Today we’d like to introduce you to Khairie Alim.
Hi Khairie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It was 2020, and I just started getting my sight back after going through a tragic situation that had me legally blind for almost two years. I started shooting and doing camera gigs again, and making that money it gave me a feeling of confidence that I needed back again. I started buying designer this, designer that, and always noticed that I was very uncomfortable in something I spent $300/400 on. It didn’t seem to make sense why I would keep buying clothing that don’t compliment my body or my wallet. Like a shot from god the idea of making and creating my own art and clothing would be my next move. I had some money from my gigs I was going to put that money into an LLC, Logo, a few shirts, and hoodies just for early branding. I decided to call it helmsdale x rugby based off of the two streets that made me the man I am today. Helmsdale, where I became a father, the first place I lived by myself as an adult and grew into a man. First love, first of a lot of things so it meant so much to me. Rugby is where I had a mini-stroke and lost my eyesight, my mobility, friends, and also had my son and had to go through physical therapy to be better for my new baby at the time. So, I been through so much pain there and also triumph. Rugby is so important to my growth as a man. So, there it was. After I developed the game plan and logos, and business, I decided to promote my brand and ask 500/700 people a week if they would support my brand, and I sold out almost all of my gear before I even got it back from the vendors. It was like a dream, and I’m glad people understood my vibes. Now with multiple celebrity endorsements and magazine features and been state to state and even out the country for fashions shows including NYFW, the brand is growing and growing and will continue to grow god willing.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
There has been a lot of invested money into this brand which has been the biggest obstacle. Believing in your direction and dream so much that you would spend thousands of dollars to make it happen. Also trying to appeal to people but also keeping it very unique and yours.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Well, I been an artist my whole life. I used draw as a kid and create models of things. Then as an adult, I picked up videography and photography, and it became my love, but it also taught me about being unique and exuding that uniqueness every chance you get. I specialize in portraits, and I have been published dozens of times in magazines, billboards in NY to California. So, it helped when I started using my portraits and camera to make my brand look like the real deal on my site and on the social sites.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you, and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Well, yes, I’ve learned that nothing is promised tomorrow, and you should appreciate everything; even small wins should get big praises because you have to start somewhere. It was a hustle for me to build this brand, and it started in the middle of the pandemic.
Pricing:
- Hoodies ranging from $40-$70
- Tshirts ranging from $15-$40
- Varsity jackets/bomber jackets ranging from $35-$150
- Accessories ranging from $20-$30
- Jogger pants ranging from $15-$40
Contact Info:
- Website: Hxrclothing.com
- Instagram: @hxrclothing
- Facebook: Helmsdale x Rugby Clo
- Twitter: @hxrclothing
