was like, what? I'm not saying everything I suggest is right or best for the show, but, like, there's an understanding that we need to do things, need to be done to make this experience better. Like, the podcast better.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

The.

[Host Julian]

The barrier that I always hated is, like, spending time not only thinking about what needs to be done, pitching it, and then explaining it time and time, week after week after week, and it never sticks. And nobody wants to change their behavior. And then we just kind of are just, like, on a treadmill doing the same thing, and it's super stagnant. And I'm like, we need to shake this. And it's like, damn. Like, if I could just eliminate the part of, like, convincing.

[Co-host 1]

Yeah.

[Host Julian]

Yeah.

[Co-host 1]

100%. And, dude, that was.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

The thing was, like, so many times I would be the one voice in the room that was like.

[Host Julian]

And then I look crazy.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah, 100. But then it's like. And then you get maybe. And for me, my whole, like, philosophy around at least the Way I want to market my stuff is impact driven. So, like, let's tell a long story.

[Co-host 1]

Like, I want to tell a long term story.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Oh, my bad. That, like, that, like, has an impact on the fans. I want to make a long term.

[Co-host 1]

Pause on the fans.

[Host Julian]

But I like that because you're like a serious. You're a narrative driven guy.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah.

[Host Julian]

Just beyond the music, but with the clothing as well. Sorry, go ahead.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

And I just think that for the artists that do that, the impact is so much.

[Host Julian]

You got. I mean, there's other words, but we're in and that we're knee deep.

[Co-host 1]

I'm trying to think of synonyms. No, like, I just think, like, I.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Think about, like, on my own. We'll do Fashion Week, right? Like, we did season three, completely independent and we packed it out line around the block. This is. No artists attached, nothing like that. And I think I'll see artists that have literally millions of followers and can't sell out. Sobs.

[Host Julian]

Oh, yeah, bro. Oh, yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

And it's like, yeah, yeah. How can I sell out like 850 off myself?

[Host Julian]

And you're doing these during Fashion Week. It's not like there's nothing else going on in the city. And this is like, oh, this is like a fashion show streetwear shit. Let me pop in. It's like, no, you're competing against other brands.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Thank you. And I think that. But the only reason for that is because the story is bigger than just the project.

[Host Julian]

Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

It's like there's a long term vision and there's a long term impact that it's.

[Co-host 1]

There's a long term, like, you know, just like, just like we've.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

We. I've told this story for a long time, and people have seen the ups and downs. And I think that that was always me in those in those rooms with artists being like, we need to do something beyond just the hit trend. Like, let's tell a story here.

[Host Julian]

Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

And then they wouldn't listen and I'd spend all my time pitching it. And then they give you one chance and it doesn't go viral because you have. It's about a long. It's about a story. Yeah.

[Host Julian]

It's not a quick hit. It's like, we're so in short of what is like the elevator pitch for, like, what is the story of love, Kelly, if you were to wrap that up.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah. I think there's been different chapters of it. It sure started out being someone who was coming from a small town to New York City, like, or really just I was Throwing shows in Burlington, Vermont, which is this place where. And I was bringing hip hop, which.

[Host Julian]

Is where you're from, by the way. I don't know if we established bur Burlington, Vermont.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah. From Burlington, Vermont. And like, I was bringing artists from out of town who were hip hop artists.

[Host Julian]

You brought Uzi there, right?

[Co-host 1]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Crazy stuff like that. Brought BK the ruler, famous decks. Bringing all these rappers to a ski town. Yeah. This tiny town in Vermont. And. And you know, it came with backlash, like, the city was mad and all this stuff. But I feel like I came out on top where I'm now, which is.

[Host Julian]

Very funny because Vermont is one of those cities where it's like, we're so progressive, we're so liberal, but it's like a homogenous, all white area. It's easy to be like, we love everybody. When half of the people that you love aren't even there. And then you see one black guy in there, you're like, come on, this is getting out of fucking control.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

What's so interesting is, like, the Burlington specifically, especially the youth, is actually pretty diverse. And so a lot of my friends, we all listen to hip hop, like, mixed crowd whatever of different, like, backgrounds. And they. But I feel like the adults and the people in power were like, oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. So when we would bring these rap to us, it made sense. Like, okay, we're gonna throw a show. Let's obviously, these are the people we love.

[Host Julian]

Like, we're gonna target our audience.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

And then we were kind of shocked at the. It was really, honestly, like, disheartening seeing the reaction. Yeah. And so, like, we. Our first festival got shut down. Like, the city shut it down for crowd control, like, safety concerns and stuff. But yet they have, like, they have, like, folk shows there all the time.

