Today we’d like to introduce you to Frosti Fresh.
Frosti, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My wife and I started Clark & Madison based on several designs she created, inspired by family heirlooms. Combining our classic designs with top quality, locally sourced materials and artisan craftspeople we quickly found opportunities creating unique collections for companies like Anthropologie, American Rag, and the Hammer Museum. We expanded our world and started designing and curating retail spaces both under our brand and in partnership with for retailers like Juice Served Here, Urban Outfitters, and West Elm. Currently we are working on several unique projects like the one of a kind pieces we created for the amazing story tellers at the Stay concept space by Spring St. Social Society at Platform in Culver City.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There are always issues when you’re creating something new. Everything you’re doing you’re doing for the first time. You’re just starting out and you want the opportunity to prove yourself but no one wants to take a chance on something unproven. People over charge you, or worse you over charge yourself paying too much for something you probably don’t need. But you also find the people that help you and the ones you can rely on. I think the biggest struggle is to just move on when one thing falls through that you really wanted or worked really hard on. You just have to be able to learn from your mistakes and move on to the next thing.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My wife and I stated the company together and built it ourselves so I call myself the Creative Director but we both wear a lot of different hats here. Mainly, I focus on building an image for the brand that tells the story of who it is. We really love each piece we create, from the first sketch to the last stitch we put a lot of love and care into each one. We try not to waste anything, we create everything as naturally and sustainably as possible and because our pieces are designed to last we want them to be timeless in their design. I think we have come to be known for a classic and elevated style of design which has made standout one of a kind pieces like The Marmara Weekender, a sand buck suede and vintage Turkish kilim rug bag handmade in Los Angeles for the Hammer Museum. I’m most proud when I see someone with one of our leather bags beaten by sun and the oil of their hands or one of our mahogany skateboards worn and beaten looking like it could have been made 5 years ago or 50. People always tell where they’ve been, where they took it. We create things that become a part of their stories.
What were you like growing up?
I was an only child, parents were both martial artists instructors. I was a quiet kid, good in school. I liked Star Wars a little too much. At 14, I started climbing buildings in my town as I discovered parkour. To my parents and whole town’s surprise I became the first sponsored American athlete for the sport. I toured the world performing for Madonna, in the Middle East for the US Embassy, to China for Survivor. I trained Navy Seals, Secret Service agents, cops, and firefighters in DC, then moved to LA to be with Dina and where I am one of the owners of Tempest Freerunning and Clark & Madison with her.
Contact Info:
- Website: ClarkandMadison.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @clarkandmadison
- Facebook: facebook.com/clarkandmadison
