Kristin Juszczyk: Behind the Seams

Summary

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The Squeeze – "Kristin Juszczyk: Behind the Seams"

Date: October 1, 2025
Host: Taylor Lautner
Guest: Kristin Juszczyk

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Episode Overview

This heartfelt, lively episode brings fashion designer Kristin Juszczyk to the table for an in-depth conversation with host Taylor Lautner and friends. The episode explores Kristin’s extraordinary journey: from NFL “plus-one” to viral fashion entrepreneur, blending her love of sports, creative passion, and mental resilience. Rich in personal stories—from meeting her husband, NFL player Kyle Juszczyk, supporting him through football’s grind, to her meteoric rise in the world of sports fashion—the discussion dwells also on personal loss, perseverance, and the bonds of friendship and family. The group also highlights mental health, the realities of NFL life, and the importance of asking for help.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The NFL Life – Love, Support, and Adaptation

[00:51–13:00]

• Kristin describes the structure and challenges of football season, debunking the "bye husband" myth and explaining the NFL’s relentless "9 to 5" rhythm.
  • "There's no days off during season, but he goes in probably at like 7am every day. And then he's home around like 4... I work a whole day too, so it's fine." – Kristin [05:12]
• Training camp is described as particularly tough: "...they can't sleep at home, so they sleep in a hotel. For probably a month...we're really not seeing each other that much." – Kristin [05:42]
• Despite the grind, Kristin travels to every game, savoring the adventure and camaraderie: "I go to every single game...our families are now, like, literally family with each other. So we all go as a pack." [06:31–06:43]

Favorite Stadiums and Fan Culture

[07:08–13:00]

• Kristin’s favorites: Lambeau Field for its iconic, snowy charm; Buffalo’s wild tailgates; and SoFi Stadium’s vibe.
• She notes cultural contrasts: East Coast football feeling "gritty" vs. West Coast’s more relaxed nature.
• Surviving away games: Kristin laughs off heckling and even unpleasant encounters ("blown glitter in the face" in Minnesota), highlighting resilience.
  • "If this is the worst thing that happens to you today, then you’re lucky. And I was like, what is this, the purge?" – Kristin [12:34]

2. Meeting Kyle & Early Relationship

[19:32–24:46]

• Kristin met Kyle Juszczyk on Facebook, after spotting him at a Ravens game. The beginning had a charming, awkward social media dance, fueled by mutual photo likes and eventual direct messaging.
• Their first dinner date lasted four hours: "I remember leaving and being like, wow, I think I just met my husband." – Kristin [23:25]
• The couple quickly became inseparable; Kyle met her large Italian family just two months in.

3. Finding Identity and Independence Post-Move

[31:22–37:49]

• After moving to California for Kyle's career, Kristin faced a major identity shift, leaving behind her job and friends: "I now was like, so engulfed in, like, the NFL life where before it was really like, his job...then it became our lifestyle." [32:19]
• She sought independence, working front desk at SoulCycle ("I need to get out of the house") and launching a clothing boutique (Origin), driven by her family's entrepreneurial background.

4. The Birth of a Business – Fashion, Necessity, and Hustle

[42:12–47:07]

• Kristin taught herself to sew through YouTube, initially for Halloween costumes ("delusionally" confident she could make the Britney & Justin denim look).
• Bored with the limited, generic NFL apparel available to women, she created her own game-day outfits—which sparked requests from others.
• A pivotal creation: the "jersey puffer vest"—a unique, upcycled statement piece.
  • "I texted it to Kyle's sports agent...this is revolutionary." [44:00]
• The leap: Despite licensing obstacles and risk of idea theft, Kristin boldly shared her designs on social media, tagging big brands: "I added Fanatics, and I added Nike. And I was like, hit me up." [46:51]
• Viral momentum arrived after athletes and celebrities—including Debo Samuel and Simone Biles—wore her designs.

5. The FedEx "Super Bowl" Saga: When Fashion Goes Viral

[48:32–57:27]

• A dramatic retelling of a crucial playoff weekend in which Kristin worked for days to finish custom jackets for Taylor and Brittany Lautner and others, only for the package to be delayed by a snowstorm.
• Kristin mobilized contacts, social media, and sheer will to hunt down the missing package—tracing it, battling a broken-down delivery truck, and orchestrating a stadium hand-off minutes before kickoff.
  • "I will not let this be the reason why. I will fly to Detroit, open up every single FedEx office to get him this jacket." [51:02]
  • "Everybody on the sideline and in the stands behind us were invested in this." – Dave [56:30]
• The story’s moral: "You have to ask for help. Like, all the time. You can’t do everything on your own." – Kristin [57:05]

6. Loss, Grief, and Inner Strength: Kristin's Mother

[61:22–69:43]

• Kristin’s advocacy for breast cancer awareness is rooted in losing her mother at 18 after a lifelong battle.
• She details the hidden pain of childhood with a sick parent, the complicated aftermath of loss, and how grief reshapes life milestones.
  • "She never let anybody feel her pain...she would never want anyone to know." [62:49]
• The emotional wisdom grief imparts: "Grief is really just an I miss you and I love you...biggest moments are always a little bit of your saddest." [66:59–68:18]
• Kristin’s perspective: She’s less sensitive to life’s small hardships, prioritizes health and cherishes loved ones, motivated by what she’s lost.

7. Offseason: Expanding Her Brand and Vision

[70:49–74:53]

• Kristin discusses growing Offseason, her officially licensed sports fashion brand:
  • Launched new puffer jackets (now for 13 NFL teams and the WNBA); aims to expand to all leagues and even develop a non-sports line.
  • The ultimate thrill: seeing a fan in the wild wearing one of her designs—"that was always the dream."
• Aspirations: To be the "go-to spot for sports fashion for anything you can think of" and beyond [73:50].

8. What Kristin Is Most Proud Of

[75:09–76:27]

• "Who I chose as a partner...to be proud of your partner is everything...we've been able to grow together, and I just think your family is everything, so I'm most proud of that." – Kristin [75:09–76:27]

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Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On NFL Season Structure:
  "Football is the most like 9 to 5 sport in comparison to the other types of leagues...no days off during season." – Kristin [05:12]

• On Away Game Heckling:
  "If this is the worst thing that happens to you today, then you’re lucky. And I was like, what is this, the purge?" – Kristin [12:34]

• On Building The Brand:
  "I was knocking on everyone's door, you guys...No one was really willing to collaborate...But when I made the puffer vest...this is revolutionary." – Kristin [45:10–45:14]

• On FedEx Drama:
  "I will not let this be the reason why. I will fly to Detroit, open up every single FedEx office to get him this jacket." – Kristin [51:02]

• Lesson from the FedEx Story:
  "You have to ask for help. Like, all the time...You can’t do everything on your own." – Kristin [57:05]

• On Grief:
  "Grief is really just an I miss you and I love you...your biggest moments are always a little bit of your saddest." – Kristin [66:59–68:18]

• On Pride and Partnership:
  "Who I chose as a partner...to be proud of your partner is everything...we've been able to grow together." – Kristin [75:09–76:27]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |---------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | 00:51–13:00 | NFL life, routines, stadiums, and traveling | | 19:32–24:46 | How Kristin met Kyle and their early relationship | | 31:22–37:49 | Moving, identity, and finding independence | | 42:12–47:07 | Self-taught sewing, first big fashion break | | 48:32–57:27 | Jacket/fedex saga: creativity, persistence, viral fame | | 61:22–69:43 | Losing her mom, grief, perspective, and values | | 70:49–74:53 | Expanding Offseason, future vision | | 75:09–76:27 | What Kristin is most proud of |

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Conclusion

This episode offers a spirited inside look at life as an NFL spouse, the relentless grind of building a business from the ground up, and the deeply personal motivations that drive Kristin Juszczyk’s work. Listeners will find inspiration in Kristin’s candor about loss, self-doubt, resilience, and her belief in both the power of community (never be afraid to ask for help!) and the importance of choosing your family wisely. Her journey from hand-sewn costume to the NFL’s most-watched fashion entrepreneur proves that sometimes, when life gives you lemons, you make puffer vests—and bring a whole new game to the field.

Final Quote:
"Your health is your wealth. It really taught me to just look at things from a bigger picture." – Kristin [69:31]

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Transcript

[Podcast Host]

The following podcast is a Dear Media Production.

[Brittany]

Taylor looked at me. He's like, you're gonna be getting a call from the, like, CEO. And I was like, sorry, what?

[Kristen]

That weekend changed my whole life. I texted it to, like, Kyle's sports agent, and I was like, this is revolutionary.

[Brittany]

It was the most insane thing. How did you and Kyle meet?

[Kristen]

We met on Facebook. I friend requested him.

[Dave]

First saw his last name. Were you, like, on a keyboard? Have you been to Philly?

[Kristen]

My bad.

[Erin]

Love the Philly.

[Kristen]

She tapped my shoulder, and I turned around. She went glitter all in my eye. And then she was like, this is the worst thing that happens to you today. Then you're lucky. And I was like. I was like, what is this, the Purge?

[Erin]

Like, yeah, me too, Kyle.

[Kristen]

And I wanted to be Justin and Britney spears from the VMAs. That, like, denim on denim look. I'm just, like, delusional, and I'm like, I can make that now. It's, like, so engulfed in, like, the NFL life. Then it became, like, our lifestyle. I always kind of knew.

[Dave]

I've never seen anybody like this.

[Kristen]

I don't even think I told you guys this whole story. It was even crazier than that.

[Erin]

Nothing.

[Dave]

Kristen.

[Kristen]

Hi.

[Dave]

Welcome to the Squeeze.

[Kristen]

Thank you.

[Dave]

This is funny. Just so listeners and viewers understand, we've been sitting here talking for about 4.

[Brittany]

45 minutes, and we were down in our kitchen eating baked potatoes and ground bison.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Dave]

Kristen, welcome to the Squeeze. As if we're starting this conversation.

[Erin]

Do I not shut up? Am I the problem? Is it me? I think it is me. I think it's me.

[Brittany]

No, I think it's just we haven't seen you in so long.

[Dave]

I feel like there's a lot of catching up.

[Brittany]

There's a lot of topics to talk about.

