Toddy Smith, the creative force behind Gothicmochas and Happyface, is a force to be reckoned with. We sat down to talk to the jack of all trades – and master of all of them – as he opens up about the inspiration behind his latest collection on Revolve, and his foray into the worlds of fashion and wellness. As he shares the details of his musical journey inspired by Twenty-One Pilots and hints at upcoming projects, Toddy’s multidimensional artistic pursuits unfold, offering a glimpse into a mind driven by passion and purpose.

Congratulations on the launch of Gothicmochas on Revolve! Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the collection and some of your favorite pieces?

Thank you! We were beyond pumped to be on Revolve and as far as designs go, we had these ideas for a while, and wanted to switch things up and add some color! We wanted to make something memorable and fun, but cool at the same time.

You’re involved in both fashion with Gothicmochas and wellness with Happy Face. How do you balance these diverse ventures, and what motivated you to enter the CBD and apparel market under the Happy Face brand?

It’s easy to balance them when you’re delusional enough to see them as similar. I guess what I mean is that they were built from the same mindset. I want to create companies that have a soul and not just a logo. Like Nike. It’s less about the shoe and more about the sentiment. If we do it right, Gothicmochas and Happy Face will eventually grow out of being just a brand and find themselves as something bigger.

How did your journey into music begin, and what can we expect from your music career in the future?

I’ve always been a big fan of Twenty-One Pilots. Never grew out of that phase. Not even after “Scaled and Icy.” They’ve definitely inspired me creatively. I started taking piano lessons a few years back, and two years after my lessons my best friend Scott asked me to tour with his band. Since then, music is just something I’ll always do. I can’t imagine a future without keys under my fingers. Unless someone chops off my hands, and even then, I think I could play a few songs with my nubs.

With your expanding role in the music industry, do you have any upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re particularly excited about?

I have new songs waiting to be released. I’m just trying to figure out the best way to set them free. It’s not that I’m obsessive over marketing, but I do like to take a thoughtful approach to how I drop art. It’s less about strategizing for it to be a successful release and more about giving it a proper farewell. So I’m in the process of planning its goodbye party. I’m sappy like that.

You’ve been creating short films on your YouTube channel, attracting attention from prominent figures like Danny Philippou. What sparked your interest in filmmaking, and how do you approach storytelling in your short films?

Yes, I love the Philippou brothers (RackaRacka)!! I’ve always been interested in filmmaking and storytelling, but I really started making things on my own because I never landed any roles as an actor other than BOY DRINKING FROM WATER FOUNTAIN. I was always impressed with Sylvester Stallone and his story on how he made Rocky. He did it all himself. I always thought that was so cool. Storytelling was my way of taking control of my situation. Being able to write a good story gives me the opportunity to act and direct.

What is your favorite short film that you’ve created and why?

My favorite short has to be between “Suck On Me”, “We Have a Surprise”, or “Pokemon Fight Club.” They’re each special to me in their own way. I wrote and co-directed, casted myself as the lead, and put every ounce of energy into them. Everyone that worked on those projects couldn’t have been better. They elevated these videos and I’m so grateful. Making these shorts has really been an important step in my life, finding something I’m passionate about and kind of good at. It’s a craft I’ll be trying to master for the rest of my life, or at least until my hands are too shaky to hold a camera.

Are there any filmmakers or artists you dream of working with in the future?

Artists… Tyler and Josh from twenty-one pilots. That has always been a dream of mine. Even if it’s just playing the tambourine – sign me up. As far as filmmakers, I love what RackaRacka has done with A24. They started on YouTube years ago and really made a name for themselves. They’ve really shown people like me what’s possible.

Every creative process comes with its challenges. Can you share some of the obstacles you’ve faced in filmmaking, and how do you overcome them to bring your vision to life?

A plumber never forgets how to fix a sink. A pitcher never forgets how to throw a baseball. But a writer… they forget how to write every few weeks. That will always be the biggest obstacle. When you simply can’t do your job despite having the skill, discipline, and time to do it. There are also the less romantic challenges like money, filming location, running short on time, the list goes on. Honestly, it’s a miracle any movie ever gets made. Once you start making them, you realize how many things are trying to stop you.

Whether it’s fashion, music, filmmaking, or writing, how do you approach your creative process, and do you have any rituals or habits that help you stay inspired?

I try to read a lot. A lot of short stories since my attention span is terrible. I got distracted in the middle of the last question and bought a yo-yo off Amazon. But my real edge when it comes to creativity is that I just pay attention. When I see or hear things, I really take them in, let them live in my mind for a bit. Let them dance around, transform, or sit perfectly still. It takes some pressure off me to create out of thin air. I steal from the world around me.