Screen Shot: The Rawten Serpents
Website: serpentbrotherhood.com
Year Started: 2013
Founder/s Name: Kuro
City Based: Los Angeles, CA
What inspired the brand name?
In high school i had started my first "clothing line" , although i had sales and could of ran with it i ending up despising the name, so i wanted to come up with a new one. The deep truth behind the first part of the name "Rawten" comes from the hardcore band Rotting Out. I fucked with their music, merch, and live performances were amazing. I had this book where i'd write down brand name ideas, i was listening to them and wrote down "ROTTING" , then thought of "ROTTEN" , i liked how it sounded, but hated the way it was spelled. After a couple of minutes of playing around with the name, something just clicked in my head, "RAWTEN" and that was it, i fell in love with the name and my brand right there and then. The "Serpents" part has a message, take it as you will but the Serpent has had so many different meanings to it throughout history and religion, and it is my belief that everyone can find a meaning behind the Serpent that they can relate to.
At what moment did you realize you wanted to start a brand?
I was never exposed to smaller brands, but in 2012 i just happened to stumble upon STAYDIRTCO, i followed Shane Gonzales (now doing MIDNIGHT) & his brand on Social Media where i ended up finding all these other dudes also starting their own brands, and i thought to myself "I can do this". Back then all the "underground" brands you see today worked with each other so much it was so great to see all the collabs that happened.
What helps you get over creative blocks?
Just taking a break, i used to stress out about this all the time, but now i just end up leaving the computer alone for that day, or a couple of days.
What is the biggest mistake you have made?
Not using the resources i had and not being consistent with my drops.
What is the biggest success you have had?
I just recently sold out of our Serpent Member jackets, never sold out of an item in my years of running this brand.
A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION PEOPLE MAY FIND WEIRD?
Anime has some amazing concepts sometimes.
Favorite color to use?
Black.
ARE THERE ANY RETAIL SHOPS YOU WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU BRAND IN?
I'd like to have our own store where we sell other brands too, but if i could get in anywhere right now i'd say Bodega no doubt.
ANOTHER BRAND THAT INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?
Not specifically, but i am always lurking around to see how i can improve. If another established or startup brand is doing something i never thought of i always take it into consideration.
Where do you see yourself and the brand in 1 year and 5 years?
In 1 year we are going to be releasing product very consistently, working with artists and brands to help exposure, and personally hopefully be able to either quit my job or go Part Time. In 5 years we'll have our own brick & mortar store, do and have events, have my own place & office, and share my knowledge and success with the youth.
In 5 words or less describe your brand?
Esoteric Brotherhood Of Garments.
