Leslie Kim based the climbing attire model Dynamite Starfish in 2015. Since then, she’s introduced a neighborhood of climbers collectively along with her artwork and given again to organizations in want.
Kim is an artist and entrepreneur who helped design the hilarious and well-known Taco Bell scorching sauce packets that assure us all chuckle. She has additionally partnered with organizations like Access Fund, Patagonia, and Friends of Joshua Tree to make commissioned art work.
When Kim began making her personal artwork about climbing, she had no intention of beginning a enterprise. Her preliminary motivation was to easily share her personal expertise as a climber and make “art about the nuances of climbing and the culture that surrounds it.”
It all began when some pals requested her to make shirts incorporating her art work. About a month later, she started printing shirts in her front room, asking native gyms if she may arrange as a vendor for the evening, and bam! — Dynamite Starfish was born.
Dynamite Starfish Climbing Apparel
What Does Dynamite Starfish Mean?
The model is known as after a climbing transfer labeled “dynamite starfish.”
The website defines the transfer as “tightly gripping handholds, simultaneously flagging out both legs, then proceeding to violently kick downwards and inwards in a desperate attempt to produce upward motion, making the climber resemble an explosive bottom feeder.”
Climbing isn’t essentially all the time a stoic dance between people and rock. In truth, more often than not, it’s a battle bus that options a lot of falling and flailing.
This kind 2 enjoyable comes with a neighborhood of people that share these experiences, and Kim makes certain that neighborhood is on the middle of her model.
Dynamite Starfish consists of all climbers within the dialog and emphasizes that being a climber doesn’t must look only one manner. “We seek to create spaces where individuals are free to be themselves,” states the model’s website.
The Community
Between Dynamite Starfish’s social media and weblog, Kim has constructed a following of about 10,000 folks. The cool half? Each week, she highlights a unique climber. The even cooler half? The folks she highlights vary from leisure climbers to execs.
Her purpose is to interrupt down the stereotypes of what being a climber actually means, and we will all agree along with her that there’s not one definition.
Anyone who has frolicked in a climbing health club or at their native crag can attest to the array of individuals they’ve met over time. Individuals from totally different backgrounds come collectively due to their love of sport and journey.
Nonetheless, climbing is exclusive. It is usually a person sport, but we climb with a crew who helps us. And when you’re connected to a rope, that help goes far past your accomplice yelling encouragement.
Kim’s outreach has encompassed simply how large the impression climbing has had on folks all around the world.
Dynamite Starfish Gives Back
“Climbing really has expanded my horizons and changed my life, and sharing my artwork is just my way of giving back,” Kim mentioned.
Before Kim started printing, she researched organizations which have finished conservation work in areas she has climbed. She understood that there was extra work to be finished than simply sharing her message of inclusivity and stoke with the climbing neighborhood.
Dynamite Starfish donates a proportion of its income to organizations in want, together with however not restricted to: The Navajo and Hopi Families’ COVID-19 Relief Fund, The Access Fund, Friends of the Inyo, Central Wyoming Climbers Association, American Safe Climbing Association, Planned Parenthood, and the American Himalayan Foundation.
Let’s Talk Products!
In the seven years since launching, Kim has constructed a profitable enterprise and gives an array of merchandise on her web site. From T-shirts to hoodies, stickers to greeting playing cards, and even espresso mugs, you will discover her Dynamite Starfish art work on all of them.
Many of the shirts are screen-printed in Los Angeles, Calif., by Kim herself, whereas any made-to-order objects are printed utilizing a community of printers. The better part is that each one of these things are chosen rigorously so as to have the least environmental impression.
Most of Dynamite Starfish shirts and tanks are throughout the $30 vary, whereas sweatshirts are a little bit pricier, sitting at $40-$50. Customers have the choice of shopping for particular person stickers or packs of three, 5, or the total assortment of 18.
If you aren’t into attire or decking out your water bottles with stickers however nonetheless love her artwork, mugs, greeting playing cards, and framed prints are additionally obtainable.
Whether comical, encouraging, or simply flat-out actually cool, there are numerous illustrations for boulderers, sport climbers, and trad lovers alike.
Great Brand. Great Message. Charitable Causes.
Dynamite Starfish may be a climbing-inspired attire model, however founder Leslie Kim’s impression on the neighborhood has been felt. Through her proficient efforts, she’s efficiently empowered a circle of people who share a love for climbing and the setting.
Her artwork speaks to the fun-loving and cheerful tradition round climbing that doesn’t get centered on almost sufficient, whereas the corporate itself provides again to causes that impression our communities.
Go try Dynamite Starfish for your self, or get to know Kim extra via her web site!