[Host Julian]

What venue are you hosting these, Adam? Burlington.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

It was called Higher Ground.

[Host Julian]

What's the size? Is it an amphitheater? Like, what does it look like?

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

It's like a. It's a really big, like. Like there's. It doesn't have two levels. It's like your basic, like, indoor venue. But it's pretty big. It's like 750.

[Host Julian]

Just one big, like, ga. Large floor.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Okay. And it's honestly an awesome venue. They're really great. Like, they took a chance on us, let us throw shows.

[Host Julian]

Yeah, that's great.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Whereas. And they had. They had been the only ones that had brought. They brought actually crazy artists. Like, they brought Wu Tang. Like, they've done all these crazy shows, but. But then, like, we Tried to scale out of it because we sold it.

[Co-host 1]

Out because people wanted to see Hip.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

I like. It was awesome.

[Host Julian]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

It was like kind of this like small phenomenon in our town that was like took.

[Host Julian]

It's like a satellite festival.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah, it really is. And then we tried to move it to an outdoor venue and that's when the city shut. But now, like, we've done it every year and it's gotten bigger and bigger and now it's like you got a.

[Host Julian]

Book like, it's like Uzi Famous Dax and be like. And Mumford. And so you got a book like. Yeah, the Lumineers.

[Co-host 1]

Those are the people that come through, of course.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

And so we're trying to like. But now this year we're trying to do 5,000. And I'm working with the city now. I'm on the city board.

[Host Julian]

You got to get.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah.

[Host Julian]

You got to grease the pig. Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

I've had to like put in years to make this what it is now, but there's been a lot of like back end stuff that people haven't seen of just like me meeting with people and trying to build relationships.

[Host Julian]

Have you linked with Bernie Sanders? Is he involved at all?

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

I would love to.

[Host Julian]

That's the goat.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

That's the goat, man. He'd probably be like, bring it to the.

[Host Julian]

Yeah, it's for the people. This is what the people of the community want.

[Co-host 1]

Exactly.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Exactly.

[Host Julian]

I love him, man. He's awesome. Sick. So, yeah.

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[Host Julian]

Let's do the. Into the fashion space. You're. You've done three fashion weeks shows.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Three. Yeah, three.

[Host Julian]

And then scaling it up each time. Wasn't the first one like kind of you. That was like your. Was it at a venue or did you just kind of like do it?

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

That one was. I was interning for V Files on and they have a store right on Mercer street and I was working with them on like shooting videos and just helping out where I could. And then Julianne, who. Who is the founder of V File. She was actually an adjunct professor at my college.

[Host Julian]

Oh, sick.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah.

[Host Julian]

So I was gonna ask how you met is. Did you meet her through that or the internship?

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

No, I met her through that, and it was really interesting because she was teaching a class called the energy of creativity at my school, and the dean of the school found me and was like, you have to take this class. Like, she's gonna love you. And I was like, awesome. Like, I would love to, you know? And then met her, and it was like, we just hit it off. And I was making my first hoodies at the time, and I told her, I'm like, I'm trying to be a clothing designer. Like, I shoot videos. I do all this stuff. And at the end of the semester, I, like, did this elevator pitch of what my brand was. And it wasn't really anything but music videos at the time, but I showed. I showed everything like. Or I was throwing shows, and so I showed like, we're gonna have a festival. I'm gonna have a fashion brand, and we're gonna be making films and shooting music videos. And she was like, this is incredible. And then at the end of the semester, I hit her up, and I was like, hey, like, I'm looking for a summer internship. This is the summer after I met you.

[Host Julian]

Gotcha.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Like, do you know of anyone in your circle that might be looking for someone? And she was like, you should intern for me. And I was like, for real?

[Co-host 1]

And then she was like, come intern for me.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

I feel like, you know, it would be awesome. Oh, shit.

[Co-host 1]

And I was like, all right, that's awesome.

[Lowe's Ad Voice]

You know?

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

And then she ended up putting me in this. In this, like, cohort of, like, young creatives who she was helping launch their brand. And then at the end of the summer, she was like, you should be. In fact, she's awesome, man. She's just thrown me in so many things.

[Host Julian]

Such an important space. I was watching a video. It was Kid super column. Was talking to Zoron, and they were walking. It was like a quick, like, social piece. And he was talking about how he built his kids super studios in Williamsburg and how he's like, I just want this to be. He's like, there's no communal community spaces for creatives, young creatives, to just, like, collaborate and just have a space to just call home. Everything is so siloed now, or it's just you get priced out of everything. And he was talking about the importance of bringing community spaces like that in New York. And Zoron was giving him some personal Stories if it's Kid super or not. But, like, I think of when I met you, and the more I get to, the more I see you, you kind of remind me of, like, someone like him. And then also, like, Cole with Lyrical Lemonade, where music is such a big part of it, but the clothing thing is also. It's kind of. It's, like, reversed for Cole was music, and then it was, like, kind of more clothing and like, establishing that. And then column, like, Kid super was clothing, and now it's like he's integrating his love for soccer and music in that as well.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah.

