Life & Work with Karrington Ballenger

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karrington Ballenger.

Hi Karrington, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am from Leimert Park, CA, a small afrocentric pocket in South-central Los Angeles. All of my creativity, personality, and confidence can be accredited to this place! Growing up, my mom loveeeed to shop – from the Beverly Center to the Thrift Store, we made all stops. She has always had a unique way of mixing fabrics and prints, buying pieces that enunciate her figure, and wearing statement glasses that leave an unforgettable impression. As a teen, I didn’t understand her style, as an adult, I have completely adapted it. “Vintage Brat” is more than a business, it is a passion project inspired by my mom. When she was a kid, she earned the nickname “Brat,” and it was only right to add “Vintage” for a little razzle-dazzle. We first launched in 2017 with no plan… so imagine how that went! In 2020, we rebranded and followed a very strategic social strategy to increase our engagement and sales. I can confidently say that the best is yet to come for Vintage Brat!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not. I procrastinated for months before I relaunched the brand. It wasn’t until I was fired from my job and forced to pivot during a pandemic. I swallowed my pride, surrounded myself around loving and supporting individuals, and did the work. I did the work and I am still doing the work when I’m happy, sad, uninspired, confident, and even uncomfortable. I believe that consistency will yield me the opportunities I desire, so no matter what, I have to keep pushing.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an artist and I’m sensitive about my shit! At the core, I am a creative. I am inspired by everything, every emotion, and everybody I have the pleasure of connecting with. My day-to-day activities vary from styling a photoshoot to filming content and curating a dope creative strategy for one of my agency’s clients. I specialize in putting money in the pockets of creatives and business owners who are seeking a social strategy that turns likes into dollar signs and followers into retainer clients.

I am most proud of my evolution. The woman I am today is capable of running two flourishing businesses with professionalism AND personality. This is something I may have aspired to do a couple years ago, but I lacked the experience and confidence to do so. @ogvintagebrat and @ballengercreativeagency are my loves, and it’s honor to be able to dedicate my time and talents to my dreams that became a reality.

Beyond my businesses, I have great aspirations to be an actress. In five years, @ogvintagebrat and @ballengercreativeservices will have amazing, WELL PAID employees, and I will be starring in two movies and a sitcom. I’m saying this out loud because I believe it and manifestation is real! *catch ya on the big screen*

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Love! Love for myself, love for my family, platonic love, romantic love, and even career love. I try to approach all things in my life with love – it inspires me daily and keeps a Kool-aid grin on my face. My goal is to only place myself in environments where I feel comfortable enough to love freely. If I cannot do that, the space is too expensive.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.thriftwithvintagebrat.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ogvintagebrat/ + https://www.instagram.com/ballengercreativeagency/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/karrievintage