Harsh Exterior: An outlet for grief transforms into a sustainable business

Cassidy Thompson, creator of Harsh Exterior, utilizes her self-care outlets and profits them into a sustainable, small business, all while finding herself within a supportive and uplifting community that is rave culture.

Cassidy Thompson, creator of Harsh Exterior

Harsh Exterior’s fashion consists of hand-made, one of one crochet pieces that Thompson says she pulls inspiration from her own mind. Most pieces displayed are tailored to the rave community with head scarfs, gloves, leg warmers and two-piece sets.

For Thompson, a harsh exterior is her natural aesthetic, consisting of more dark and grungy aspects but she also says a harsh exterior represents her own mind which stems from the grief of losing her mom.

Thompson’s mother was a typical Kandi kid, raving in the underground scene of San Bernardino during the 90’s. Due to her parents’ influence, Thompson grew up listening to house music and said she can pin-point nostalgic, childhood memories when she hears Kaskade and the track “I Remember.”

Thompson's mother in the 90's

After being handed down the generational love for dance music, Thompson said she became infatuated with attending raves because everyone can align with something. Whether that is dancing for mental health, producing music, selling merchandise or simply aligning with P.L.U.R, rave culture was born around acceptance.

“(Raving) really helped me through a dark time when my mom passed away,” Thompson said. “I really turned to raving to channel my mom and what she would want me to be feeling instead of grief and sadness.”

Thompson said she began raving to change her mindset and experience new situations and people. It became an enjoyable outlet for her to handle grief.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and people were subjected to their homes, Thompson picked back up a hobby that a friend from high school introduced her to in efforts to manage her anxiety, which was crocheting. Thompson then realized during the pandemic that she doesn't have to have a traditional nine to five job.

“I didn't want to stick to the system,” Thompson said. “I know we all have to work but with the political state of the world at the time, I knew I could have something that worked as an outlet and business opportunity, and for me that was crocheting.”

Thompson emphasized that each of Harsh Exterior’s pieces are never the same and all have a sense of diversity. She said the possibilities are endless and she loves coming up with new designs or stitch patterns.

“I'm so amazed with myself sometimes that my hands really created that and there is nothing left behind after I finish a ball,” Thompson said.

Not only is the choice to crochet your own clothes sustainable enough, crochet yarn takes it a step further with its little to no waste design. Unlike common fabrics, where yards of scrap fabric goes to waste, crochet yarn allows for trimming and tying of excess material.

Harsh exterior embodies slow fashion as Thompson takes one to three months to produce full sets. She said she works on her pieces in sections and takes her time to perfect measurements and ensure quality.

“Every single product I buy is used,” Thompson said. “And I use material from old commissions for new commissions.”

Harsh Exterior offers worldwide shipping and custom fitting with future plans to open a storefront to continue building a community and expand her business beyond e-commerce.

Thompson also said she would love to put together an art and fashion show displaying her pieces, as well as self-directed fashion shoots to market her brand more visually.

As a small business, Thompson said she has endured struggles regarding bigger rave-wear brands stealing her design to mass produce vie machines. However, Thompson said Harsh Exterior will always maintain passion over profit, with stitches sewn with love and a mission to encourage confidence through fashion.

Follow Harsh Exterior on Instagram.

Thompson is currently working on Harsh Exterior’s website where people may find ready to wear items for purchase, along with booking information.

Sarah Van Buskirk can be reached at bysarahvanbuskirk.com.