[Host Julian]

So, like, do you have, like, a vision board or, like, a. Like, a plan of, like, these are the people that I look up to that are the young creatives right now.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah. Those two, actually, it's funny, are huge inspiration.

[Host Julian]

Yeah. I would imagine.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah.

[Host Julian]

Yeah.

[Co-host 1]

I actually just was at this.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

So, like, the. Take a day trip. Like, one of the guys and take a day trip is from Vermont, and he's like a big bro to me. Shout out, David. And he's, like, really close friends with Kid Super. And so I was just with them the other day, which is crazy, but that was my first time being, like, around him.

[Host Julian]

Oh, nice. He's the nicest dude ever.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

So and so. But I had always watched him from afar. But, like, Cole was always my first inspiration as a kid. Just watching his videos and seeing the way that he would just. I always was inspired by how he, like, didn't need any. He was so, like, do it yourself. And I just love that, you know? And then ended up shooting behind the scenes for Lyrical Lemonade years later. And I literally still have the check from that says Cole Bennett on it. And I, like, saved it.

[Co-host 1]

I saved it because he was always.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

My biggest inspiration, you know, and so. But yeah. And I think for a while, I was sort of, like, just emulating what he would do. And then over time, it's taken a life of its own and become something different. But I definitely do, like. I would love to have a space where it's like, people can come and. Because I think that's, like, my biggest pause.

[Co-host 1]

People can hang out. I think that's my biggest.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

My biggest, like, gift with this is, like, bringing people together. That's always been something I love to do, is just, like, connect worlds that wouldn't otherwise collide.

[Host Julian]

Yeah. And it's. Yes. And I've seen, like, even when. Which we can get to, like, the controversy that you're currently going through now, but, like, when stuff like that happens, or like when big things are happening for your personal life and your brand, those people like the amount of engagement that you get, like in sharing and like tagging on like, posts. I'm like, oh, like you're. It's. People really just fuck with like the ethos of like, how you are as a person that they'll will like, they like all come out and ride for you. Pause. Like in those moments of like, strife. You know what I mean? It's like a big everyone's like engagement metrics or what you need to sell and ads and stuff. It's like, yeah, but like, sure, if you want to talk lame ass, like, you know, dollar analytics. Yes. But what it really is is like, how much people truly care about you. And I'm sure whatever's done on Instagram is done even more like in text and on phone calls from people that you also love and care about. So.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Dude. And that's the thing that I think I could never explain to the labels. I like. Yes, explain it where it's like, it's like, I think Russ said something like, about this on Instagram and I thought it was really cool. He's like, it like fans, remember? It's like emotional resonates more than like, than like, you think. Every single post, people are paying attention to what your latest post was.

[Host Julian]

Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

It's the last one that made them feel something that they'll remember.

[Host Julian]

Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

And I think for me, it's like I've seen the real life connection turn into real marketing where, like, I remember when I first dropped my first clothing, it went crazy and I made like, more money than I'd ever made in music.

[Host Julian]

Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

And I was like, what? Like, this is unbelievable. But it was because I had poured so much love into the brand and into the people that followed that they. They gave it back to me, you know, And I think that it's like same thing. When the converse thing happened, it was like seeing people show out for me in that way was so, like, gratifying and it went so viral because of that and it really just showed. And I do think that, like, when people spend time with me in real life, they realize like, oh, wow, this is not just for Instagram. Like this, like you really. This. Oh, yeah, really connecting. One second you're with artists here, then you're at this store making clothes. Like you're doing all this stuff.

[Host Julian]

Yeah. Let's get into the Converse. Converse controversy. So I'll let you tell whatever you're comfortable saying. And obviously we have an edit Button. But, yeah, basically, in short, they stole a creative idea from you and made it a massive global campaign.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah. So latter In February of 2024, it had just turned 2024, I was at V Files at this party. Julianne had invited a bunch of people who were kind of like friends and family of V Files. And I was, like, the youngest person there, and I met this guy there. I was just, like, chilling, and. And I was, like, super young compared to everyone else. So I just turned to the guy next to me. I was like, yo, like, what's up?

[Co-host 1]

What are you doing?

