MEET KERRY CLARKSON
Kerry and I met several years ago. A friend had introduced us for an Ayurvedic brand project that I was working on. I was in search of a writer. I remember being in awe of Kerry during our first phone call - her colored life experience living in different countries, going deep into creative mediums like cooking in India and shoe making in Peru. She weaves together a technical and intellectual approach with the most intuitive and deeply creative way of seeing things. Kerry is a writer, founder, designer, and chef and I have ceased to be amazed by her endless curiosity and unique way of life. From morning until night, Kerry is in constant creation mode. We’ve spent a lot of time together from hikes and hangs in Topanga Canyon to mini retreats at my place in Mexico City during Zona Maco. I’ve never met anyone who moves so effortlessly from one mode of creation to the next. She has a way of connecting everything that she does with a process that seems to operate at a steady and sustainable beat. I always appreciate people that walk the talk and Kerry brings her lively and creative spirit to all that she touches. Plus she’s endlessly fun to be around.
INDUSTRY
Fashion
OCCUPATION
Designer & Founder
STRONG SUIT
Creativity, innovation and a passion for better, more interconnected social systems
ONE THING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU
I’m a cultural chameleon
WAS THERE A DEFINING MOMENT WHEN YOU DECIDED TO START TAKA? WHY DID YOU START TAKA AND THEN TAKA TABLE?
Taka started as a response to excess. I had worked in fashion for years and felt disconnected from the industry’s cycle of overproduction and waste. I wanted to create something solid and necessary. Taka began with the idea of well-crafted essentials that didn’t add to the problems. Over time, I realized that my approach to food followed the same philosophy. Taka Table grew naturally from that—a way to explore materiality, process, and cultural exchange through food, using the same principles of craft, function, and sustainability that shaped Taka Studio.
WHAT IS YOUR VIEW ON DESIGN AND FOOD AND HOW HAS YOUR GLOBAL UPBRINGING INFLUENCED THIS VIEW?
Design and food are both about utility and experience. Growing up between Peru, London, and Los Angeles shaped this view; in Peru, food is deeply tied to history and nothing is wasted, while in London and LA, I saw how design and food intersect conceptually. This balance between tradition and reinvention informs my approach—whether in clothing or food, the focus is on refining things to their essence, making sure they function well, last, and add meaning to everyday life.
HOW HAS YOUR WORK EVOLVED SINCE ITS INCEPTION?
Taka has evolved by staying minimal and sticking to its core values. It started with an emphasis on craftsmanship and utility. Over time, I’ve applied the same principles to other categories, even the way I communicate with the community. The goal has always been the same: to create things that serve a purpose, reduce excess, and hold long-term value. As the line grows, I’m still keeping it to limited edition well-crafted pieces.
WHAT IS YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS LIKE? ARE THERE CERTAIN HABITS THAT WORK WELL FOR HARNESSING YOUR CREATIVITY?
My process is intuitive and material-driven, always starting with function and what’s necessary, what simplifies life. I think best through making & testing materials until something feels right. Slowness is key. I’ll let ideas sit, revisiting them over time. Creativity isn’t about forcing output; it’s about creating the right conditions for meaningful work to take shape.
HOW DO YOU NAVIGATE RUNNING A BUSONESS WHILE ALSO BEING THE CREATIVE/DESIGNER/CHEF?
I treat the business and creative sides as part of the same process—both require problem-solving, refinement, and a clear sense of purpose. I focus on what’s essential, cutting excess so I can stay hands-on with design and food while keeping the business streamlined. It’s a constant balance, but staying close to the work itself is what keeps everything feeling alive.
Instagram: @taka_studio & @taka_table_
Website: https://www.takastudio.co/ & https://taka-table.com/