Meet Ben Askew | Street wear owner and music artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ben Askew and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ben, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always been into street wear fashion my whole life. I’m a fresh sneaker, nice jeans, graphic tee and hat type of guy. I use to go shopping and found myself critiquing the brands designs, color schemes or feel of the shirt. I would always be like “I’d buy it if it had this or didn’t have that on it” lol. So I decided to create my own designs the way I wanted to wear it. The only problem I had was, I had no idea how to get started or what to call my brand. One night me and a friend were at a old night club in Atlanta. It was crazy crowded that night, I’m making my way through the crowd and my homeboy says “you’re walking through like a big ape” lol. I replied “Yeah but, I’m a Fresh Ape though”. That was it, it just stuck ever since. I had a artist in Decatur Ga draw me a logo for Fresh Ape clothing. I got that ape printed on a shirt and thats when everything changed. People were asking me where I got it from and a friend on Facebook asked to meet me at QuikTrip in 2014 to buy a shirt. I was blown away that someone was willing to give me money for a shirt I made for myself. It just created a organic domino effect. The more I posted my shirts it just grew. Its been the most rewarding and free feeling to create designs and making music that people love. It went from friends to celebrities wearing my clothes all over the world. Pro BMX riders in UK, skateboarders in California where making videos and posting wearing my shirts. Rappers and DJ’s posting pictures of my stuff. Its like my brand took off in so many different ways I didn’t expect. It was important that I focus on Atlanta and make my name in my backyard. Now I’ve parlayed my brand into music that represents my personality and the South where I’m from. It was only right that I go by the name Fresh Ape Boss. Now that I made a name for my brand in Atlanta it was super necessary to do a song with legendary GA rapper Pastor Troy called Atl vs Everybody dropping Summer of 2026.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
For me the easy part has always been coming up with ideas and content for designs and songs. The hardest part is definitely the silence. When people don’t react to your creations and don’t share your same passion, enthusiasm or love is the toughest part of it all. This is when you start to question things and over think. It’s moments like these that I had to remember why I started and who I started everything for. You have to learn to accept the silence and know its not a reflection on you and your efforts. It’s just a indication that you’re so proud of your work that you want the world to feel the way you do about it. Music wise I’m most proud of the fact it will live forever. Music is timeless and limitless. Its the single most thing that literally brings strangers together and creates instant memories that last a lifetime. I owe my music career to one of my best friends Charles Venus. He owns a studio and also makes music. For years he’s asked me to get in the booth and create something. Once we recorded my first song I knew right then I wanted to make 100 more. There’s something special about hearing a beat and letting it take you somewhere mentally. The special part is when it comes out exactly how you heard it in your head.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Some of my favorite spots? This is tough because Atlanta offers so much and is constantly adding more. I’d say the Belt Line is really dope during the day. Great for people watching, day dates and variety of food. Definitely Insomnia cookies this late night after hours dessert shop. Hands down the best cookies in the world lol. Warm and baked fresh to order and open till 3am is dangerous for foodies like me lol. The Mercedes Benz stadium is something that amazes me each time I visit. My favorite spot is the private lounge at Molly B’s. You just feel important and the ambiance is unreal. My ultimate favorite thing is any rooftop with good drinks. Theres literally too many to name. But yeah take me to a nice rooftop and I’m good.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There’s several things that contributed to my entrepreneurial growth and success. My mother who has always been my biggest fan in everything I do. It doesn’t matter what shirt I show her or song of mine I play for her she lights up and thinks it’s just the greatest thing in the world. I have to shout out the Atlanta culture for the inspiration it gives me. There’s no place like Atlanta! Our music, fashion, people and culture is like no other.

Website: https://www.freshapeclothing.com

Instagram: @freshape_boss @freshapeclothing

Youtube: Fresh Ape Clothing