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

And he was like, oh. I'm like, I run brand partnerships at Converse. And I was like, wow, that's, like, crazy. And so then I started just asking him. And I remember at the time, I was like, well, I have my own brand. Like, how do you guys go about doing partnerships?

[Host Julian]

Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

And at the time, it seemed like. Like, they were way above the level of anything that I could have done. But I just wanted to genuinely was curious. And he was like, the best way is just like, ask for some shoes and start to build a relationship. And so few months pass. Like, I keep in touch with them on Instagram, and then I'm planning my second fashion show after my V file show, and. And I hit him up, and I was. And, like, in the V file show, a huge expense was actually buying the model shoes because you can't make the shoes, and it's like, you don't think about something like that. And so I hit him up, and I was like, hey, like, any, like.

[Host Julian]

12 pairs of the same, like, Chucks?

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Exactly. I was like, what do you think about you just gifting us, you know, whatever, 15 pairs of shoes for this. For this Runway show. And he was like, hey, like, let me talk to the team. Like, we. Let me see if they're open to it. So that he hits me back. He's like, hey, yeah, team, like, is down. Like, we'd love to do it. We get on a call. So this is, like, June at this point.

[Host Julian]

Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

And so I'm designing the clothes, coming up with it. And then probably, like, midway through July, I'm in New York City. I'm looking for a venue. And so at this time, I'm thinking we're just going to use Converse shoes, and the show is going to be independent, basically. And then I go to the Converse store to just try to, like, brainstorm, like, what. He was like, pick out what style of shoes you guys want. I go to the store, and I'm like, Looking at the store, and I'm like, this is the perfect Runway show. Like, it actually doesn't exist anymore. They closed it, but it was like the flagship store, and it's huge. And it's like, it looks exactly like the Yeezy Runway show type, you know? And so I literally asked the lady at the front desk. I was like, you guys ever, like, rent this space out? And she was like, like, yeah. And I was like, you think we could do, like, we could ever rent this out for a Runway show? And she was like, it's very unlikely, but, like, here's the email. And I actually kept that card, too.

[Host Julian]

Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

As, like, a sign to, like, don't listen to the first. No. You know, and so. And when I do get an office, I want to, like, cover the walls and all these things that inspire me and, like, different things that I've done over the years that. That make me, like, remember why stuff. Yeah.

[Co-host 1]

You know, and so when times get.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Tough, you know, and so I, like, actually hit up. And I was like, or wait, I don't want to name drop. I hit up the guy, the partnerships guy. And I was like, yo, what do you think about us doing a Runway? Like, turning the store into a Runway? And he was like, well, you know, it's pretty unlikely, but, like, again, let me ask the team, can you. And then at this. This point, he was like.

[Host Julian]

Go ahead.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

At this point, he was like, we want to know more about the brand. Can you send me everything about your brand so we can really see what.

[Host Julian]

You send me a deck of, like, what you're doing?

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah, send me mock ups of. Of, like, everything. And send me, you know, what your brand is. And so I send him, like, lovekelly.com I send him mock up designs of my love, Kelly on converse, Chuck Taylor's, like, drawn up. I send him every single design from the show. I send him all the colorways, like, everything. All the fonts, like, everything about my brand. I sent my Instagram. I sent him, like, and past stuff I've done and all these emails of stuff. And so he, like, goes back to the team. I'm waiting. I'm waiting, I'm waiting. This is like, I literally had booked another venue in New York, and then he hits me up probably two weeks before the show, and he's like, yo, the team saw the stuff. Like, let's do it. Like, we love the brand. Let's. Let's turn the store into a Runway show. So I was like, oh, my God, this is insane. Like, let's do it. And we. We announced the show.

[Host Julian]

Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

We turned the store into a Runway show. It goes great. After the show, he's like, hey, Kelly, like, everyone said it was a hit success. Like, you know, we would love to. And we had, like, Josh Richards and other, like, well known influencers walking in the show, and it was just like, this massive moment for. For me and for our, like, community. And. And it was the first moment where I feel like we really, like. Like, everyone in New York City had kind of. Not everyone, but, like, in that scene had heard about the show. It was like a breakout moment.

[Host Julian]

Yeah, that. Yeah, it. Big step.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah. And so after this, like, he sends me a positive message. He's like, we definitely got to work in the future. Let's do more. And I was like, I would love to. He's like, let's get on a call soon. Couple months pass, I think, like, four months, and then we're, like, planning calls, and we kind of, like, haven't gotten on the phone yet. But, you know, it's like, all right, let's talk soon. Let's talk soon. And then he, like, hits you up and is, like, super adamant about meeting. He's like, we got to meet. We got to meet. And then, like, before we meet, he had hit me up, like, that week a bunch to me. And this is, like, a busy, you know, super busy corporate guy. And I look on Instagram and it's like, they drop. And this campaign is releasing on Converse's thing that says, like, dear Whatever the artist is. And so for my, like, for context, my brand is all, like, a love letter. And before the show, he asked me. He's like, hey, so you have a comma in the middle of your logo? Like, that's kind of weird. Like, and I was like, yeah, it's the signature at the bottom of a love letter. My whole thing is a love letter. Like, dear the person, love comma Kelly. So then Converse releases this huge campaign, and it's dear famous artist, like, Tyler, the creator, Chuck.

