kcreate
Byron Rouse’s journey into the world of streetwear is far from ordinary. Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Byron is working hard to make a name for himself by distinguishing his brand, KCreate, as unique, original, and a stand out from the rest of the crowd. The man behind the brand Kcreate has cultivated something far greater than just another clothing label — he’s created a representation of his journey, his emotions, and his evolving sense of self.
By Zuza Gaboush
Growing up in Orangeburg, South Carolina, Byron reflects on being surrounded by what could be considered a unique local style, but looking back at it, realizes that it wasn’t necessarily “stylish” in the way the rest of the country might define it. Reflecting on his childhood fashion choices, he admits, “It was unique, but it wouldn’t translate to anywhere else but that city.” Hailing from a small town, he was immersed in trends that were cool locally — think Soulja Boy-era tees — but not necessarily reflective of broader fashion movements.
However, Byron’s introduction to the world of fashion would come when he moved to Virginia for college. There, he roomed with someone from New York who had a deep passion for fashion and was more exposed to current trends and upcoming fads. This was the eye-opening experience that led Byron to realize how much he had been missing out on. “I mean- I thought Gucci was ran by Gucci Mane. Seriously. It shows that we weren’t exposed to that much being in that small city,” he laughs. Virginia, a melting pot of styles and cultures, exposed him to name brands and fashion from all over the country. Quickly, he realized that his sense of style needed a serious upgrade.
Byron’s fashion evolution began almost immediately. No longer content with just what was in his closet, he became more intentional about his wardrobe choices. “I began wearing more name brands and became more conscious of the clothes I was wearing,” he explains. Oftentimes he was unable to afford the pieces he really wanted, so he began shopping in clearance sections, looking for deals on stylish pieces, and would save up for bigger, designer investments to add to his evolving look. But it wasn’t just about buying new clothes. His experience of winning “Best Dressed” at his highschool in South Carolina gave him the confidence to believe that he could do more with fashion. “I'm the shit, I can put this shit on,” he recalls thinking. It was a turning point that set him on the path to start his own brand.
In 2019, after leaving college, Byron launched KCreate, a brand born from his passion for design and self-expression. He came up with the name after spending hours drawing and experimenting with designs. “I would just draw, all day, every day making different designs... and the name came to me. I’mma just call this shit Kcreate, because all I do in the house is just create all day.” Starting the brand wasn’t easy. Like many entrepreneurs, Byron faced steep learning curves. “The hardest part was the marketing aspect,” he admits.
“The only people who were buying from me were my friends. They were the only ones I was telling. I wasn’t confident enough to put it out to the world.”
But, as time passed, his confidence grew, and so did the brand. As a testament to his growth and commitment, today, Kcreate is a six-year-old label that continues to evolve with every drop. But back in the early days, Byron’s challenges weren’t just related to design but also the business side of things. With no prior experience, he had to learn on the go. The logistics of manufacturing, shipping, and branding were all new to him, but he pushed through. His dedication paid off as Kcreate steadily gained recognition for its authenticity, design, and quality.
When asked about the future of Kcreate, Byron’s goals are ambitious yet grounded. He envisions a day when his brand will be able to drop a hundred pieces and sell out in a day — a testament to the loyal following he has cultivated and his ever-growing impact on the streetwear scene.
Byron’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple, but powerful:
“I’ve played sports my whole life, and this is the most competitive thing I’ve ever done. Don’t come in here thinking this shit is easy. People start brands every single day. You’ve gotta ask yourself, ‘Am I in it for the money or for the long-term success?’ You’ll lose a lot of money, so you gotta find out how committed you are.”
He also insists that upcoming designers have to: Be one of one. “A lot of people copycat, try your best to be original.” When it comes to what makes Kcreate unique, Byron doesn’t hesitate. “I’m constantly evolving and the brand elevates every time I drop. My pieces are unlike anyone else’s.”
Byron’s aspirations don’t stop with his brand. His dream collaboration would be with Louis Vuitton, his favorite brand, and he also admires Blu Boy, the new creative director of True Religion, for his innovative design approach. For now though, Byron is focused on building Kcreate into a powerhouse, one unique drop at a time. And as his journey continues, it’s clear that Kcreate is much more than just a brand — it’s a manifestation of Byron’s passion, perseverance, and unrelenting desire to stand out in the world of fashion.
