Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Culpepper.
Hi Brian, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Decatur, GA. I’m an only child so my creativity was prevalent at an early age with my development of not one but two imaginary friends. I’ve been interested in art since I was young. Around 6th grade I discovered my ability to draw things to scale simply by eyeing them.
As I got older, I developed an interest in fashion. Both of my parents were very fly individuals and they always dressed to impress. My passion for fashion grew by watching my mom dress for work. I remember she wore the most well-tailored suits to work. My father on the other hand, was a trendsetter and worked at the world famous Walter’s Clothing. That’s where my love for urban/streetwear came from. I developed my own style in high school, pulling from my artistic abilities and knowledge of various colorways, which also led me to being voted “best dressed” my senior year in high school.
During my tenure at Georgia State, while “figuring life out,” I took an interest in textiles class. There I learned different designing techniques utilizing fabrics and dyes. That led me to customizing shirts and shoes for myself and eventually for friends and family. Later in my college career, I discovered graphic design and that was it! Finally, something where I could express my love for fashion, color and art! I graduated from Georgia State with a BFA in Fine Arts with a concentration in graphic design.
While in college I also started my first design company. I gained a following and was hired to do various logos, flyers, album covers, etc. but I didn’t have business sense. I worked job after job while designing on the side because according to my parents, I needed a “real job”. I had the idea of a clothing line in 2016 and decided to call it B. Klean Apparel.
I sat on the idea for sometime until 2019. My mom and I had always talked about what kind of clothes I would sell and what it would look like once I got up and running and then in April of 2019 she suddenly passed away. In the midst of putting my heart back together and fighting depression, I took everything I had in me, borrowed $400 from my dad and got my first “B. Klean” and “She Kute” shirts printed. B.Klean Apparel has grown to produce not only shirts but also hoodies and most recently the launch of the hat line in 2020. the hats have been the line’s best seller.
After suffering another major blow in June of 2020 with the passing of my father, I fell back in love with graphic design. As if I didn’t already have enough on my plate, I launched my graphic design agency, Carcher Graphics. Carcher Graphics is an ode to my parents. Mom was raised on Archer St and pops grew up on Carter Ave. It was only right to go back to my roots and make deisgn my “real job”.
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?
To say that it has been a struggle would be an understatement. Losing my mom in 2019 was heart shattering. An unimaginable feeling that I wouldn’t wish on anyone. Grief and depression combined are not for the weak at heart. As soon as I began to somewhat find my footing my father passed away in 2020. Losing both parents so close to each other has been the single most devastating thing I’ve ever had to endure. But surprisingly, that pain brought about a drive that I haven’t experienced before. It’s on me to finish the legacy that my parents began to create for me. My legacy will be passed on for generations to come because I have two of God’s best angels guiding me.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I own a clothing line by the name of B. Klean Apparel. B. Klean started as a motivational brand. To be honest, the focus was on what I “thought” our customers would like. Today our target audience is black men ages 18-55 that deal with depression of some form. We inspire those to be whoever they were called to be. Our clothing serves as a “safe space” to feel confident in yourself while looking good (being klean) and walking in your truth.
I also have a graphic design company called Carcher Graphics; a graphic design agency that provides identity and branding to new entrepreneurs as well as established businesses. We predominantly specialize in developing new brands and rebranding existing ones.
I’m most proud of my resiliency. These past two years haven’t been easy by any means but with the help of an amazing fiancé, an awesome cast of friends & family and my unwavering faith, I continue to make strides to greatness.
What sets me apart from others is my curiosity. Once I’m intrigued by something I immerse myself in until I know the inner workings. Then BOOM! I come out of nowhere with something that’s executed the best way I can.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I’ve learned two important lessons due to Covid.
1. Time is invaluable and there’s no better time than the present to start that business, podcast or whatever idea you have that you’ve been dragging your feet on.
2. Therapy is essential. So many people didn’t know how to be alone with themselves and their own thoughts. They realized they were battling depression, anxiety and/or many other illnesses but were distracted with their daily routines. Many received the help they needed and are in a better place mentally.
Contact Info:
- Email: bkleandesigns@gmail.com carchergraphics@gmail.com
- Website: www.bkleanapparel.com
- Instagram: @b.kleanapparel @carchergrapics
- Facebook: @b.kleanapparel @carchergrapics
Image Credits
TSP Photography