[Co-host 1]

Like, Chuck Taylor.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

And I'm like, same font.

[Host Julian]

Fuck is Chuck.

[Co-host 1]

Yeah, people, like, same font, same everything.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Same layout. Like, literally same font, same layout. And I was like. With the, like, loopy signature at the bottom with the impact font. Like, And I was like, I can't be seen this, right? I go to their Instagram page, and so in my Instagram bio, it says love comma Kelly. Like, typed out in my bio.

[Host Julian]

Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Which I sent them all this stuff. I sent them the fonts of the Everything I sent them on the mock ups is exactly the same as. As their. The stuff they released. And I look in their bio and it says love comma chuck in their.

[Co-host 1]

Instagram bio to 10 million followers, the.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Exact same way as mine. And. And they're releasing one by one, and their whole 2025 campaign is like.

[Host Julian]

Is like highlighting creators and.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah. And saying love comma Chuck, exactly the same as mine. And it's like this, like this, like, don't stop creating love comma Chuck.

[Co-host 1]

Dear Charlie xcx, we love you. Love.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

It's like, bro.

[Co-host 1]

And I was like, this is unbelievable. Like, what is going on? You know?

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

And. And so I hit up the guy, we get on the. On the phone, and I come to.

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[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

I was like, I'm just have some.

[Co-host 1]

He's like.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

He's like, hey.

[Co-host 1]

So, like, he literally goes, hey, so.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

If you want a screen share to show us some new stuff, let me know. And I said. And he said daily.

[Host Julian]

He's like, campaign's a hit. We need another one.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

And I really think that. That he was trying to meet to gauge, like, the temperature of. If I was mad, did you notice? And if I was gonna just be like, oh, like, I gotta keep this relationship with them. And that was the most depressing part of the whole thing was I was like, I either get slimed out and stay cool with them and do more with Converse and maybe get a shoe one day or whatever, or I stand up for myself and like, kind of grenade the relationship, you know? Yeah, I, you know, me, like, I.

[Co-host 1]

Had to stand over myself and so.

[Host Julian]

Rightfully so, though, by the way, like, you took the, like, the route that a creator should take.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Thank you. And I feel like, like, with me, it's like I said, like, it's not a facade for Instagram. Like, I really do put all my money into this. Like, yeah. Really?

[Host Julian]

Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

All my time.

[Host Julian]

And like, yeah, like, this isn't a lick.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah, no, like, I'm really about it to the fullest extent. I really care about the art. Like, I really am artist. I don't care about getting rich. I care about making art that impacts people's lives. And, like. And so I. I, like, you know, I wanted to stand up for myself and I want. So I asked him. I was like, I just feel like this campaign is, like, strikingly identical to everything I've showed you about my brain. It's literally exact. Like, if we were to do a collab, we couldn't do one.

[Host Julian]

Yeah, it wouldn't be a collab.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Exactly.

[Host Julian]

Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

The same as something you've already put out. And.

[Host Julian]

And he was like, this is an interpolation. This is plagiarism.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah, yeah, totally. And so then he was like, I'm totally caught off guard. Like, honestly, if this is a legal matter, like, we can't talk anymore. So I just think you should, like, reach out to our legal team if you have any questions. And then, like, dead's the call, bro.

[Progressive Ad Voice]

And so.

[Co-host 1]

So I was like. He said two different things that made.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

No sense of, like, well, you know, I'm not involved in the creative. And it's like you run brand partnerships, and this is a brand partnership campaign with all. Like, the way he introduced himself is he's like, I run all the campaigns for people. Yeah. The creator, Billie Eilish, who. All the people who are in the campaign and is a. Like. And I've been on the back end of these. I interned at Roc Nation v Files. Like, these have to get so much approval.