[Erin]

There is.

[Brittany]

I think we'll talk about some of them, even though we have already talked.

[Kristen]

About some of them.

[Erin]

Yeah.

[Brittany]

But we do start each episode off with this jar.

[Sponsor Voice]

It's a game called Citrus Got Real.

[Brittany]

If you want to pull a little piece of paper out of there.

[Kristen]

Can I move this?

[Brittany]

Yes, you can.

[Kristen]

I'll do that one right on top. Drum roll. What's your most used app in your phone? Oh, it's so easy. Pinterest.

[Friend 1]

Oh, wow.

[Kristen]

I am on Pinterest 24 7.

[Brittany]

Is that, like, for, like, fashion things?

[Kristen]

Yeah, for fashion stuff. Like, I look at it for design and spill all the time. I'm constantly wanting to remodel things, so I'm always, like, looking at. I love, like, tablescapes. I feel like you like tablescapes, too.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

Like, for.

[Brittany]

Really use that more for tablescapes.

[Kristen]

You should.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

Like, I. I'm already looking at, like, I'm. What am I doing for Thanksgiving? Oh, yeah, it's really. I love it when I'm on flights and stuff.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

If I have WI fi, I am just scrolling Pinterest all the time. I get really inspired by it. I love that.

[Brittany]

I mainly use Pinterest for, like, nails.

[Kristen]

Nails.

[Brittany]

And whenever I get, like, my nail and so I always, like. And just scrolling it and seeing what.

[Kristen]

Yes.

[Brittany]

I mean. Oh, that's good.

[Kristen]

Table recipes. Oh, always Pinterest.

[Dave]

I'd like Pinterest.

[Kristen]

You don't have Pinterest?

[Dave]

Not really.

[Kristen]

Oh, my. Kyle uses it all the time.

[Dave]

Really?

[Kristen]

Are you a big cooker?

[Friend 2]

Yeah, yeah.

[Kristen]

Pinterest all the time.

[Dave]

Wow. What does he use it for?

[Kristen]

Recipes. Really?

[Erin]

He cooks?

[Kristen]

Yeah, he loves to cook. He actually, like, now has taken over cooking more than I have. Yikes.

[Erin]

He's not happy about it.

[Dave]

Nothing wrong with that. I'm. I'm definitely the cook in our house.

[Brittany]

You're also not.

[Dave]

Like, I'm not the cleaner.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Erin]

Oh, yeah.

[Kristen]

Kyle's not either. Hate.

[Podcast Host]

You're gonna love this story.

[Kristen]

So here we go again.

[Erin]

We're at our wedding and our vow. Like, Kyle vowed up there, and he.

[Kristen]

Was like, I vowed to, like, always.

[Erin]

Do the dishes when you cook. And my uncle. Uncle John in the crowd goes, you're going to regret that one, like, in front of everybody. And everyone starts laughing.

[Dave]

Oh, my.

[Friend 1]

Oh, my gosh.

[Brittany]

Has he kept up to that, Val?

[Erin]

Well, now it's kind of like, he's.

[Kristen]

Cooked and I've cleaned, and he's kind of helped clean.

[Erin]

I didn't vow that. Yeah, he's the one who vowed that.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Dave]

His mistake.

[Erin]

Yeah.

[Friend 2]

Yeah, I know.

[Brittany]

I need to. I need to cook more so you can clean more. No, I enjoy the thing. The thing is, though, Taylor, like, loves cooking. That's like his, like, art prepping.

[Kristen]

Like, I don't like about it.

[Dave]

Therapeutic for me.

[Kristen]

Really?

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

That's awesome. I love cooking, too. Like, it reminds me, like, being like, a family, because that's being an Italian. Like, that's literally how we show love. It's just like, cooking for each other. So I love that aspect, but I just like, having a whole work day and then having to pray, prep and cook and clean. Door dash is just really racking up.

[Dave]

Yeah, no, it's like, one or the other either. I'm making, like, a full meal.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Dave]

Or we're just postmading something.

[Kristen]

Always.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Brittany]

I mean, we've been talking about football, honestly, since you got here. But I want to know, like, I think I know the answer. Do you look forward to football season?

[Kristen]

Oh, my gosh, yes.

[Brittany]

Even though it's like by husband, kind.

[Dave]

Of losing your husband?

[Brittany]

Is it by husband?

[Erin]

No. Like, no, it doesn't work like that.

[Brittany]

I think in my brain. What. What does it look like?

[Kristen]

Yeah.

[Brittany]

What does the week look like for you?

[Kristen]

So I would say. And I also, like, don't know too much about other professional athletes, like their timing, but from what I've heard, football is the most like 9 to 5 sport in comparison to the other types of leagues.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

So he. It's definitely like, there's no days off during season, but he goes in probably at like 7am every day. And then he's home around like 4 and it's like, no. I mean, I work a whole day too, so it's like, it's fine.

[Dave]

Even during training camp.

[Kristen]

No, training camp is a whole different situation. Yeah. Like, they can't sleep at home, so they sleep in a hotel. And so like, for probably a month. Yeah. The hardest part is that training camp, like for a month, we're really not seeing each other that much.

[Friend 1]

Wow.

[Kristen]

And it's like every third or fourth day is off. But off doesn't mean anything because at least from on, my husband, he still goes in and gets massages, acupuncture. He does all his recovery stuff on his off days. So it's not like on his off day. It's not like he doesn't go into the facility. He's there the whole day.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

So it doesn't really make a difference. But then if it's a home game, they still have to sleep in hotels before the games. So. But I mean, I still feel like we see each other a lot. And I go to every single game. So I go to all the away games.

[Dave]

You go to every game?

[Kristen]

I go to every game.

[Friend 1]

Wow.

[Dave]

That's.

[Kristen]

I do.

[Dave]

Incredible.

[Kristen]

I love it so much. And mainly because me and Claire Kittle are such good friends and our families are now like, literally family with each other.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

So we all go as a pack. It's just so fun.

[Erin]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

It's fun to, like, explore all the different cities and away games are so much fun. I mean, like, going to a new stadium and like, kind of seeing their culture and stuff, I love.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

The Lion Stadium is one of the few that I've never been to.

[Brittany]

Really.

[Kristen]

We've Never played. We haven't played there.

[Dave]

No, I don't think you have.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Dave]

And don't this year.

[Erin]

Right?

[Kristen]

I know we don't.

[Friend 1]

No.

[Kristen]

Dang. I know.

[Friend 1]

Okay.

[Dave]

Well, out of curiosity, what's one of your, like, favorite cities, slash, stadiums to go to then?

[Kristen]

Okay. Packers. Really? By far.

[Erin]

And I'll tell you why.

[Kristen]

Well, it usually depends on, like, what the game was like, you know that.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

But, like, it's just so iconic. Yeah. The stadium is old and it's iconic, and there's bleachers.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

And. Oh, yeah, it was. It was snoring. It was snowing like crazy when it was snoring. It was snowing like crazy when we went in. The tailgate scene is, like, insane. Insane. Like, the Midwesterns just, like, really know how to tailgate.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

And it just was so cool. Like, we were wearing these snowsuits. It was, like, dumping snow, and it just felt so.

[Sponsor Voice]

Oh, yeah.

[Brittany]

Didn't you guys. Did you. It was not the one. You guys had, like, the matching little.

[Kristen]

Like, we've worn snowsuits twice. Okay.

[Erin]

Because of how it is.

[Kristen]

And we're from California now. I think, like, growing up in the east coast and Kyle starting with the Ravens, like, East coast football is so different than west coast football. Like, it's just so much more, like, gritty and, like, just really feel it. Whereas, like, west coast, it's. I don't know, just not the same vibe.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

But Bill. Like, the Bill Stadium.

[Friend 1]

Oh, my gosh.

[Friend 2]

I.

[Kristen]

And we got destroyed when we went there, but it was my. One of my favorite football experiences ever.

[Friend 1]

Wow.

[Kristen]

I love snowing games. I guess, like, sounds like it.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

Like, they were all throwing snowballs when the Bills scored, and their tailgate scene is you guys. I imagine you have to go experience it, like, if.

[Erin]

If I.

[Kristen]

Obviously, I'm a 49er fan through and through, but, like, I was like, I may have to be a Bills fan when Kyle retires because it. Those games are so much fun.

[Friend 1]

Wow.

[Kristen]

Oh, wow. I love that. And then I actually love Sofi. I love the Rams stadium.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Dave]

I mean, it is. It's a beautiful. Like, the structure itself is stunning.

[Kristen]

Structure is beautiful. The DJ there, like, is always so good. I swear to God, the crowd's always dancing and the music, like, the acoustics, honestly, they're really. There's not many stadiums that I don't like.

[Dave]

Have you been to Philly?

[Erin]

That was a great time.

[Dave]

My bad.

[Erin]

Love the Philly Stadium. No, here's the thing.

[Kristen]

I'm a New Yorker.

[Dave]

She goes, there's not many things I don't like. I was like, have you been to Philadelphia?

[Erin]

That's hilarious. One thing about me, like, I am not sensitive, like, at all. Like, I just think it's growing up.

[Kristen]

Like, as a New Yorker. So, like, I can appreciate it, like.

[Erin]

When people are, like, screaming horrific things at you. I'm like, yeah, me too. You know, like, everyone. It's.

[Kristen]

I think it's funny. And, like, I. I love the passion. What I love about Philly is when you land there, like, the entire plane is wearing Philly stuff. The entire city is wearing Philly stuff. You can't go. And you. The waitress will drop a check off, and they'll be like, go, birds.

[Erin]

Like, it's such a culture.

[Kristen]

Have you ever been?

[Friend 2]

Uh.

[Kristen]

Okay. You have.

[Brittany]

If you ever need a buddy, like, maybe Claire can't go to a game.

[Kristen]

Just even if Claire comes. Okay, great. It's so much fun. We literally. I feel like we go on, like. I feel like a groupie. Like, we're like a band tour. Like, we're just, like, following the band around.

[Dave]

For sure.

[Kristen]

But it's just something you have to experience to feel like. I mean, like. But you have to not be sensitive.

[Erin]

You know what I mean?

