Together with PEC Zwolle Community Champions, Mudguard hosted a workshop where creativity, confidence and personal stories took center stage. What started as a quiet group turned into an open space for expression, growth and connection through fashion.
From conversation to connection
The collaboration started within Community Champions, where Christian and Patrick opened the doors for Mudguard. A group of seventeen to twenty year olds walked in curious and reserved, but ready to listen. Mudguard founder Kik shared his journey of building a brand from nothing, navigating wins and failures, and learning how to stand out in a crowded space.
The session covered marketing, finding your audience, staying driven and building something of your own at a young age. As the conversation progressed, the room opened up. Questions followed. Stories were shared. What started as a talk turned into a real exchange of ideas and experiences.
Creating with purpose
When the workshop moved into the design phase, the energy shifted. Not louder, but deeper. The focus was not on perfect drawings, but on meaning. Each participant started with a moodboard to capture a feeling. Music went on. Sketches followed. Ideas became personal. Memories, role models and defining moments found their way onto paper.
From there, the concepts moved into a digital first version. Every design reflected something real. The room felt calm and focused, with everyone fully locked into their own story and process.
A moment that stays
To close the session, each participant presented their work to the group. Confidence grew with every story shared. One design stood out. A butterfly with the words Trust the process across the chest. Simple, honest and powerful.The Mudguard design team selected it as the winning concept and brought it to life in Portugal, producing a real Mudguard t-shirt. Handing it back was a moment of pride. She wears it with confidence to this day.
This collaboration with PEC Zwolle showed exactly why Mudguard runs community projects. Real stories. Real growth. And a connection that goes beyond clothing.
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