Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaylin Garnett.
Hi Kaylin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have always had a passion for streetwear and fashion since I was a kid, especially sneakers, hoodies, and Tshirt. Growing up, everyone who knew me could tell you that I was a tomboy. Throughout my entire life, my closet has been 25% Tshirt, 40% sneakers, 25% jackets and 10% dresses and skirts. I do not like to wear clothing pieces that I know other people have so it was always hard for me to find clothes that I actually would buy. My sophomore year in college I got a job at Forever 21 and everyday I came home with a new bag of clothes, which I eventually realized was a bad habit. After I stopped working at Forever 21, a lot of people would ask me where I shop at and when I tell them forever 21, they would be shocked. My mom actually owned a business at the time and I would help her with sales on days that I was free and I realized that she actually brings home a good amount of money from her side business and I decided I wanted to start me a business.
For over a year, I tried to think of different businesses that I could do but nothing ever excited me until my mom told me I should stop spending so much money in stores and try to make my own clothes because that is the one thing I love. After my mom said that, I started doing research on how to make clothes and I started making pieces for myself and family members. I honestly did not take my mom’s advice seriously until a couple of months after making pieces and people started asking me if I sell them. I realized most of the people asking me to sell items were college students and they mostly wore Tshirt and hoodies on campus. One day I was sitting in my bed thinking of names for my brand and all the names I came up with were girly and I knew I needed a unisex name or men wouldn’t want to shop my brand. After having that thought, I also realized that there aren’t that many women who own streetwear brands or brands in general that men shop at. In that exact moment, I knew I wanted to be different and be the woman that owns a clothing brand that men and women shop at.
After getting my business license, I started off by only doing custom shirts for birthdays or events. I created a Facebook account and an Instagram to show people my work and I would post pictures of clients and their reviews. I started coming up with mock shirt ideas for when I actually started selling clothing with my brand name on it and I would upload them to my website for preorder. I actually launched the brand on July 28, 2020, which is also my birthday. For the first couple of weeks, I did not get any website views or store orders until one day, I got a notification that someone from New York made a purchase and subscribed to my website. After I shipped that order and got feedback with pictures, people started ordering from the website! I eventually expanse my business and started selling custom paintings, cups, keychains, and car decals.
Since my first sale, I am proud to say business has been going strong and I have very loyal supporters and customers! I recently had to opportunity to collab with a famous hip-hop artist and that was my first collaboration which brought me tons of sales. I am currently in the process of revamping my website and the look of my clothing brand. Kulture Kollection is a unisex clothing brand and also a safe space where each person can use fashion to convey their unique perspective on the world within a community that is destined for greatness.
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?
One struggle I personally have faced is gender inequality. When I would promote my business with me wearing the clothing and my name on the post, I realized I would get likes and shares from females only. Once I revamped my website and I posted pictures of men and women wearing the clothes, I got a lot more support from males. I think that in today’s society, some men see women with clothing businesses and think, “oh, they own a boutique” or “everything they sell if feminine,” which is not true. I have met a lot of other clothing brand owners who are men and they always tell me that they like the route I decided to go and keep pushing because it will pay off.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Kulture Kollection?
One thing that sets me apart from other streetwear clothing brand owners is that I am a female. I am a self-taught artist and entrepreneur! I am most proud of how far my brand has come and how loyal my customers are. I specialize in embroidery, heat press, epoxy, and painting. I am mostly known for my T-shirt and art collection.
What’s next?
I am looking forward to opening up a storefront, doing some dope collaborations, and expanding my brand across the globe! I am currently in the process of doing some rebranding and reaching out to some other business owners to do some potential collaborations.
Pricing:
- Tshirt’s $40
- Hats $25
- Hoodies $50
- Wall letters $20+
- Custom canvas painting $30+
Contact Info:
- Email: Kulturekloset2020@gmail.com
- Website: www.kulturekollection2020.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kulturekollection2020/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/kulturekollection2020/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/kulture2020
Image Credits:
Andrena Garnett and Xavier Anderson
