Today we’d like to introduce you to Karl Hibbert.
Hi Karl, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Karl Hibbert & Fortunate LifeStyle (FLS), and I was curated in 2011 as a creative means to connect to the world. Fast-forward to 2024, as I prepare a Lifestyle rebrand for FLS, I have been blessed to have worked with talent including 21 Savage, Playboi Carti, Young Nudy, and Pierre Bourne. FLS began as a creative outlet, so, having traveled the country, connected with/ fashion icons & built a priceless network all through clothes – I can’t do much but be grateful for every order & every day. Waking up in itself is a blessing, and with that, we have another opportunity to be greater than we were yesterday. Whenever I try to think about the time (13 years), I realize it’s easier to see where you have come from at a milestone rather than when you’re on the journey. I don’t say this to insinuate I am anywhere near the finish line, but 13 years is a long time to be committed to a company and its growth. I believe and embody the mantra which states: “Do nothing of no worth.” Make every move count and know what its trajectory can reach. As I celebrated 13 years this past April, I look back on the time without regret, understanding that the plan only worked because I did.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I feel as though any journey without struggle was never a challenging journey to begin with – the progression of FLS has been halted several times due to internal and external issues such as: partners, inventory errors, investment mistakes, and corporate faults to name a few.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I started FLS as nothing more than a creative outlet, one which would, at most, bring pleasure through simply seeing my ideas expressed to others through clothing. So, to have traveled the country, connect with fashion icons, build a priceless network, and make a living all through clothes – I can’t do much but be grateful for every failure turned lesson, every order & every day. Although FLS was curated and mostly based out of Indiana while I was in High school, I had a childhood friend who lived in Atlanta, and I made monthly trips back and forth just to network with artists and influencers in the area. I believe my consistency in the community created an organic awareness of FLS in East Atlanta in 2017-18. Not being from Atlanta and affiliating myself in the lanes and areas to put myself in a position to tour alongside some of the most prolific icons in the culture right now is a blessing.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Perseverance and self-awareness. I think, especially in 2024, this generation is consumed with social status and acceptance that not enough people take the time to sit back and consider/evaluate a lot of the interactions and conversations they’ve had… allowing time to reflect and grow intrinsically. As far as perseverance, I’ve seen so many clothing lines come and go, and mostly, it’s due to the same reason; but having started this brand solely as a creative core and not for financial liberation, it allowed me to push past the hardships and tough times and let my passion carry me along.
Contact Info:
- Website: 2fortunate.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/fortunatelifestyle