[Kristen]

Because they're gonna scream stuff at you. They love it. They love getting in your face and, like, cursing you out.

[Erin]

And you just have to. You just have to laugh. Just don't reciprocate it, you know?

[Dave]

Are you really able to still go to an away game if you're not in a box? Like, you and Claire, like, oh. Can you really do that still?

[Kristen]

I mean, of course we can. Definitely can. I mean, we've been, like, fortunate that a lot of brands that we work with have, like, hooked us up.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

Cause they're, as you guys know, they're so much money.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

It's insane.

[Dave]

But there was a game last year that you guys were right behind the end zone.

[Kristen]

Yeah.

[Dave]

And I was Amazon. I was like, how are they doing this right now? Not getting, like, eaten alive.

[Erin]

Oh, oh, oh.

[Kristen]

When we were in the Sands.

[Dave]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

When we played the Vikings. I mean, I would say in Minnesota.

[Dave]

I've had rough experiences.

[Erin]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

That's also one of my other favorite stadiums.

[Erin]

Because it snows, I guess. I have a snowflash.

[Kristen]

Really?

[Erin]

I'm, like, really realizing things about myself. Sitting in the street. It's.

[Kristen]

But have you been like, it snows inside. Like, they, like, do a whole theatrical thing where. Cause they're like, the Vikings.

[Dave]

It's a beautiful Stadium.

[Kristen]

Yeah, I actually. We had a fan experience there too, once, but I don't. Like, we're just. We're at. Because I'm not sensitive. You just have to, like, swallow it when people, you know, if you're. If I'm wearing something with Kyle's name on it, like. And it doesn't even matter if we win or lose. Like, you know, people are gonna say things and. Opposing team. But yeah, honestly, I'm gonna be honest. I really have had, like, such amazing experiences. I have only had, like. Kyle's been in the league for 13 years now, and I've only had, like, two. People are honestly usually really nice.

[Friend 1]

Wow.

[Kristen]

Yeah.

[Dave]

I think I'm just too sensitive also.

[Brittany]

I was gonna say that. And she's a pretty girl and you're just like, a guy, so.

[Erin]

No, I mean, I've had some crazy experiences.

[Kristen]

I'm not gonna, like, name where. Because I don't want to, like, piss the fan base off. But, like, some girl was, like, hammered.

[Erin]

And touched my shoulder and she was.

[Kristen]

Like, trying to, like, rile me up. Because that's, like, they'll. You know, they'd be like, use check, sock, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. And I'm just like, yeah. And she tapped my shoulder and I turned around and she went. And she blew glitter, like, in my face. And I was so startled. And it was all in my eye. And then she was like, if this is the worst thing that happens to you today, then you're lucky. And I was like. I was like, what is this, the purge?

[Erin]

Like, And I was just like, okay.

[Kristen]

I was like, listen, I'm trying to be a good sport. Like, please stop touching me. Like, just please stop touching me. And I had glitter, like, all in my face. Glitter. It was wild. And like. So there's like.

[Erin]

Then I just, you know, you gotta laugh.

[Kristen]

Cause what is the other. That you're gonna get in a fight?

[Erin]

Yeah, In a fist fight.

[Dave]

I literally. I got tackled at. In Minnesota.

[Brittany]

He got checked from behind.

[Dave]

I was. We were sucker punched. No, we were jogging.

[Erin]

What did you say?

[Dave]

What did I say?

[Erin]

Yeah. Did you say something?

[Dave]

It was an old. It was a very old drunk man. He was like, 70. And he, like, chased me down from behind as I was running. And just.

[Kristen]

Just because you were wearing a jersey.

[Dave]

Yeah, yeah. We were being heckled the whole game. Um, and then right before the game finished, we were like, let's get out of here. So we started, like, running out of the stadium.

[Friend 2]

Yeah, yeah.

[Dave]

And I'm jogging out and all of A sudden get just chucked and I go to the ground and shut up.

[Kristen]

When was this?

[Dave]

This was 2018.

[Kristen]

Oh, my gosh.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

Did anyone get involved?

[Dave]

No, I just stood up and kept going.

[Kristen]

Yeah. Good for you. That's hard, though. That's. That's the hardest thing to do. But also, I just don't like when people touch me like that.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Dave]

Especially punch glitter in the face.

[Erin]

But Minnesota glitter in the face is. Don't. Yeah, that was a lot. It was painful in the eyes. Like, imagine all the glitter in the eyeballs.

[Brittany]

No, no, no, no. But Minnesota won that game. That's what also I don't understand is I'm like, you won. Like, don't like, sure yell.

[Kristen]

But like, literally true victory with honor is what Kyle wears a wristband.

[Friend 1]

Really?

[Brittany]

This fan could have used some of that.

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[Kristen]

How did.

[Brittany]

How did you and Kyle meet? Do you know the story? I don't know.

[Kristen]

We met on Facebook.

[Erin]

What?

[Dave]

Wow.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

Do you want me to get into the whole thing?

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

Okay. So I just transferred colleges. My uncle John was visiting his. I mean, his daughter, who went to a nearby school.

[Friend 1]

Okay.

[Kristen]

And he had bought Ravens tickets because I was winter school in Maryland.

[Friend 1]

Okay.

[Kristen]

And she didn't want to go. And so he called me and was like, do you want to come? I'm like, I sure have never been to an NFL game. I didn't grow up in, like, a huge NFL family. We come from, like, fishermen, as you guys know, like, surfers and, like, boaters. We grew up on the water, so we were, like, very, like, water sports. And I grew up dancing, so it wasn't like we were that big of, like, an NFL family. So, anyway, so I went, and we were in the nosebleeds, and they were playing the Panthers, and they were up, like, 30 points at halftime. So everyone was leaving. It was, like, clearing out. So Uncle John was like, let's go try to get behind the bench, like.

[Erin]

In his nature, you know? I'm like, okay.

[Kristen]

So.

[Erin]

So we sit behind the bench, and.

[Kristen]

I saw Kyle, and I was like, oh, my gosh, 44, so handsome.

[Erin]

Blah, blah, blah.

[Kristen]

And I had the pamphlet.

[Erin]

Cause, you know, it was, like, my first time.

[Kristen]

I was like, yeah, I'll take the pamphlet.

[Erin]

I'll take all the goodies. Like, you know what I mean? I'm just, like, going through the pamphlet.

[Kristen]

Like, reading stuff, and I saw Kyle, and at that time, I really didn't know too much about the NFL. And I thought they were, like, a lot older. And I was 20, and I was like, oh, he's only 23. I'm like, oh, he went to Harvard.

[Erin]

Okay. They're like, shoot, yeah, yeah. But that was it.

[Kristen]

And then, like, a few weeks later, I was with a bunch of girlfriends, and I was telling Them about him and like, oh, see if he has a Facebook. Because it was like, before Instagram was like, Facebook was the go to. Instagram existed, but it was Facebook was the go to there. Then I'm really aging myself. And so my friend requested him, and he started, like, liking my photos from, like, years ago. Like, I could tell he was, like.

[Erin]

Stalking, you know, he was, like, playing with you.

[Brittany]

Oh, he was into you.

[Erin]

Yeah, he. We tell this story on the Kittles.

[Kristen]

Podcast, and it's really hilarious from his point of view because there was, like.

[Erin]

A picture of me in a sunflower field.

[Kristen]

And I guess that one got him.

[Erin]

So I was like, ladies, you look into can't find a man take pictures of sunflowers.

[Brittany]

I had a photo like that. Is that what gossip was obsessed with before we were, like, dating? No, I was seeing gumballs. No, it was sprinkles.

[Dave]

Sprinkles.

[Brittany]

There was, like, an ice cream museum or there was some, like, cute art installation.

[Erin]

You're like.

[Brittany]

And I went with my girlfriends, and I'm like, I have, like, my little, like, space buns. Like, my hair half up, half down. Space buns. And I'm sitting in, like, this pool of sprinkles.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Brittany]

And Taylor, for the longest time was, like, this photo.

[Kristen]

You're just so cute at it.

[Brittany]

I'm like.

[Dave]

And when I would show people, you would show them, that would be the.

[Brittany]

Photo that was, like, the main show that he had.

[Friend 2]

Screenshot.

[Erin]

Yeah.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Erin]

That's hilarious.

[Kristen]

So there we go.

[Dave]

Sunflowers and sprinkles.

[Brittany]

So he's like. So he's liking all. Maybe just, like, they.

[Erin]

So simple. So simple. So simple.

[Brittany]

Just want a sweet girl. Sweet girl. Sprinkles, sunflowers, face buns.

[Erin]

It's the esses.

[Brittany]

It's the esses. So he's liking these photos.

[Kristen]

And then he never messages me, and I'm like, what the hell? And so I was pregaming, like, in college as, like, a natural college student does, and I had, like, some liquid courage.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

And they were like, just message him. What do you have to lose? And I'm like, okay.

[Erin]

So I messaged him and he responded.

[Kristen]

And we just, like, were chatting, and then he asked me out to dinner, and we went out to dinner, and I was so nervous because I was like, I'm 20 years old, not mature enough for this. Like, I don't meet people. Like, I've never. I've never gone on a date with someone that I didn't know.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Friend 2]

Ever.

[Kristen]

Like, I, you know, go on Date with, like, friends or.

[Dave]

That's intimidating.

[Erin]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

At 20. And, yeah, we went out to dinner, and we, like, closed the restaurant out. We were there for four hours.

[Friend 1]

Oh, my gosh.

[Kristen]

Probably because I was talking so much and.

[Erin]

And it was really history from there.

[Kristen]

Like, I remember leaving and being like, wow, I think I just met my husband. And I wasn't in that, like, part of my life where I was even. Yeah, I was not looking for even a boyfriend. I just was like, oh, this will be fun. We'll go out to dinner. And, yeah, it was really history since we were, like, inseparable ever since.

[Brittany]

Oh, my gosh.

[Dave]

Did it move pretty quickly?

[Kristen]

So fast. He met my family. Two months later, my entire family came to Christmas Eve. Like, we have this huge Italian Christmas Eve in New York, which now, like, looking back at it, is so crazy that, like, from Maryland, and he, like, definitely didn't have an off day. Like, drove to New York, came to my Christmas Eve and then drove home. I was like, he would never do that now.