[Host Julian]

Yeah, yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

From everyone involved, you know? And so anyway, so then, like. So then I didn't do anything for, like, two months. I was frozen. I was like, watching the campaign get bigger and bigger. It's global. Like, literally, it's in different languages in different countries saying, dear da da da. Love Chuck. The Love Chuck stuff is everywhere. Like, creators that I admire are, like, reposting the campaign and all this stuff. And I'm just like. I was at a really low point, like, mentally, because I felt like. Like frozen. Like, I didn't know what to do. And I was reaching out to different people for advice and, like, it was very split. Some people were like, just let it go. Some people were like, nah, you gotta sue them. Like. Like this, you know, And I didn't know what to do. And then eventually I was just like, I'm just gonna make a video about this. And it took a while. And then I put. Put the video together slowly and put this, like, sort of timeline together of everything that had happened. And. And then when I put it out, I think it was just in June it went.

[Host Julian]

It was like, instant.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

It was crazy.

[Host Julian]

I remember. I remember you, like, kind of subbing, like, subtly saying things on your story and kind of just like. I was like, what the hell is going on?

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah, yeah.

[Host Julian]

It was like the black with, like, the white text. And he's like, some people that. It was like all these, like, Batman type lines. I'm like, all right, bro. Like, going through some, like, I hope it all works out. And then you posted that video and I was like, oh. Like, yeah, cuz. I mean, yeah, everyone saw the. Like, it was a global campaign. Yeah, it was.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

It was everywhere. And. And it was on posters in New York and billboards and stuff.

[Host Julian]

And.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

And people had been sending it to me. People had been saying, did you, like, create a direct this campaign or being.

[Host Julian]

Like, yeah, without you even, like, officially blowing the whistle? People were like, this is you.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah. I think that that's how I first saw it was. Someone sent it to me and they were like. Or it was the. I was getting it, actually. I was getting it sent to me, like. Like, I forgot that part. I was getting it sent to me probably, like, every day.

[Host Julian]

Yeah, actually. Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

And I was like. And it was kind of known amongst my close friends and, like, close followers that they had ripped me off. And people were commenting. Actually, people were already commenting, like, this is stolen from Kelly, all this stuff. And then. And then when it. When I put the video, I think I had let up and been like, I'm gonna post something about. And I posted it. And then. Yeah, right away, it just. I think overnight it pretty much went viral on. Definitely on TikTok, and then it went pretty big on Instagram, too. And then. Yeah, it was just. It was just crazy from there, I guess, you know.

[Host Julian]

So where it stands, you are seeking legal.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah.

[Host Julian]

Action in which we do not have to get into. But the. I mean, to your point, like, obviously, do you feel like. And this is far from being over, but I would assume, like, that relationship is nuked?

[Progressive Ad Voice]

Yeah.

[Host Julian]

Do you feel like that's gonna have a ripple effect, like an impact on potential collabs, like, further things? Like, how do you think that this will either help or hurt you?

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

I think my hope is that another big corporation can see that and not see it as problematic and see it as brave? Yeah, I think anyone with character. Not that a lot of those people probably in those positions do, but my hope is that. That, you know, another. Another big brand would see something like that and be like, this kid's badass. Like, and also is. Is someone who had great ideas, let's give him a chance to do some something else, you know?

[Host Julian]

Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

And. And that was always my fear was like, because, dude, I've been through a lot in the industry already that I've never spoke about. Like, you know, I've been through a lot of ups and downs. I've been over many times and never said a word about it. That's not really in my character to even be like, someone who was like, make a big deal about something like that. But this was just so blatant and so vast. Like, it was such a big campaign that I was like, I just have to say my piece about this. And so I hope that it doesn't deter anyone from working with me, but honestly, if it does, I feel like those are the wrong people.

[Host Julian]

Sure.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

And I think that I also feel like it's really helped me actually in defining, like, who I am to the people that. That are following me. And I've noticed that. I honestly think that was like, one of the most defining career moments for me so far of like, putting my flag in the sand of like, this is who I am. And I'm not someone who's going to sell out in that way, and I'm someone who's going to stand up for myself. And. And I think it's. That's always who I've been. But it gets really hard when the pressure gets bigger. And so I think, like, I've always been the type to, like, I stood up against the city to bring hip hop to Vermont and I meant it and I still do it. And then I got on the city board and it's easy once you're in, when you're in a small scale to be like, I'm going to stand up. But then when you're facing up against people who are like, genuinely scary and genuinely have a lot of power, power, money and connected, like, it's scary. But I just think for me, like, it made me more want to be independent more, and it also made me. I think it's like a test, you know, I think it's like a test of. Of who. It's easy to, like, say you're gonna be this and that, and then when you're actually have the gun to your head, like, what do you actually do?

