Rising Stars: Meet Khai Smith

Today we’d like to introduce you to Khai Smith.

Hi Khai, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I initially got involved with Streetwear back in 2017 once I was out of high school. I started a brand called “Undefined.” I named it that because in my life leading up to that point, I felt overlooked and underappreciated, so I wanted to give some limelight to those who feel the same way as I do & may have gone through the same experiences. But due to a lack of self-confidence and self esteem, I gradually stopped doing my brand. And for the years 2018-2020, I was genuinely lost in life. I didn’t know who I was or what I wanted to do, I was miserable almost every day & battled depression. It was during this time when my family & I were almost homeless due to a divorce. I was so down in the gutters I honestly couldn’t do anything. If it wasn’t for my mom and my girlfriend who knows how much worse things could’ve been.

But towards the end of 2020 entering 21’, I picked up where I left off, designing clothes for the first time in two and a half years. Once I started again, the phrase “for the people” just kept resonated within me. I always felt like what I was doing was always for others, it was for the people. I began to see the angel number 444 almost everywhere I went, and then it clicked. “444 the people” My first ever physical piece of clothing from my revamped brand was a forest green hoodie & press on vinyl. With the phrase “created for the undefined” in the front & 444 the people in the back. That’s how it began. Although I started off strong, I knew exactly what it could be & where I was going. I knew in order to truly stand out in an extremely saturated field, I had to focus on making my pieces into living art. That’s why my main focus is the photography aspect of my brand. I pinpoint all the little intricate details down to the direction the model looks, to the color of the backdrop & the props we may use. And if you pay close attention, I try to keep everything uniform, I use the same photographer and the same models, and the chemistry is perfect.

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?
Financially & mentally, it’s extremely tough. I purchased a house for my family so my siblings can grow up in a better area for where we used to stay. So managing that on top of my brand is been one of my biggest challenges, but it’s also one of the reasons why I’m so confident, I can juggle all these things & still have the confidence to say I’m one of the best brands in my area. None of this was handed to me. However, I still have my moments where I’m also extremely doubtful & hesitant when it comes to certain aspects to my brand. Because I have this huge financial obligation, I have to be extremely calculated in what moves I make. I wish I could just go crazy like how I want to, but I know In the near future, I’ll be able too.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I creative direct all my photoshoots. I strive on turning regular clothes into works of art. That’s what sets me apart. I can make a regular garment appear like it’s luxurious.

What are your plans for the future?
I honestly can’t say what I have planned for the future. I’m a go with the flow type of person so whatever opportunity comes to me, I’m willing & open to take it. But one thing I look forward too is Atlanta. My first time actually staying in ATL was during the ASWM (Atlanta Streetwear Market) & it completely changed my outlook on myself. Just based off that one day I participated in the event, I’d move to ATL with zero hesitation if an opportunity came about.

Pricing:

• Shorts- $65+
• Shirts- $40+
• Outerwear- $80+
• Accessories- $15+
• Hats- $50+

Contact Info:

• Website: www.444thepeople.shop
• Instagram: Instagram.com/444thepeople
• Facebook: Facebook.com/444thepeople
• Twitter: Twitter.com/thekhaismith

Image Credits
Destiny (@deviordes) Christian Dillard (@playknows) Rodney (@rod.c__) Khai (@444khai)