[Erin]

I was doing something right.

[Kristen]

But, yeah, it was. It moved so fast. Yeah. Really fast.

[Dave]

When you opened the pamphlet and showed.

[Kristen]

I wish I saved that.

[Dave]

You have the pamphlet?

[Kristen]

No, I wish I saved it.

[Dave]

Oh, you wish you did?

[Friend 2]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Dave]

When you first saw his last name, were you like, yeah, I could do that.

[Erin]

I'm like, did someone fall asleep on a keyboard? That's so good. What happened here? Where's the vowels? Where's the vowels?

[Brittany]

Fell asleep on your keyboard.

[Erin]

Oh, my God. That's. That's my go to line. I'm happy it hit. But. Yeah, no, I. Yeah, I had.

[Kristen]

No. It's one of those names that's, like, not hard to say, but it looks really intimidating when you, like, read it.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Dave]

It's just a weird combination.

[Kristen]

Yeah, there's.

[Brittany]

I remember when I. When I was sending your manager to schedule this, I had typed your name in the subject line, and I'm, like, sitting there staring at it, and I'm like, this is how you spell it. It's how you spell it. I have your Instagram app. I'm looking at it, looking at. I'm like, J. I'm like, it's spelled correctly in my brain. I was like, it just, like, was not.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Brittany]

I was so nervous to send it.

[Dave]

Stare at a word too long.

[Friend 2]

Oh, yeah.

[Dave]

It looks like something's wrong.

[Kristen]

Well, it looks wrong from the beginning. Yeah, I know. I tried to get him to take my last name. He wasn't having it.

[Brittany]

What's your random name?

[Kristen]

Arceri.

[Brittany]

How do you spell that?

[Kristen]

A, R, C, E, R, I.

[Friend 2]

Okay. Yeah.

[Kristen]

I mean, it's, like, not as hard.

[Dave]

It's pretty.

[Erin]

And.

[Kristen]

Yeah, thanks. I think so. But, yeah.

[Dave]

How is my favorite person your uncle Love?

[Erin]

He's been amazing, you guys.

[Kristen]

I can't tell you how. He just knows everybody. We just. The kiddos are coming out of the park, or they just launched it.

[Erin]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

Yeah. And Kyle and I filmed an episode, like, last week, and some. They have, like, a whole production crew. It's crazy. And this person comes up to us, me, and just shows me a picture of, like, them with Uncle John holding a fish up.

[Erin]

I'm like, how do you know him? Like, everybody knows this man just. He makes himself known, you know?

[Kristen]

Funny you guys have to come to another game. I know you're Lions fans, but, like, you could be honorary.

[Brittany]

No, no.

[Kristen]

Honorary Niner fans.

[Brittany]

We had the best day. And I, I. I get always get nervous with Taylor because he, like, just in social settings, he's like, sometimes not the best. Like, you.

[Kristen]

You're anxious. In social, you guys are great.

[Brittany]

But he literally had the best time, like, sitting.

[Kristen]

Like, I feel like my family doesn't. Like, they're just crazy.

[Brittany]

They were, but they were so fun. Like, it wasn't like. Like, sometimes you get overwhelmed.

[Kristen]

Like, if you were to shut down, just get quiet.

[Dave]

Quiet.

[Kristen]

Yeah, I get that.

[Brittany]

Knowing you were going to go in a party. Party bus with, like, someone's family. Taylor be like, no.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Brittany]

But he literally, after, he's like, I.

[Sponsor Voice]

Had the best day.

[Erin]

I was like, I'm so happy.

[Dave]

It's true.

[Erin]

That makes me happy.

[Kristen]

Because when he was, like, sitting next to you and he. We were on the party bus and he was, like, talking about.

[Erin]

He, like, fought that mailman. Like, my family, like, beat up that guy. And I was like, we don't know him like that. Don't let him in on their family secret. And then he's, like, putting. I knew he was gonna call his daughter and, like, FaceTime her, and I was so embarrassed. I was like.

[Kristen]

I think did.

[Erin]

I had to have texted me. Like, by the way, I come from.

[Kristen]

Like, a strong Italian family.

[Friend 1]

Oh, yeah.

[Kristen]

You gave me.

[Dave]

You gave me fair one.

[Erin]

Yeah, like, it's gonna be a lot.

[Dave]

No, my favorite was when we were on fish picture 197, and I was asking. I still was asking questions. I'm like, in what kind of.

[Erin]

Yeah, you did it to yourself.

[Dave]

I did.

[Erin]

Yeah. The second you asked one question, you.

[Kristen]

Knew there was gonna be seven more coming.

[Erin]

Yeah, he's Very proud.

[Brittany]

Yeah, he's very proud. You really enjoyed it. I feel like you were like, I saw some crazy fish and then some crazy.

[Erin]

Thought you were going to a football game. Now you were going to see fish.

[Dave]

And then in the box, like with Kittle's family.

[Kristen]

They're great, aren't they?

[Dave]

Fun.

[Kristen]

Well, you guys have to come again.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Brittany]

Twist my arm. I've grown up always, like watching like football and sports and loving it. But since like now having friends in the NFL and becoming close to the Hutchinsons and now like, you know, we are so close with everyone at the line. Like, it just. I have like a different viewpoint of it.

[Kristen]

Totally. Because they're human beings more than just they're humans and you want them to be successful.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Brittany]

And like it now like gets me like, really, like.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Brittany]

Anxious with games or like when Aiden got hurt last year, like both of us were like six years. Like, it was like, it's the first time I was like, well, this is actually like really puts into perspective. You see people get like carted off.

[Kristen]

Like every game and like such a violent sport what.

[Brittany]

What that actually entails for them. I've never like, had to think about it that way because I haven't been close with anyone.

[Erin]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

Once you put a human interaction to it, it changes everything.

[Dave]

Well, I was hurting so bad for you guys, like after the Super Bowl.

[Kristen]

I appreciate was that. But. Yeah, it was brutal.

[Dave]

Brutal.

[Kristen]

Brutal. I mean. Yes. Losing a Super bowl twice is like just like gut punching because you get there and then we. It was really simple. Like, not as similar to the Lions game, but like we had the lead.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

And we were crushing it.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

And then it just slipped. I mean, that's what happens really. It just changes the hard part with the Super Bowl. And I feel like a lot of people don't realize this because if you don't go to the super bowl, you don't realize how slow paced it is because of how many commercial breaks there are. It's hard to like get in a momentum, I feel like for the players because between like every play, there's a huge break for commercial breaks.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

And it's such a long game that I feel like it's like hard to keep once you have momentum to even keep it.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

But yeah, I mean, it was gut wrenching. We hystero. I mean, there's an after party that for each team and you're like, really obligated. You're supposed to go and you should because you shouldn't like be crying in Your hotel room, you should, like, be celebrating. But the party is, like, hilarious because.

[Erin]

It starts off like everyone's devastated, right?

[Kristen]

Like, you're in a club and there's like, Lil Wayne performing.

[Erin]

Everyone's, like, crying. Like, it's Lil Wayne's performing.

[Kristen]

And everyone's like, actually sobbing.

[Erin]

And then everyone gets hammered, and then they're having, like, so much fun, and it's like the best time ever. And then it just goes. And then everyone gets too drunk. Yeah, then you get too drunk and you get emotional again and everyone just starts sobbing. It's like the ultimate, like, every emotion.

[Kristen]

You can possibly feel.

[Erin]

I have a. Yeah, there's like a.

[Kristen]

Like a video of Kyle and I.

[Erin]

Like, in a club and him just, like, hyperventilating. And then there's a video of us, like, dancing and then, like, hyperventilating.

[Dave]

That has to be the worst hangover I could imagine. The next day, you wake up, you're hungover, and you remember you lost the Super Bowl.

[Erin]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Kristen]

Horrible. Actually, another funny story, when he came to Christmas and it was only like two months into us dating, and he met everybody. Uncle John, of course, like, gets him. Just hands him a gift, and I'm like, what did he get this, like, what do you mean you got him a gift?

[Erin]

Like, what did you get him? No, he got him a Jersey with like 44, but he put our Siri on the back, like our lives last name. And I'm like, oh, my God. But we have that.

[Kristen]

And we hung it up at our wedding.

[Erin]

And I remember being mortified and being like, I'm so sorry. He's crazy.

[Brittany]

I love you, Uncle John. Was the adjustment, like, you guys dating, was it hard for you to, like, adjust to his, like, travel and stuff or so?

[Kristen]

No, I would say we really have lived two different lives together. Like, when we first met, I was in college and I didn't like, go to games really. I would maybe go to like a few games a year at home. I never went to away games. And I was living very much my own life. I was in college, like, had all my college friends, you know, like having a normal college schedule. I was interning. So, like, I would go to games here or there, like at home. And then when he signed with the Niners and we moved out to California, that was like, it couldn't be any more different because I didn't have my job anymore, I didn't have my friends anymore. I now was like, so engulfed in, like, the NFL life where before it was really like, His. His job. Like, that was his job, and I had my job, and we just, like. But then it became, like, our lifestyle, because then I only had, like, friends through football, which was amazing, but it was a huge adjustment. Those, like, first two years out in California were probably, like, one of the hardest years for me.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Brittany]

I. I can't imagine. Especially because you strike me as someone that is, like, very, like, independent, too, and you, like, just, like, you have, like, you were saying, like, you had, like, like, your own life and everything going.

[Kristen]

It was hard. Like, I've always, like, I've always been a hard worker.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

And when I had to leave my job and, like, go to California and then figure out, like, okay, well, what do. Like, where's. Where's my purpose? Like, what do I do here? And then we were going to New York in the off season, so I was like, how can I get a job that is gonna let me leave for, like, four months? Like, that doesn't work. And this was before COVID I feel like now it's probably easier because a lot of people work out, but. But back then, really, people weren't.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

So I ended up getting a job at SoulCycle. Like, I. When we moved out there, I was like, I need a job. Like, I need to get out of the house. I can't, like. And I wanted friends, actually, outside of the football world because people come and go, and. And then you're just like, you know, if you have. I've made so many best friends, by the way, like, bridesmaids sisters that I like love so much. But, yeah, if you go to another team, they're gone, and then you don't have a friend there anymore. So I wanted someone. People with, like, consistency.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

And so for, like, two years, I work front desk at SoulCycle.