[Host Julian]

Yeah. Have you learned, I'm sure you have, throughout this process, like, the legality of this, how. I would imagine how difficult the legal process for even a proving this and like, being substantiated and all that things, like, for creatives, I Feel like the law doesn't really lend well to the. The vibe or like, even if it's like directly like copy paste, it's like, well, you know, there's room for. It's all that shit.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

So I'm. I'm kind of like going through that right now actually, of being like, it's clear. But challenges and different things like that. And so I'm not really sure how it's all going to shake out. Honestly, I feel like I don't think anyone could look at that and not see what happened. But I think we'll see. You know, there. There is obviously lots of different things and there is the reality of like, someone like, that has infinite money versus someone like me that has a certain amount of like, wiggle room. But I think I've been lucky that when I did post that. And that's the beautiful thing about the Internet and I honestly think this is the first time ever where like, marketing wise, like, everyone has the same resources. It's like you see an artist sign a deal and then the label's like, all right, blow up on Tick Tock.

[Host Julian]

Yeah. Oh, they won't sign you until you've blown up on Tick Tock.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

But they're like, go, do it again. And you. And you think there's like all these tricks and there's like, obviously there's some. And there's like, you know, money helps. But I think like, like, you know, I didn't put any money into that Converse video and it went super viral.

[Host Julian]

Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

So I just think like, this is, you know, when I did put that out, a lot of different resources came my way. I got connected to a really dope lawyer. I got like all these different things that I didn't have. And so I think like, for me, it, like, it is one of those things where the scales are a little more even than they would have been in the past or in the past there was no. There'd be no outlet, like to.

[Host Julian]

Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

To get people to back you up on this. So. Yeah. But there's definitely, like, challenges around proving it and like in a legal situation. But yeah, I don't really know what's gonna happen.

[Host Julian]

How has this changed your outlook a on the industry but also be like, when with your creative. Creatively, like with your next line and the clothing you're currently working on.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

I definitely am a little bit less. Like, I don't share it. My work.

[Host Julian]

Yes, that's fair.

[Co-host 1]

As quickly as I used to.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

I used to be super. Like anyone. I used to always because you're such.

[Host Julian]

Like a trusting, like good hearted person where it's like your, your knee jerk reactions like, I'm a creative, I do dope shit. I want to share what I'm working on.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

And I would post like, you know, you've seen like I would post halfway done designs and I do all that and that was like my total vibe. And I think part of growing up and being in this industry, my, you know, my parents work in schools. Like no one in my family has ever done anything like this. And so I was always like super trusting. And I think over time I think this industry specifically draws snaky type people. Selfish like, you know, as you know. And so I've, I've sadly had to, you know, tighten my circle and put my guard up. And this definitely was one of the situations I'm trying to have the balance of keeping a pure heart and still giving people the benefit of the doubt, but also believing people when they show their true colors. I think you said that in your last episode.

[Host Julian]

When people tell you or show you who they are, believe them. Yeah, I've been the guy that cuts a lot of people slack and given people a lot of ropes that they never deserved because my fault too. Like, I truly believe in the goodness of people. And it's sad but like that's not always. Some people are just aren't good.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah, that's truthfully.

[Host Julian]

Or they're good to others, but they don't feel the same way about you as you feel about them. And it's like it would behoove you to like, continue to shelf. Like to cast what you believe, what you perceive the relationship to be while they're just like now. Like, it's just. I don't feel that way. I'm glad you want to do all this for me, but like, I don't care about you.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah, real. And I also think I've realized that like one of the biggest takeaways from this year and not just the converse situation, but also personal betrayals that have happened is, is I like in the future, I want to judge people for how they treat, treat everyone, not just how they treat me. And I think like, I constantly, like, bro, I treat people who I don't like well anyways, because that's who I am. It's not, it's not actually about the person, it's about my moral compass. Like, and I think that it's like people who don't cheat and don't steal and don't lie, they do it for the they do it because that's who they are.

[Host Julian]

Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

They don't do it because, oh, I like you enough to not steal from you. And I feel like I was surrounded by a lot of different people where, like, I was like, oh, but they with me. I know they're not.

[Host Julian]

It's that. But they with me, they're good to me.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah. And I want to start being around people who are good. Period.

[Host Julian]

Yes.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Not because of how much they like me or not.

[Host Julian]

I've. I've. A thousand. I've. I've been in the. The circles where it's like just. It's all talking and mudslinging.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah.

[Host Julian]

But about people that were never in the room.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah.

[Host Julian]

And then I'm like, oh, what happens when I'm not in the room? Like, even though, like, I'm on your good side because, like, whatever. Bringing in money and stuff for you and, like, you know, energy. I know how mean you can, like. I know how, like, yeah, Dir. I'm like, you definitely don't fuck with me all the time.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah. And like, good side for now, you know? And it's like, that's that thing of, like, loyalty over love, that saying, you know? And I think that stuff is real. Like people who. Who, like. Like when you watch people do stuff, like, if they're cheating on their girlfriend.

