Screen Shot: 1K4L Global

City Based: Los Angeles, CA

What inspired the brand name?

it's 3 of us that run the brand, the name however came from the two other owners court and Sean. They had a group in high school called 1K4L and it's meant to be always be true and authentic. We just added the global on there to show that we were going to expand the brand and make it so it's really global and worldwide.

At what moment did you realize you wanted to start a brand?

Sean frost created the very first shirt and was selling the shirts at school. That was my friend at the time and I wanted to help and really take it the next level along with my bro court. From that point on we came together and once we made that first shirt together we know this brand was going to be something special.

What helps you get over creative blocks?

Honestly time, for me as the main creator sometimes i do struggle to create. Usually it just takes me staring at my computer or I have to go through tumblr and Pinterest and just look at things for hours until i get a spark of creativity. On the other note sometimes i just have to chill out and not focus on the brand cause i can be stressed if i over think.

What is the biggest mistake you have made?

I really don't feel I've made big mistakes. Everything is a learning lesson at the end of the day. But I definitely have spent money on things i didn't need and could of been used on other opportunities.

What is the biggest success you have had?

So far i think being successful in the brand. The growth is amazing. Not only have been able to be super consistent but the amount of people that buy from us and support is the success. This is not the easiest thing to do at all but continuing to create month after month is something that is really crazy.

A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION PEOPLE MAY FIND WEIRD?

YouTube and twitch, it may come off but this the one place that takes my mind off things and it's so much information and entertainment to where inspiration can come out of no where.

Favorite color to use?

Black it's very regular but at the same time it goes with everything and that's why it is perfect. You can also match other colors with it. Blue is becoming my second favorite color as well because the shades of blue are really just crazy to use.

ARE THERE ANY RETAIL SHOPS YOU WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU BRAND IN?

In all honesty i would love to stay independent. I don't mind being in stores but I would rather create for ourselves and we make a store where people are just coming for us and our brand.

ANOTHER BRAND THAT INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?

Bape, mad happy, chrome hearts, are a few of the main brands that inspire. Bape because of the simplicity of it but how much of a staple design and colors they have. Mad happy is one brand that I’ve been paying attention to because of the colors they use and the great colors they do for their brand. Chrome hearts is just a brand that has not only hype to it but it’s simple but expensive to where you have a specific audience you want to reach.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF AND THE BRAND IN 1 YEAR AND 5 YEARS?

In a year we definitely see our growth on another level. The way we move now as a small brand will help us elevate on a different level. I think our following will be crazy. And i think our quality and clothing will be on a new level. 5 years i really expect to be on top of the world. I want to have not only employees, but a office space or store and more big names in our brand to help us grow even more.

IN 5 WORDS OR LESS DESCRIBE YOUR BRAND?

Organic, love, innovative, simple, fly