[Friend 1]

Oh, my gosh.

[Brittany]

Oh, my gosh.

[Kristen]

Yeah. And I just, like, made so many friends and.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

And I actually, like, while I was doing that, started an online clothing boutique that, like, kept me busy, that I loved, too. It was called Origin.

[Friend 1]

Oh, my.

[Dave]

So when was that? What year would that have been?

[Kristen]

2017.

[Friend 1]

Okay.

[Kristen]

I. Yeah. Yeah, 2017.

[Dave]

And how do you make the jump from. And wasn't, like, real estate somewhere in there?

[Kristen]

That's what I was doing in Maryland.

[Dave]

Okay. How do you make the jump from what you were doing all over the place to. To start.

[Brittany]

She's a woman of many talents.

[Kristen]

I feel like.

[Friend 2]

Okay.

[Kristen]

I was a very typical college student that I'm like, I have no idea what I want to do with my life type of thing. I've always loved fashion, though. Like, that was just something I've always loved. And I dabbled, like, interning and, like, the buying world, and I was like, oh, that, like, corporate life really isn't for me. And so I've always loved that. So when I. But then my family also is, like, entrepreneurs. Like, they've kind of have like, done touched a lot of things. And so my family, like, flips houses in New York.

[Friend 1]

Okay.

[Kristen]

They're also in, like, interior design, and they do.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

We've owned, like, pizzerias. Like, have they done it all? To be honest, but so I was, like, dabbling at first. I graduated college, I was like, oh, maybe let me get my real estate license, and maybe I could, like, start flipping homes in Maryland. And then once I got my real estate license, like, two months later, Kyle signed with the Niners, and he was like, come to California with me. And that was, like, a big moment where I was like, do I stay? Do I go? And I decided to go with him. But I was 23. I was so young.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

And so when I got out there, I was like, well, do I want to do real estate out here? I just felt like I was like, I don't even know California. Like, if a client were to ask me, yeah, how do you get here? I'd be like, type it into ways.

[Erin]

Like, I have no.

[Kristen]

You know, I was like, would it make sense? So, yeah, I really had, like. I mean, obviously, we're so fortunate that I was able to, like, have stability that I can kind of find what I want to do. So then when I started working at SoulCycle, that was really, truly just for, like, a. I need to get out of the house type of thing.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

Like, and then while I was doing that is when I started to. I wanted to get back into clothing because it was something I loved.

[Erin]

So.

[Kristen]

So I was like, I want to open up a boutique, like, an online boutique. And I started doing that, and I was working at SoulCycle, doing. Just, like, for making friends. Yeah.

[Brittany]

Were you doing, like, making, like, sports clothes or what was.

[Kristen]

So. I know I went to. I was literally, like, on YouTube trying to figure out, like, how do I even start? I don't know anybody who has at that time worked in clothing. So I was like, youtubing, like, how to start a boutique. Like, I had no idea.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

I found this, like, trade show called Magic in Los Angeles is actually. I mean, Las Vegas. I, like, blanked on what that was, and it's actually very, like, it's a big show. A lot of people know about it. Like, in that world, I just didn't. And I was buying wholesale, and I was, like, shooting it myself, modeling it myself. I set up, like, a whole area in my house as, like, all storage. I was packaging it. Like, oh, wow. I loved it.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

But then from there, I felt like I wasn't being able to be creative enough because I've always, like, loved being creative and because I was, like, just buying wholesale, and they weren't actually. When I was buying it, I was like, oh, this stuff feels so cheap, and I hate that. And I probably would. I don't even really love that shirt. I wish I could find something like this, and it'd be hard to find.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

So that's when I started transitioning to designing, and I was doing all of it at the same time, and that's when I was like, okay, I need to stop something. And I stopped working at SoulCycle.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

They also all closed down by me.

[Erin]

Which is so sad because I love.

[Kristen]

Because as a dancer. Do you like Soul Cycle?

[Erin]

You don't?

[Brittany]

I don't like cardio. That's why I can understand.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

I love Soul Cycle, though, because I feel like you're dancing.

[Brittany]

I need to actually just, like, try it.

[Kristen]

You've never done it? No. Okay. We'll go together. You're gonna love it.

[Dave]

You're like, I hate it.

[Erin]

I just.

[Brittany]

I'm not a cardio girly, so, like, the thought of, like, like, doing that on a bike.

[Kristen]

Like, there's, like, choreography, though. Okay.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

Which I feel like you'll like to the beat. Like, you. You don't. I don't really like cardio either, but you ride to the beat of the music. Okay. Which is just fun.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Brittany]

And I subconsciously even have to, like, walk on a treadmill to the beat of music also. So.

[Kristen]

Perfect. There you go. Yeah. Okay. So good to know.

[Brittany]

Good to know.

[Kristen]

Yeah. That's kind of the whole origin story of, like, how I started designing.

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[Dave]

You teach yourself how to sew.

[Friend 2]

Yep. Yeah.

[Dave]

From YouTube videos.

[Kristen]

Yeah.

[Brittany]

Crazy.

[Kristen]

I always had a sewing machine and, like, I wish I remember. There's like, no story to it. I just kind of, like, always had one. I've always been kind of like a figure it out type of person. That's just in my blood. And so I always knew how to work a sewing machine. I don't. We didn't really, like. I didn't really sew growing up or anything. I maybe sewed, like, once I had, like, home EC in seventh grade. It wasn't, you know, I mean, it all stemmed from Halloween. Kyle and I wanted to be Justin and Britney spears from the VMAs. That, like, denim on denim look.

[Friend 2]

Yeah, yeah.

[Kristen]

And I'm just, like, delusional. And I'm like, I can make that.

[Erin]

I was like, I could do it. I don't know why I thought that. I just have confidence in myself.

[Kristen]

But you did.

[Erin]

And I did.

[Friend 1]

Wow.

[Kristen]

And then after I made it, I just, like, loved that feeling of, like, working with my hands, making something and feeling like, so proud to say that I made it.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

And from there, it's kind of like it snowballed. Like, I was like, oh, I'm gonna maybe make some things for Kyle's game. I had a few T shirts in rotation that I would wear, and I just got so sick of it. So I'm like, let me just try to make some stuff. I don't like any of the stuff that was out there for myself.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

And then I made that and I was like, oh, this is fun. Maybe I Could try to do this for every week. And then it just became, like, a thing. Like, I started doing it for every single week. It's crazy. And then that was. I did that for probably, like, two, three years before I started making stuff for other people.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

Because I was teaching myself. Like, I wasn't a professional by any means. And, like, if you were to give me your measurements, I'd be like, at that time, like, I have no idea.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

Because I was, like, trying it on myself and pinning it on myself to make it fit.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

But then I realized there was, like, a big gap because so many people would be asking me to make them. Things like, oh, I love that. Make me that, or this that.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

And that's when I was like, oh, this could be a business.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

And here we are.

[Dave]

When did you first realize that people were starting to take notice and it could be something other than just you making clothes for yourself?

[Kristen]

Yeah. It was a slow burn at first, and then I realized, I guess.

[Friend 2]

I.

[Kristen]

Always kind of knew by the way, like, I. I always believed in it, that I feel like it could be something because I. There. There was only, like, there was no differentiation of product out there for girls, at least in the sport. Now there is. I feel like there's a lot of brands doing amazing things, but back in 2017, I feel like it was just, like, it was T shirts and V necks and, like, there was nothing. So I kind of always believed in it. But then I'll never forget, I made. Sorry. I made the puffer vest. The jersey puffer vest. And I never forget, like, when I made it, I texted it to, like, Kyle's sports agent, who I was really close with at the time, and I still am. And I was like, this is a really good idea. Like, I just had a feeling when I made it, I was like, you.

[Dave]

Made it for yourself?

[Kristen]

I made it for myself.

[Friend 1]

Okay.

[Kristen]

And I was like, this is revolutionary.

[Erin]

Like, how I. I feel like this is a really good idea.

[Kristen]

And I was like, should I not put this on the Internet? Like, I feel like I was always torn when I was designing and, like, making stuff for myself every week. Because I was knocking on everyone's door, you guys. Like, I was going on LinkedIn, finding everybody, any company who had licensing, finding who, like, their marketing managers or collaboration managers. I was sending them emails, LinkedIn messages to get meetings with them, and really nobody was interested in me. Everyone was just like, we just don't have a space for it right now. And I'm like, okay. But I was trying so hard. I was meeting with the NFL. The NFL always knew that I was really trying to get at it, get a license. And I realized at that time, I was like, I can't get a license. Like, they're not. A, they're probably. They're not gonna give it to me. And B, like, if you ever look at this license agreement of what you have to fill out to even apply, like, I wouldn't even been able to fill out half of it because I don't have manufacturers or any of that stuff. It's, like, super complicated.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

So I was like, let me try to collaborate with a brand, because that would be, like, my first step into the field. But no one was really willing to collaborate. So when I had the.

[Brittany]

I'm in that position now.

[Kristen]

Yeah, I have a lot of emails. But when I made the puffer vest is when I just was like, gosh, like, do I want to put this out there? Because, like, a brand who has licensing rights can easily just go do it.

[Erin]

Rip it off.

[Kristen]

Rip it off. Yeah. And then I was just like, you know what? What's the alternative? Like, I just don't ever put it out there. So I was like, screw it. I'm just gonna put myself out there. So I put it out there and I added. I remember in my caption, I added fanatics, and I added Nike. And I was like, hit me up.

[Erin]

That's what I wrote.

[Kristen]

And that post was the first one that really, like, got a shit ton of momentum.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Dave]

So that's when people started hitting you up and like, hey, can you make me something?

[Kristen]

Yep.

[Erin]

Yeah.

[Dave]

Who was, like, the first person of notice that you made something for that? People were like, whoa.

[Kristen]

Well, first, Debo Samuel wore something of mine, and he was, like, really one of the first to support it. And then Simone Biles.

[Friend 2]

Yes.

[Kristen]

And then you were right after that.

[Friend 1]

I know.

