Many people who grew up in a multicultural families have probably struggled to identify with the clothes they saw in stores and the models wearing them. It’s already hard trying to feel like we belong, let alone trying to find clothes that make us feel proud of where we came from. As parents, we don’t want our kids to have a similar experience.
Sonia Smith Kang left her rewarding nursing career to start her multicultural kids brand — she wanted her Black and brown children to see themselves across all industries. She’s trying to change the face of fashion behind the scenes as a designer but also in front of the camera with the diverse models that represent us. As a diversity, equity, and inclusion expert and public speaker, Sonia focuses on topics around multiracial identity and parenting multicultural children.
CafeMom spoke with Sonia to understand how she’s empowering her children to feel a sense of pride and cultural awareness through her company Mixed Up Clothing.
More from CafeMom: Dietitian & Mom of 2 Stephanie Middleberg on Minimizing the Mental Load of Meal Planning
Sonia had a rich multicultural upbringing.
Sonia’s journey to entrepreneurship began from a place of deep passion and a necessity to fill a significant gap she saw in the market. As an Afro Latina and proud military brat, born in Puerto Rico and later stationed on the Hawaiian island of O’ahu, Sonia’s upbringing afforded her the wonderful opportunity to grow up in a rich multicultural environment.
“A deep connection to my diverse heritage, my multicultural upbringing, and my dedication to educating and celebrating culture have all laid the foundation for what would eventually become my business,” Sonia tells CafeMom.
She's raising four multicultural children.
When Sonia married her Korean American husband and they started their family, she was intentional about how she wanted her kids to grow up, ensuring that they felt connected to their roots. They now have four multicultural children.
“I made it a point to culture-proof our home, bringing in multicultural products, books, and celebrating various cultural traditions,” Sonia shares with CafeMom.
Sonia explains that dressing her kids in traditional garments, like the Korean hanbok for their 100-day celebrations, was a practice that not only brought joy to her family but also instilled a sense of pride and cultural awareness.
“Seeing the pride and connection in their eyes when they wore these garments made me realize how powerful everyday cultural representation could be,” says Sonia.
The path to starting Mixed Up Clothing.
While Sonia was shopping for her children, she saw a significant lack of multicultural representation in children’s fashion and the marketing around it. Ads didn’t accurately represent the beautiful blend of cultures that Sonia experienced and wanted her children to experience daily.
This realization, combined with her desire to make a difference and empower children to embrace their heritage in a fun and everyday way, inspired Sonia to pause a fulfilling career as a critical care registered nurse, empty out her 401k, and start Mixed Up Clothing. Mixed Up Clothing is a children’s apparel brand designed through a multicultural lens on a mission to offer stylish, culturally inclusive clothing that allows children to celebrate their heritage every day, not just on special occasions.
“We are proud to be featured in major retailers like Target and Macy’s. Landing [in those stores] have been significant milestones for us. It means that large retailers see the importance of partnering with brands like ours to create an environment where diverse stories and cultures can succeed. The recognition and support helped pave the way for more inclusivity in the fashion industry, demonstrating their commitment to diversity and providing a platform for us to reach a broader audience,” Sonia tells CafeMom.
How Sonia focuses on what truly matters at work and home.
When asked about how she balances motherhood and her career, Sonia shared that she found this question challenging.
“[Asking about balancing career and motherhood] makes me want to push back as this question is often posed to women but rarely to men, reflecting a societal expectation that can be detrimental to us working moms. We should normalize the idea that parenting responsibilities are equally shared, and both parents deserve support and recognition for balancing these roles,” Sonia shares with CafeMom.
Setting Clear Boundaries
Sonia shared that one strategy that is particularly effective for managing her work and home life is setting clear boundaries and creating a flexible schedule.
“I lean into my decade of working as a registered nurse, so I am used to prioritizing my tasks and focusing on what truly matters both at work and at home. By creating a routine that works for my family, I can allocate dedicated time for both professional and personal responsibilities,” Sonia tells CafeMom.
Involving Her Children in Her Work
Sonia tries to involve her children in her work whenever possible. She explains that this not only helps her manage her time but also teaches them the value of hard work and passion.
For example, they help with simple tasks related to her business, which makes them feel included and appreciated. This approach also fosters a sense of teamwork and understanding within her family.
Using Time-Blocking Tools
Sonia shared that tools like time-blocking, family calendars, and family group messages have been lifesavers in keeping everything organized.
