Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathryn Cloward.
Hi Kathryn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in San Diego and attended San Diego State University. I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and a heart for helping others. Early in my career, I worked in commission-based sales because I loved the excitement of unlimited possibilities. Then, I took a leap by starting my first company and grew it into a major player in the food marketing industry. But after my son was born, I realized that corporate success felt like a treadmill I couldn’t get off, and I wanted more meaning in my life.
That led me to create Kathryn the Grape, bringing my childhood nickname to life as a character that helps children build self-awareness through social emotional learning and character development tools shared in books, songs, and live shows. In 2010, I founded my second company, Kandon Unlimited, a heart-centered media company that produces and publishes all of my intellectual property and also helps other creators bring their work to life. Alongside Kathryn the Grape, I write and perform Kathryn Cloward music, which has been deeply healing and transformational for me. Everything I do now connects back to my purpose of integrating storytelling, music, and creativity to inspire growth, connection, transformation, and hope.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road, and honestly, the bumps and detours have shaped me more than the milestones. I’ve wrestled with self-belief, with trusting people who didn’t have honorable intentions, and with learning to fully own my creative voice and intellectual property.
Motherhood has been one of my greatest teachers. Becoming a mom reshaped my priorities and reminded me that being present with my son matters more than any title or achievement. While launching my music career and rebuilding my children’s series, I also went through a period of deep personal loss. I tried to keep pushing through, but eventually, my battery ran out, and I had to stop and truly face it all. The challenge of being a woman who gets things done is that when you hit the bottom of your well, some people are quick to judge and unfortunately, some are even happy to see you fall. That was painful to discover, but also revealing.
In the end, I rose up stronger and softer, more grounded in purpose, more compassionate toward others, and more aligned with what truly matters. Every struggle has been a springboard toward creating meaningful, heart-centered work and that alignment has become a magnet for goodness in my life.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
After decades of adulting and now watching my son begin his own journey, I’m most proud of the woman I’ve become. My inner transformation has brought me lasting joy, which shows up in my creative work and the way I live. I’ve built a catalog of more than 30 published books and hundreds of songs, including impact songs for organizations that help youth thrive. One of my greatest honors was being personally asked by San Diego’s humble hero, Father Joe, to write his memoir. I spent two years meeting with him weekly, and published his book just months before he passed. I also wrote a children’s book and song about him, with proceeds from both the adult and children’s books benefiting children and families in need.
What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to staying true to myself, letting my inner compass guide me with integrity. That’s what being a “Lighthouse” means to me, which is also the title track of my most recent Kathryn Cloward album. I don’t create for applause; I create from alignment. After years of focusing on raising my son, I’m excited that Kathryn the Grape is now ready for meaningful expansion. I’m ending 2025 with performing 151 shows for San Diego children and families, spreading joy and helping people feel good. My work is the outer expression of my journey and my belief that goodness is magnetic when integrity leads the way.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
My websites and socials are:
KathryntheGrape.com | @kathrynthegrape
KathrynClowardMusic.com | @kathryncloward
FatherJoeHustlerPriest.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kathrynthegrape.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathrynthegrape/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathrynthegrape
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-cloward
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kathrynthegrape
- Other: https://kathrynclowardmusic.com/
Image Credits
Two photos of Kathryn solo (hat and field with guitar) by John Hancock Photography.
Kathryn performing at Belly Up by Stephanie Pillar
All other photos are personal photography.