[Kristen]

Like, you were right in the kickfinder.

[Erin]

Yeah.

[Dave]

So I. I slid in your DMs.

[Erin]

You did?

[Brittany]

Taylor had been showing me.

[Kristen]

Yeah.

[Brittany]

I knew stuff for a while. Like, he was like, look at all of these things she's doing. And I was like, oh, whoa, that's cool. He was like, I think I'm gonna message her. So, like, do it.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

I was so excited. You have no idea. Like, I was so excited mainly because I was asking people constantly for me to design them. So it was, like, so amazing.

[Erin]

I'm like, somebody asked me. I was so excited.

[Kristen]

And before that, I had so many, like, amazing ideas to, like, do men's stuff. Because I was really only designing for myself.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

And so once I made something for Debo, I was like, oh, there's so many, like, great stuff I could do for men.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

So that's why I was, like, so excited for your piece.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Dave]

And then it just so happened, like, randomly. Right. That you had made other tailors.

[Kristen]

Yep.

[Dave]

The same weekend.

[Kristen]

It was the same weekend I DM'd you. And I was like, would I don't. I think it was, like, a really quick turnaround. Yours was a super quick turnaround.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Brittany]

We can get into the FedEx story.

[Erin]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

But I feel like it was like a week and a half, two weeks. Max. Max.

[Brittany]

Max.

[Kristen]

I killed myself that week. I'll never forget. So I remember being like, Taylor's whole thing was a complete question mark. Like, there wasn't like a. I had no idea. No guarantee.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

But I was like, I'm gonna let him know just in case, because it will be, like, back to back.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

And like, literally.

[Dave]

Literally the same weekend.

[Kristen]

The same weekend. Playoffs and. But I also had absolutely no idea. But I remember just, like. Like, staying up till 5, 6 o' clock in the morning, because I'm like, if I.

[Erin]

Back to back, like, this could just be so amazing. And it really was truly the best.

[Kristen]

Weekend of my life. And, like, Taylor, I owe you everything. Like, I'm not even kidding. No, really, from the bottom of my heart. Like, it was. That weekend changed my whole life. Like, it really did. It changed everything. And I'm so happy that we were so happy. I'm so happy that you loved it. But also the whole story of how you got it.

[Erin]

Like, yeah, Jess was. That's so crazy.

[Dave]

Can we try and tell this story?

[Kristen]

Because we.

[Brittany]

So we weren't home, and we were. I think we were in Nashville and we were flying to Detroit or something like that. It was like, we weren't.

[Kristen]

There was a snowstorm.

[Brittany]

We weren't home, and we were flying. I think we were in Nashville and we were flying to Detroit for the game. And it was last minute. You were working on the jacket.

[Kristen]

And also it was like, I'm like, where am I going to find Hutchinson jerseys in San Jose?

[Friend 1]

Right.

[Erin]

Like, I was panicking, like, trying to find.

[Dave]

I found those online.

[Kristen]

I'm sure I somehow got an overnight because, like, you can't really. Overnight jerseys. Uhhuh. It's like, the shipping's usually, like, takes a while.

[Friend 1]

Okay.

[Kristen]

But I don't remember how I even got.

[Sponsor Voice]

You somehow got that.

[Brittany]

And then we, like, the address was up in the air. We didn't know where we were going to send it.

[Kristen]

Oh yeah, your hotel.

[Brittany]

We were like, okay, you'll send it to our hotel in Detroit. And then there was a snowstorm that hit, but we had just missed it. Cuz we had flown in the day before. But then that delayed the package, got the package stuck.

[Erin]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

So I remember being so upset because guys, I killed myself to get bold. Because it was. It wasn't just yours, it was Taylor's and Brittany's. So I was doing three jackets in one week. And that is just like crazy. So much work. I have videos of me at like 4 o' clock in the morning. Like, I was just like really wanting to get it done. And so then I'm like, oh my gosh. Like, I. I got the timeline. Like, I did it in time, I finished it.

[Erin]

And now this is gonna be the.

[Kristen]

Reason why it doesn't get to him. And it's playoff football. Like they could have lost and you know, and then there was nothing there anymore. So like, so anyway, so it gets stuck. And I remember being like, I will.

[Erin]

Not let this be the reason why. I will fly to Detroit, open up every single FedEx office to get him this jacket.

[Dave]

This time period is when I learn how much of a hustler you are. And that no force, she'll ever stop you. And I was just like telling her the whole time, I'm like, I've never seen anybody like this.

[Brittany]

No. I think Taylor looked at me, he's like, you're going to be getting a call from the like, CEO of. And I was like, sorry, what it.

[Dave]

So somehow you got FedEx involved?

[Erin]

Yeah. Shout out, FedEx. Shout out, FedEx.

[Kristen]

It was actually like the whole thing was a legit super bowl commercial, was it not? Like, it was insane.

[Brittany]

I still think FedEx. If you please watch this. We need to recreate. I think this would have been literally FedEx needs to do a Super bowl commercial.

[Kristen]

It was a scene.

[Brittany]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

I think it was a drop ball. That was like such a great.

[Dave]

And the ending could not have been more perfect.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Dave]

Because.

[Friend 2]

Wait.

[Kristen]

Okay, so we'll get there. We'll get there. Okay. So we can't find the package. I'm like calling everybody and you put on your story.

[Brittany]

You're like, does anyone have a contact at FedEx?

[Kristen]

Well, first, being from Long island, it's just a, like, you know, a guy who knows a guy mentality.

[Erin]

Like, that's just like the type of.

[Kristen]

Like Long Islanders there are. So like, I had a friend who knew a friend. Who knew a friend. Somebody high up at FedEx. And so they gave me their number, and they were, like, all over it. But it's a. You guys, It's a gentleman, ginormous company.

[Erin]

Like, there's so many people.

[Kristen]

So then I put on my story out, because that wasn't working. And I remember being on the phone with him for a while, and I was like, this isn't happening.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

And I put on my story. I was like, last shot. Like, might as well just see who out there can help me. And I just really. Does anybody know anyone at FedEx? I made something for somebody because I didn't want to say, like, what? And I was like, they're supposed to wear it tomorrow. And it stuck. And I worked so hard on this.

[Erin]

Like, please, somebody help me.

[Kristen]

And actually, it was one of my friends. It wasn't like it was one of my friends that I just wasn't, like, talking to her about it. She's like, hey, I actually know the owner of FedEx's son. And I'm like, what?

[Erin]

Give me his number immediately. Yeah.

[Brittany]

Like, oh, my gosh.

[Kristen]

Thank you.

[Erin]

Yeah. So they connected me with somebody with.

[Kristen]

I think, their son. I was on the phone with him, and. And it wasn't even. Like. I don't even think I told you guys this whole story. It was even crazier than that. So then we found it. They opened up a facility. It was like. The facility was closed because of the FedEx. Because of the storm. They opened it up for us, and they found the package. Hunted down the package. Hunted down the package of, like, I'm sure, millions of packages, Right? Hunted it down, puts it on a truck. That truck breaks down.

[Friend 1]

Yes.

[Dave]

You remember that broke down about an hour and a half outside of Detroit.

[Erin]

Detroit, yes.

[Dave]

And I was like, you got it. Within that, through everything, I was like, the truck breaks down.

[Erin]

I will succeed.

[Friend 1]

Yes.

[Erin]

And then I.

[Kristen]

That was when I was like, I'll get on a plane, like. And then. So I was like, give me. Drop a pin. Like, give me the driver's pin. Drop the pin. I will get an Uber carrier to go to the pin. And blah, blah, blah.

[Erin]

And it was just, like, insane.

[Kristen]

They had somebody come and fix the truck eventually. And then the truck ends up coming, and by this time, like, they're already in the stadium. The game has almost started. But you guys were in the stadium.

[Friend 1]

Yep.

[Dave]

Cause I was like, I. The whole day, I was like, it's happening. She's figuring it out. She's gonna. She's figuring it out. But then it was time to go to the stadium, and the jacket still wasn't there. And then the truck broke down, and I was like, okay.

[Erin]

And this is not.

[Kristen]

This is just me back and forth the house.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Erin]

Like, just going crazy. And luckily, Kyle was on bye week that. So he, like, experienced that whole thing.

[Dave]

To be a part of that.

[Friend 1]

Wow.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

Long story short, the truck starts working. They're on their way. The guy calls me, and I was like, they're like, okay, they're gonna. They're gonna go to the hotel. And I was like. I kind of, like, gave up at that point. I was like, they're already at the game. Like, there's nothing we could do. I was like, I'm just gonna put this out there. Like, I don't know if this is even possible, but if they have an extra ticket, can they send a ticket to maybe the delivery guy and then the delivery guy can hand deliver the package to them? I never in a million years thought that was even gonna work. And I actually don't even remember, like, I did. How did they get in the stadium?

[Brittany]

So the Lions, like, marketing girls, are literally the best. And they.

[Dave]

They knew we filled them in with the whole situation.

[Brittany]

They knew what was going on.

[Dave]

What was going on. We're standing on the sideline pre game, but game's about ready to start in 10 minutes.

[Kristen]

10 minutes. Y. Have.

[Brittany]

I have the number of the driver. I give it to one of them. I'm like, hey, he's going to go outside. Can like, oh, can you just get it? Can one of you go out there and meet him? And so they give one of, like, their, like, staff people the number, and then he disappears. And we're just, like, you know, standing there, like, waiting.

[Erin]

All of a sudden, what if you get in? You're like, this is ugly.

[Dave]

That would have been unfortunate because when I was opening up the package on the sideline, it was such a spectacle.

[Erin]

Oh, wow.

[Brittany]

Cut to. The guy comes back. We literally are handed this FedEx bo the field five minutes before game time. Taylor, like, rips it up. And mind you, it's taped very well. Taylor is ripping this thing open. I think I have a video of it, of you opening it up, and you pull it out and you put it on. And it was literally like the stars aligned. Like, that's what I imagine winning the Super Bowl. It was literally that part.

[Dave]

Everybody on the sideline and in the stands behind us were invested in this.

[Erin]

Yeah.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Dave]

And this package gets hand delivered to me. On the sideline, I remember getting a.