“Time-blocking allows me to dedicate specific hours to work tasks and family activities, ensuring that neither is neglected. Family calendars and group messages help us coordinate everyone’s schedules, making it easier to communicate, plan and balance our commitments,” says Sonia.
Asking for Help
Sonia explains that learning to lean in and ask for help has been a game-changer. Surrounding herself with a team of supporters, including family members and friends, has been invaluable. Getting to know her kids’ school, teammates, and parents, participating in parenting carpools, and joining meal prep groups have all contributed to creating Sonia’s supportive community.
“Asking for help and accepting offers of help is not always comfortable but is necessary as I work on not being a supermom and doing it all alone. This network of support has allowed me to manage my responsibilities more effectively and maintain a healthier work-life balance,” Sonia tells CafeMom.
On facing her biggest challenge: The guilt of not being present.
One of the biggest challenges Sonia faces is dealing with the guilt of not always being present, either at home or at work. She explains that overcoming this has required a shift in mindset.
“I remind myself that it’s OK to seek help and that perfection is not the goal. Embracing flexibility and being kind to myself has been crucial,” says Sonia.
She shares that splitting attention between professional and personal responsibilities is a constant juggling act. At times, she takes business calls during her kids’ activities or meetings, which is a challenge. To manage this, she encourages open communication in everything she does. Letting her work and family world in on what she needs has helped manage expectations and encourage buy-in.
Sonia also leverages technology to stay connected. For example, she uses FaceTime to stay present with her kids when she’s physically away. This allows her to be involved in their lives and share important moments despite the distance.
“When I can’t be there in person, having a reliable support system to attend events on my behalf has been invaluable. Whether it’s a family member or a trusted friend, knowing that my children have someone there for them brings me peace of mind,” Sonia tells CafeMom.
Sonia explains that her nursing skills come in once again with delegating tasks. Both at home and in her business, she’s learned to rely on her trusted team and circle. Entrusting them with responsibilities allows her to focus on what she needs to do.
On having a good support system and prioritizing communication.
Sonia emphasizes that having a strong support system is essential for her. Her family, friends, and professional network have been her pillars of strength. To build this network, Sonia had to actively reach out and nurture relationships. Sonia shares that she’s an active part of entrepreneurial groups, affinity groups, community activism groups and parenting communities where she shares experiences and receives advice.
“Communication is crucial in my support system. I make it a point to communicate openly with my family and friends about my needs and challenges. This transparency helps them understand how they can best support me. I also show appreciation for their help, whether through words, small gestures, or simply being there for them in return,” Sonia tells CafeMom.
Sonia says her self-care routine helps her stay connected to her roots.
We asked Sonia to tell us about her self-care routine:
“Although I know the importance of self-care, I need to work on this. Prioritizing it by scheduling time for myself, just as I would for any other important appointment. My go-to activities include exploring Los Angeles enclaves, and attending cultural heritage events and community events to help me stay connected to my roots and remind me of the diverse beauty that surrounds us.
“Hiking at Griffith Park is one of my favorite ways to ground myself. As I look around at the breathtaking views, it serves as a powerful reminder of how beautiful life is and how precious our time is. This perspective helps me stay centered and appreciate the moment, which is crucial when juggling the demands of motherhood and entrepreneurship,” says Sonia.
Where she sees herself, her family, and business in the future.
We asked Sonia about what she wants to see for her business and family in the future. She shares that she hopes to see Mixed Up Clothing continue to grow and become a household name in multicultural fashion.
“One of my core aspirations is for children to see themselves represented across all industries, and children’s fashion is no different. Changing the face of fashion to be more inclusive and diverse is a primary goal,” Sonia says.
She wants to expand Mixed Up Clothing’s presence in more retailers and work on exciting collaborations with other brands. Mixed Up Clothing is one of only a couple of certified Black-owned and Latino-owned children’s apparel brands among legacy brands in these major retailers. Sonia explains that this certification not only highlights their commitment to diversity but also sets an example and offers support to up-and-coming BIPOC founders. She sees creating space to tell and celebrate BIPOC stories as essential.
“For my family, I hope to instill the values of resilience, empathy, and cultural pride in my children. I want them to grow up understanding the importance of embracing their heritage and the power of diversity. As my business and children grow, I envision evolving my work-life balance by continuously adapting to their needs and staying flexible. The goal is to create a legacy that reflects our journey and values, ensuring that Mixed Up Clothing continues to empower and inspire future generations,” Sonia tells CafeMom.
