Conversations with Heathyr Lawrence

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heathyr Lawrence

Hi Heathyr, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I just had so much to express…and a strong belief in Girl Power! To make women feel like we have a voice with a bit of tongue & cheeky along the way.
I graduated FIDM in 1985—and in 1986. I was invited back for a third year, a prestigious honor only extended to a limited few, so I graduated twice.

I was excited to start designing.

I was born and raised in Orange County, CA. During the late 1980s, there was a new wave of interest in skate and surf, and street wear was just starting to become a thing. One company I felt most connected to was Vision Street Wear, and there I had my first job in 1987—as head designer. I also briefly designed for Maui & Sons.

During that time, I wanted start my own company. MANTRAP1989 was born in, well, 1989.
I designed and made samples. We kicked it off with a nightclub fashion show where my girls danced out to Sweet’s “Ball Room Blitz” wearing vintage dresses with my signature b*tch print. Soon they started to undress each other and underneath they were wearing lyrca mini dresses with the b*tch print, mud flap leggings and star booby halter tops. It was the best night! Maui & Sons found out and fired me over the phone the next day… and that’s how it all started. MANTRAP1989 grew a cult-like following through the 1990’s. I embraced my “Pussy Power” to the limits! To this day I still sell my ”Pussy Scented” and “Our Pussys Our Choice” T-shirts worldwide. The new generation of women have continued the energy, such as pop star Charli XCX.

I have also been designing footwear for DEMONIA, a punk-goth company, founded in the 90’s. I have been doing that for the last ten years, and I teaching fashion at Fullerton College, I love it!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Of course, there have been challenges over the last 35 years. I was a girl in a boys world in Orange County where I lived. It was mostly surf, skate & snow wear companies. Some of the other challenges I have had to face stem from the business side. If I had to start over I would have taken accounting & management classes in college. But I learned by going for it! I am grateful to have the next generations still by my side and supporting my work. ^..^

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have always designed in the alternative market. I think I am most known for my Our Pu$$y Our Choice T-shirt from my company MANTRAP1989. Presently for my shoe & boot designs I do for DEMONIA for the last 10 years.
I am most proud that I am designing still

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Consistency willingness to do the work & to keep an open mind. To never stop designing. If one door closes another always opens… just keep going from your heart space. Stay humble.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mantrap1989.com
• Instagram: mantrap1989
• Facebook: mantrap1989

Image Credits
Kevin Wilkes