Meet Brian Culpepper | Graphic Designer/Founder of B. Klean Apparel

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

Hi Brian, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m originally from Atlanta, Ga. Atlanta has influenced every aspect of my life. From learning the latest dances in various clubs throughout Atlanta; taking cues from my dad, who was a manager for Walter’s Clothing, on how to dress; to art appreciation from visiting the Apex Museum; seeing the Alvin Ailey dancers at the Fox Theater or taking frequent trips to the High Museum when I became of age. Atlanta has molded me into the color coordinated, art loving, easy going, music head that I am today.

I was raised by my father, mother, two aunts and my grandparents. I was always around family, which instilled the importance of family. My father worked for the world famous Walter’s Clothing. There he learned how to save money, become a salesman and build relationships from the late great Walter Strauss. Those values stuck with me to this day and have aided in the launch of my brand, B. Klean Apparel. My mother worked for First Union Bank now know as Wells Fargo for about 15 years and then transitioned to Air Touch now Verizon Wireless for over 20 years until she retired. Her dedication to her craft inspired me to finish what I start. My parents were always “dressed to impress” so my sense of style is obviously in my DNA. My parents were married over 30 years so that’s were I got my vision of marriage. My grandmothers, mom and aunts were all raised in church so that’s where my faith stems from. All of these various areas of my life have molded me into the man before you today.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
B. Klean Apparel is a self awareness brand created to inspire their customers to be whoever they were called to be while being “klean”. Back in the day, you would hear everyone say “that boy was fresh.” Me being an innovator, I asked myself “Why be fresh when you can B. Klean” Voila!

I’m most excited about the future of the brand and all of the community outreach I have planned for the next several years. I plan on giving back to my community with various give-a-ways, helping the less fortunate during the holidays by feeding them or providing things they need. Ultimately, I want to start a program that brings awareness to mental illness and also provides assistance to those struggling with mental illness. I’m still in the developing stages of that.

I got to where I am today business-wise, by investing in my personal development and educating myself on simple business practices. I listen to several podcasts about entrepreneurship, I’ve read books on design trends and color theory, consistently working on my mindset daily for the past two years and continuing to help other business owners via brand design over the years. It definitely wasn’t an easy feat. I’ve faced challenges like every other entrepreneur, but, I didn’t quit. Losing your parents within a year or each other isn’t the challenge I expected to face during my journey but in that I learned just how resilient I was. I’ve also learned a few lessons along the way. The one that sticks out the most is that failing/losses are apart of business. It’s about how you react to them that sets you apart from everyone else. My losses have been lessons and whenever I fail, I fail forward.

I’d like the world to know that all of my challenges I’ve overcome the past two years alone are a direct reflection of the person I am today. There’s someone out there right now that feels like giving up. They feel defeated. They feel like they don’t what there next move is…I’m talking to that person. I want to encourage them to keep pushing. Even if it feels like you aren’t making any progress. Keep working on that business, keep building that platform and keep learning that new skill. If you stay consistent for the next 12-18 months, you’ll look up and realized you’re a lot further along that you imagined you would be.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
(Pre covid of course) First thing we’re doing is going to grab a bite to eat. I wouldn’t be an Atlanta native if I didn’t take them to the Waffle House. I’d take them to local attractions such as the historical Apex Museum, Martin Luther King, Jr National History Park, the Trap Museum and the normal tourist attractions like the GA Aquarium and the World of Coca Cola. We’d visit a few local food spots like Fellini’s and The Beautiful. Being that I’m an artist, The High Museum and the Museum of Digital Art are a must. We are definitely going to Walter’s Clothing and we’ll stop at Lenox Mall as well. If you’re in Atlanta, you have to experience the night life because it is like no other. I’m talking bars, lounges, nightclubs and the stripclubs but only if that’s your thing. There are so many sights around the city and a week long trip would be doing my friend a disservice. I’d definitely invite them back to visit but not encourage them to move here because…WE FULL. Respectfully of course.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout goes to my parents. Their efforts in raising me the best they could, their support of my ideas, their unconditional love and encouragement has shaped who I am today. They recently passed away…mom (2019) and dad (2020). I want to take this opportunity to say thank you for supplying me with the wisdom, courage and resilience I need to pursue my dreams all while making y’all proud. I love you both.

Website: www.bkleanapparel.com

Instagram: @b.kleanapparel

Twitter: @bdotklean

Facebook: B. Klean Apparel

Image Credits
Photos by Tobias Smith Photography