[Erin]

Voice note from, like, are you in the CIA?

[Brittany]

Taylor was like, how did she get.

[Kristen]

How did this happen?

[Brittany]

It was just the most absurd. Like, I feel like that's why I have, like, I'm like, delusionally, like, optimistic because of scenarios like that just happened. And I'm like, it was the most insane thing.

[Kristen]

But the judge, I think, like, moral of the story is you have to ask for help. Like, all, like, all the time.

[Brittany]

You take away one thing from this episode. Lemon drops.

[Kristen]

Ask for help. Ask for help. You can't do everything on your own. You can't. And, like, like one person. And I truly try to help people too, because I've gotten so much help to be able to succeed in so many things. So it's like, you have to ask for help, you have to give help. And it was you guys that was like the best. I've never, I think I immediately, the second you got it, went to sleep, I was like.

[Erin]

And crash.

[Brittany]

Yeah, I'm sure we, we were having the best time.

[Kristen]

And you guys won.

[Brittany]

And we did win. And we did win.

[Dave]

Lucky Jack Jacket.

[Kristen]

I got it right here, by the way. Oh.

[Brittany]

Oh, yeah, there she is. And we had Aiden sign it.

[Dave]

And after the game, I had Aiden sign it.

[Kristen]

Honestly, that thing is beautiful. I have to make, I have to, like, bring that to market.

[Dave]

Yeah, no, I, I, I love.

[Kristen]

Yeah, like, what if you hated it?

[Dave]

That would have been really unfortunate.

[Kristen]

I sent you pictures, though.

[Dave]

Yeah, no, I saw what it.

[Erin]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Dave]

I knew it was gonna be cool.

[Brittany]

No, it's so.

[Kristen]

Oh, my God.

[Brittany]

So we will, like, fight over it to this Dave, who we. We bring it to almost every game we go to Jacket and it's just like, it's always like, our, like, we'll get like a new shirt and we're like, that's always just.

[Dave]

It hasn't lost yet.

[Friend 2]

No.

[Brittany]

Oh, there you go.

[Dave]

I didn't bring it to the commander's room, did I?

[Brittany]

No, I don't think, I don't think we will.

[Kristen]

Well, there you go.

[Brittany]

And that's why I have to get.

[Kristen]

You an Aiden puffer vest that I think it got delivered. We did. Aiden puffer vest. Really? Oh, wow. Downstairs.

[Sponsor Voice]

Yeah, they got delivered right as we sat up here.

[Kristen]

Really?

[Brittany]

As you were looking for the jacket.

[Friend 1]

Oh, my.

[Brittany]

Oh, I'm so excited. No, but I was going to. We were having the best time, like, seeing all of the news articles of.

[Kristen]

Like, dude, it was crazy.

[Brittany]

Obviously.

[Kristen]

It was insane.

[Brittany]

Taylor, my Taylor was involved in some of them, but obviously, like, Taylor wearing Travis's puffer. And, like, we just, like, had. We're having the best late. We laid in our hotel. We always, like, stay another day.

[Erin]

Yeah.

[Brittany]

We were just laying in our hotel room. We were watching your followers go up. We were just, like, watching all of the interactions and all the posts, all of the articles. Like, we were just, like, it was your. We were cheerleading.

[Dave]

And I just could not be more happy for you. That whole day, I felt like I was celebrating with you.

[Erin]

Thank you.

[Dave]

Just because I just saw how hard you work.

[Erin]

Thank you.

[Dave]

And then seeing Kyle's support of you, which was just the freaking cutest thing ever.

[Erin]

It's.

[Dave]

I could not have been more happy for you, though.

[Erin]

Thank you, guys.

[Kristen]

Well, you're so part of that story. Like, truly. It was just, like, the perfect, perfect storm. But it was just so crazy. But it was. That was one of the weekends that, like, I'll never forget my entire life. Yeah, I'm sure it was the best.

[Dave]

And then I remember that weekend, I was, like, checking in with you because you. I think then you were like, what's next? How can I turn this into.

[Friend 2]

Yeah, yeah.

[Dave]

Something? And then cut to.

[Kristen]

Yeah, cut to offseason.

[Friend 1]

Cut to offseason.

[Kristen]

So the NFL always knew, like I said, that I was really trying to do something, and they honestly were always supportive and, like, trying to help me find collaborators. But then, of course, like, I think once that big moment happened and there was such an amazing response from people being like, I want that.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

They were like, okay, we can gift her licensing. But at that time, they gave me licensing for only a few months because they wanted me to just, like, have some time to figure out what I want to do. Like, they didn't want. And it was honestly so gracious because I didn't want to, like, sign a long contract. I was so overwhelmed. Not only was, like, so much happening at that time, my husband was playing.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

And, like, I want to be a good wife and support him in that. And this is like. And they went to the super bowl that year, so it was like, I need to, like, honor that and make sure he feels supported. But so at that time, I was like, okay, I'm not going to be able to make anything or sell anything for the Super Bowl. It's like a weak turnaround. So I was like, let me auction something off for breast cancer awareness.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

And so I made a puffer vest. I made a few, actually. Like, I, I, I made 10 of them, actually.

[Dave]

The super bowl ones.

[Kristen]

The super bowl ones. And I just, like, place them throughout. And then I was like, let me auction one off, and I'll donate it to charity. And my goal was $5,000. I was like, it would be so insane if somebody buys this for $5,000 and it went for $75,000.

[Dave]

$75,000.

[Kristen]

Is that not insane?

[Friend 1]

Wow.

[Kristen]

Truly nuts.

[Brittany]

On the note of breast cancer.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Brittany]

Talk about your mom.

[Kristen]

Yeah, of course.

[Brittany]

For our lemon drops. Those are our listeners.

[Kristen]

I love that you call them that, by the way.

[Brittany]

You have such a love for advocacy for breast cancer because you lost your mom to breast cancer when you were 18.

[Kristen]

When I was 18.

[Friend 2]

Okay. How.

[Brittany]

How long did she battle cancer for?

[Kristen]

Truly, my whole life. Like, it was something that she was in and out of remission forever. There were, like, gaps or, like, years that she was really healthy, and then years that she was, like, back under chemo. So it was never, for me, something that. It was my norm. Yeah, mom was sick. That was just, like, my norm always. Or, you know, mom has a wig or, like, that was, to me, something that I grew up with.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

So I think. I think what I struggle with the most now is that, like, I never really realized how serious it was when she was, like, actually really bad, because I just like, oh, she bounces back. That's what she does. She gets sick, she bounces back. So I think that's hard for any kid, too, because you don't really understand the severity of something when you're that age and you have so much happening with, like, I was, you know, applying to colleges and just, like, very teenager engulfed, like, very selfish engulfed in my own life, you know? But, yeah, that was, like, she really was in and out and of remission and there and treatment really my whole life, to be honest.

[Brittany]

Was it always breast cancer or did it move?

[Kristen]

It was always breast cancer until the end, and then that's when, like, it spread everywhere. But, yeah, she. My mom was, like, the most, like, smiliest happy, warm energy, like, anybody who she ever met. I swear, it just says, like, she was an angel, because she really was. And she never let anybody feel her pain. And it was almost like a blessing and a curse because we never knew how much she really was, like, going through. She never wanted us, her kids, to ever worry about her or feel sad for her. Like, she. She would, like, if I needed. I don't know. And if I needed to go somewhere and I couldn't drive because I didn't have a license, she would, like, drive me somewhere and then like go throw up in the bathroom and not tell me. Like, she would never want anyone to know. It was like a blessing and a curse though.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

But she was just so strong and like such a light.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

And I really try. I mean, I try to carry that as much as I can. I like. Of course, losing a mom is so hard, especially at that age, because a parent's like so important when you're really young.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

But I feel like a parent's like you may be even just as more important when you're like in your early. When you're in your. Yeah. Not even an adult. Like I was like, I was. Yeah, I just turned 18, so I was really like 17. It's like so important to have that figure there to like, really guide you. Cuz you're lost, you know?

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

Yeah. She was the best. Yeah.

[Friend 2]

Do you feel like.

[Brittany]

Because like, do you think you had like. Or did you have a little bit of like, warning that it was maybe.

[Kristen]

No, that's something that I have resentment towards a little bit. And like, I try to remind. I've been in therapy for it and like, try to remind myself that there was so much happening at that time and like, there's. People are going through so much. My dad was going through so much, like potentially at that time, like, losing his partner. And like, I think because we were older. I was the youngest, by the way. Like, my siblings are five years older than me. So I feel like it was very much like they were adults, but they never told us that like the doctor gave her two weeks. Weeks, which I have like, resentment towards a little bit. But I just try to remind myself that I wouldn't have changed anything. You know what I mean? And like, we had such an amazing. We had an amazing relationship. We were mother, daughter, like, of course, you know, you fight. But we had an amazing relationship. And I love her and I carry it. I'll always like, carry her memory.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

And I have to let go of that guilt or else I'll live with it forever. There's nothing. Because I was actually. This is like a sad story, but I was actually gone the week, the weekend my mom passed. Really? Because they like, let me. It was strange. They like let me go away. It was strange, but I think everyone was just. There was so much happening and everyone was really like, in their head and it was chaos, but also a little bit of like, delusion because she always pounced back and we just always thought she'd bounce back.

[Brittany]

We talk about grief a lot on the Podcast. Because I feel like that's just, like, such a universal thing.

[Kristen]

Totally.

[Brittany]

How do you feel like your grief was and has, like, kind of changed.