[Host Julian]

In front of you, fam. Believe it. Like, believe.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

You know, And I think that for me, like. Like, I've always been someone that's like, like, like, bro, I don't drink or smoke. For me. And so it's not. That's an active. Every single day. Me resisting the urge or me resisting the temptations. And that shows that that's who I am, is I'm someone who can see this matters to me more than the temptation. And a lot of people can't live that way. And I want to be around people who, like, have values that they hold themselves to.

[Host Julian]

Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

That are bigger than the temptations of the world. Because there's always. You're seeing a girl, like, there's always going to be another dude around, especially in the stuff we do.

[Progressive Ad Voice]

Like.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah. You're going to be around guys who are doing amazing things all the time.

[Host Julian]

Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

If you don't with me enough to say no to other guys, like, then you're not for me, you know? And that's like. And I had to learn that the hard way of, like, being done dirty and like that, you know? And it sucks, man. You know? But it's like, it's learning process.

[Host Julian]

It's certainly a learning curve, man. Well, damn, bro. Well, I mean, I. Regardless of. Of how the legal system shakes out and. Because that's. Who the hell knows? That's always a crapsh. You. I think what you did was the right thing.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Thank you.

[Host Julian]

And I think to your point, with. With people rallying behind you, even lawyers wanting to support. And I think other brands and people and other creatives have noticed that. And I think that'll, to your point, draw in the people that you should be working with. Thank you. Rather than hopping around and getting done dirty and learning like the hard way. Five times you did it once, a big one. And now it's like, okay, I now let me really build a community that. That resonates with the mission that I'm, you know.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah, totally. And I feel like that was what was so cool when we did our season three show after the Converse stuff was the show was way bigger than the Converse show.

[Host Julian]

Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

It was like, yeah, hit Rolling Stone and all these different things that I.

[Host Julian]

Was like, yeah, you had the Rolling Stone article.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah, it was crazy. And it was this moment of being like. Like, it doesn't define me. These, these dudes in the suits, they don't define me. Like, this is real creativity. This is real, like, community. And they ride for something that's real and. And just reminded me that there are great people out there. There's so many awesome people. And I had really felt, I think in the summertime, I had really fell into this feeling of like. Of like, just being discouraged by people and being like, maybe there's just not that much, like, heart in the world in, like, that show. And like, it really opened my eyes to, like, there's so much love in this room and there's so many good people, and you just gotta see the vision through.

[Host Julian]

I always say I've leaned so much into the more globally connected we get with these things, and the more people are talking in their small online bubbles, the smaller real life community gets. And it's really awesome that you're not only seeking community, but building it too.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Thank you.

[Host Julian]

Which is like a rare thing. I think a lot of artists overlook. They look at listeners like fans. But a lot of is in your space. You're really, like, building something that extends beyond the product you're putting out or, like, you know, the music video that you directed, which I think is really important.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Thank you.

[Host Julian]

Yeah, man.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

I feel like a lot of the. It's. It's stemmed it. Like, even the kid that I design clothes with who, like, helps me with a lot of the different, like, he stitches some of the stuff and, like, helps me put together different tech packs. And like, he's kind of my, like, I'll bounce ideas off.

[Host Julian]

Yeah.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Like, I met him because he DM me on Instagram when he was in high school and he was like a whiz with tech packs and stuff. And I met him and we've been like, working together. Now he lives in New York. He goes to Parsons, and like, he's a great friend, you know? So it's like you never know who's in that community who could change your life and stuff like that. Like that, you know?

[Host Julian]

Yeah, man. Well. Oh, look at that. Perfect timing, bro. Wow. Kelly, man, I, I, I love you. I wish you the best. And we'll, we're going to stay in touch. I'll see you around, man. Where can the people follow you and also, like, keep up to date with everything you're working on and all that stuff?

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah. So love Kelly.com is my website. Instagram is at It's Love Kelly and Tick Tock's at It's Love Kelly as well.

[Host Julian]

So you go over to Converse and see his work too, if you want to check that out. If you're walking around, there's some billboards up there probably that love Chuck, all that. But, man, appreciate you, bro. Thank you so much. That was awesome.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Yeah, that was.

[Host Julian]

Oh, is there something wrong with the pussy? Oh, something wrong with the podcast. Episode 45. All right, peace.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Shout out.

[Host Julian]

Julian.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

Man.

[DSW Ad Voice]

With the pussy. Nothing wrong with the pussy.

[Kelly (Love Kelly)]

It was dope to talk about this stuff, bro. You know what I mean?

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