[Kristen]

It changes a lot, all the time. I think I'll go through periods of feeling. Okay. I feel like I was kind of. I hate to use the word blessed, because it's not blessed in any way of that. But, like, I was at an age where there was so much change that I. So she passed in March, my senior year of high school. And then I had to. Like, I was applying to colleges. And then when I went to college right after, like, it forced me to get out of my environment, which I think, looking back at was, like, the best thing ever. Like, if I would have stayed home for college, I feel like I'd be a different person because, like, being in the house was sad. You know, like, passing her room was sad. Like, it was just a house full of sadness after.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

And I really do feel like, like a mother. My mother, like, brought warmth into the house, like, and when she left, it was just felt cold. You know what I mean? But so I had a lot of distractions with college and being away. And, like, that helped me a lot. And I think as I got older is when I finally dealt with my grief, because I never dealt with it. I distracted myself with it, if that makes sense. Like, just with school and being in a new environment. And I think. I think with grief, what's hard is that it's a constant reminder. But I think it's also just a constant reminder of your love, which is what I try to channel it. I'm blessed that I had a mother that I had, because not everyone gets an amazing mom. I really had the most loving mother, and I hope to be that kind of mom that she was. So I just try to remind myself that it was like, grief is really just an I miss you and I love you. And that's what I try to remind myself about. But. But what's so, like, funny about grief is it will hit you literally so randomly. For me, it, like, always hits me when I'm driving for some reason. Like, I always get, like, sad when I drive. I don't know why. Like, music kind of triggers me sometimes. Not in a bad way, just in general. Like, it provokes emotion.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

And then big life events are always, like, kind of sad.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

And that's hard. Like. Like your wedding day, that's supposed to be, like, the happiest day. There's always, like, that hint of sadness or, like. Like the day I Launched offseason. I remember just being like, I hysterical cried that day because it's just like, wish, you know, it's like your biggest moments are always kind of like you're a little bit of your saddest.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

Which you're like. It's kind of depressing to say it like that, but it's just true. You wish they were there. But. Yeah, it's life. Everybody, unfortunately, will have to deal with grief at some point in their life.

[Friend 2]

Like, that's.

[Kristen]

We're human. And I've accepted it. I really have. I've accepted it. I think it's been a long time now. And time does heal your heart. It will never make you forget. And I still, like, have moments that I'm very sad, but. And I still get, like, choked up. Like, I'm actually doing a really good job talking about it right now. But yeah, it's. It was really. It. It really did change me, though, I think dealing with that at such a young age. But also, like, being able to still know who she was. Like, I wasn't a kid. Do you know what I mean?

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

I feel like it made me. I'm not easy. I'm not. I'm not that sensitive. Like, it takes a lot to get me upset.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

And I feel like, in a. In a good way, actually. Like, I am emotional, but, like, it takes me a lot to get upset because I just. I'm always like, we're healthy. Like, guys, we're healthy. Even with stuff. With, like, off season, if something goes really wrong. Right. And I'm like, guys, it's close. Like, we're healthy.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

You know, like, of course it's. You know, I just think that's your health is your wealth. And so it puts it into perspective so much for me. So I feel like it's really. It's really taught me to just really look at things from a bigger picture.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

And also, like, the one. My loved ones like to really grasp onto them and have a lot of, like, dedicated time with the people that I love.

[Erin]

Love.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

Because at that time, like, my. My biggest guilt, I would say, is that, like, just being a teenager and not wanting to hang out with your parents. You know what I mean? Again, like, I wanted to be with my friends.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

And so that some. That lingers in me. And so now I like, always want to dedicate time to my dad and to my. Like, I'm so fortunate to still have my grandpa here at 92. And so, like, I just want to always dedicate time you know?

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Brittany]

That's special.

[Dave]

I love that also. I. I'm sure that you know this, but the way that you describe your mom and, like, the warmth and light that she brought, like, you absolutely do that same thing.

[Kristen]

That's so sweet. Thank you.

[Dave]

When you were describing her, I was like, so you're describing yourself right now.

[Kristen]

Thank you.

[Dave]

So true.

[Kristen]

Thank you. That's really sweet. I think, like, my one thing I struggle with is, like, self reflection. I think a lot of people probably do because you never know how other people perceive you, you know?

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

But, yeah, that's really sweet. Thank you.

[Friend 1]

Of course.

[Brittany]

Obviously, we've been talking about off season this whole time.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Brittany]

There's some new, exciting, like, launches, collab stuff.

[Kristen]

Can you.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Dave]

What's like, the latest. What's the latest drop of what's to come?

[Kristen]

Okay. We just dropped Puffers yesterday.

[Dave]

Okay.

[Kristen]

And we expanded to 13 teams.

[Dave]

You were first at five.

[Kristen]

We were first at five. Yep. And Lions are part of it. And we were first at five. And it's so funny. Cause people get really upset when we don't have their team. And I'm like, it has nothing to do with me not liking the team.

[Erin]

Like, people are like, she hates us. No. It's just a lot of inventory to carry all those teams.

[Kristen]

But so, yeah, we launched 13 teams yesterday of, like, puffer vests and puffer jackets. And then we have a player, like, one. One or two. Like, every team kind of varies for each team.

[Friend 1]

Okay.

[Kristen]

A puffer vest. And I'm so excited because it's like, that's how the whole thing really started. So to be able to, like, expand that and to offer it to more teams. I mean, the goal is, of course, to get to all 32 teams.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

But we have to, like, walk before we run. Yeah. Right. You gotta go somewhere. We had a lot. Like, Reese. There's been a lot of boom, boom, boom, boom, boom. Things got, like, delayed for a while, so now it's like, there's a lot back to back back. I'm sure it's probably, like, overwhelming for people to consume.

[Erin]

Like, wait, what?

[Kristen]

Yeah, but we just launched wnba. Oh, yes. Yes. Which was so fun. We go or. No. Just like, we call it ready to wear. So it's like tops and tees and shorts and pants. Maybe puffers one day. But it's like an arena sport, so I don't know if we really will. Actually. That's not true. I guess we'll take. I take that back. We. We probably will. But yeah, it Was so fun to collaborate with them. We've gone to a lot of Valkyries games, which is the new Bay Area WNBA team.

[Friend 1]

Okay.

[Kristen]

And this is their first year like ever having a team in the Bay, and they're actually in the playoffs right now, which is like, really cool and like history. But the games are electric, you guys. They're electric.

[Dave]

We've been told.

[Kristen]

What'd you say?

[Brittany]

We've been dying again.

[Kristen]

You have to. There's so much fun. I swear it's like, I mean, every. The whole thing, it's like a dance party. The. The players, like, it's just so fun to hear how like the roars of the crowd and for them to get the recognition that they deserve.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

And it's just. It's amazing. It's like so fun.

[Dave]

I know you're not gonna like, tell me anything, but like, is. Could you like, tease or do you know.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Brittany]

Like, like what's like a dream thing for you to do with offseason with.

[Kristen]

Off season or a tease. But if my dream for off season would be to. I mean, listen, there's so many leagues out there, like outside of like the main leagues. And like, there's so many sports in the world. So I mean, like, I would love to be like the go to spot for sports fashion for anything you can think of. And then I would also love to have like an off season line that isn't sports. Sports. Like not license.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

Like just. Just actually off season.

[Friend 1]

Yes.

[Kristen]

So I would say that's like my ultimate dream with it. But like, I mean, I'm. We. I just went to a game. Well, because when we launched this, the 49ers were out of the playoffs, so I hadn't been to any stadium. And then I was so excited week one because I was like, I just hope I bump into somebody wearing it.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

And I did. And it was just the ultimate. Like, that was always the dream from the beginning. But I still do the one offs. If you ever want you guys, I'll make you. I'm next. You are next.

[Brittany]

I'm next.

[Erin]

You are next.

[Kristen]

You're due.

[Dave]

I'm ready.

[Brittany]

Luckily we like basically wear the same size and a lot of stuff, so.

[Dave]

Yeah, we share a lot of things.

[Kristen]

Yeah. See? Perfect.

[Brittany]

So I'm next.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Dave]

You already admitted that. You steal this jacket from me all the time. I need a new jacket.

[Erin]

Perfect.

[Kristen]

We'll have to get you the we just dropped it like Cami shrugged mug. And it's so cute. I feel like I. I hope that it's here for you. It will look really good.

[Erin]

It is. It's Christmas morning.

[Brittany]

Last question. I just want to know. Yeah, I just feel like we've. I mean, we obviously knew a lot about you because we're friends with you, but just, like, getting to hear again how hard of a worker you are and just. Just how you live your life and what you've been through. I want to know what you're most proud of yourself for.

[Kristen]

Oh, I love that question. I would say, like, who I chose as a partner. I feel like that is the biggest decision in life. I mean, you guys know. You guys are so, by the way, like, so compatible. Seriously, you both have a, like, incredibly calming energy to both of you. No, truly, you guys are, like, really grounding. You really are, but you're so right.

[Dave]

It's the most important decision.

[Kristen]

It's the most important decision, like, outside of anything. Like, Kyle has. Has grounded me. He's very grounding. You guys haven't really spent too much time with him just yet.

[Friend 1]

No.

[Kristen]

You love him.

[Dave]

Literally only in the bus on the way home from that game. I. I wanted. After the Chiefs game.

[Erin]

Oh.

[Kristen]

Oh, yeah.

[Friend 2]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

And then we.

[Friend 1]

That was it.

[Brittany]

And Taylor was like, I don't want to talk to him. Like, they just, like, I don't want to.

[Dave]

Oh, yeah. I felt so bad. They just lost, and I didn't know how he takes those.

[Kristen]

Yeah. He's actually normally, like, he's a happy person.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Dave]

But he seems, like, the best.

[Kristen]

Yeah. Well, have to do dinner.

[Friend 1]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

But, yeah, I would say I'm most proud of that because just, like, to be proud of your partner is everything. And I feel like I am just, like, I'm so proud of him. I love supporting him. He loves supporting me. And, like, you to pick somebody that you can grow. I'm a different person now than I was at 20 when we met, and we've been able to grow together. And I just think your family is everything, so I'm most proud of that.

[Brittany]

Oh, man. No one's ever said that answer before, and I'm obsessed with that answer.

[Friend 1]

I know. Know for sure.

[Kristen]

For sure.

[Brittany]

Well, we love you. Thanks, man.

[Kristen]

Love you guys.

[Erin]

This is so fun.

[Brittany]

I can't wait to go open my boxes downstairs.

[Erin]

I know.

[Dave]

Literally, let's get downstairs and maybe we.

[Brittany]

Can just, like, that's like. Maybe they can just make an exception where it's like, the Niners. Yeah, the Niners and the Lions can, like, play together.

[Dave]

I'd love to run that back with a different outcome.

[Erin]

Sorry.

[Kristen]

No. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products.

[Erin]

Or services referred to in this episode.