Today we’d like to introduce you to Kozy
Hi Kozy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Man, my story is really one of evolution. I grew up in the South, surrounded by a mix of grit and soul, and that blend is something I carry into everything I create. I didn’t start out thinking I’d be a fashion designer—I’ve always been creative, but I was more into music and art at first. Fashion, though, became this perfect medium where I could bring all my influences together.
A major part of my foundation came from my mother, Belinda. She was a master seamstress, and I grew up watching her work with precision and patience. She could take a raw piece of fabric and turn it into something incredible, something that felt like it had always existed. Seeing that firsthand taught me craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the power of creating with intention. Even if I didn’t realize it at the time, I was absorbing all of it.
Rebellious Chic started as an idea—a way for me to express myself outside the boundaries of what was expected. I was thrifting, upcycling, and turning whatever I could get my hands on into something fresh. Over time, it became more than just me making clothes; it turned into a movement. The brand is about standing firm in who you are, pushing boundaries, and rejecting the idea that you have to fit into a box.
Moving to New York was a game-changer. It’s one thing to create in isolation, but being here, surrounded by other creatives, the energy, the culture—it forced me to level up. Every piece I make now is intentional. There’s a story, a message, a feeling behind it. And the crazy part? I’m still just getting started.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nah, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Building something from the ground up, especially without formal training or industry connections, comes with a lot of challenges. Financial stability has been one of the biggest struggles. When you’re an independent designer, everything falls on you—materials, production, marketing. There’s no big machine funding the vision, so every decision has to be strategic.
But I’ve never let that stop me. Every obstacle has just been part of the process. The brand is growing every day, and people are starting to recognize Rebellious Chic for what it is—something different, something real. Every connection we make, every piece we sell, it’s all paving the way to where we’re going. And at the end of the day, I’d rather take the long road if it means staying true to my vision.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At its core, Rebellious Chic is about storytelling through fashion. I design pieces that reflect both my Southern roots and my life in New York—a fusion of raw grit and artistic expression. Every piece is handcrafted with intention, blending structure with spontaneity, and always pushing creative boundaries.
What sets me apart is my commitment to artisanship. I don’t want Rebellious Chic to be another brand that prioritizes mass production over creativity. Fast fashion is all about speed and sameness—pumping out cookie-cutter designs with no real soul behind them. That’s not what I’m about. I take my time with every piece, making sure it carries a certain energy, a certain emotion. My mother, Belinda, was a master seamstress, and watching her work taught me the value of craftsmanship. She never rushed the process, and I apply that same level of care to what I create.
What I’m most proud of? Honestly, just seeing people connect with my work. When someone puts on a Rebellious Chic piece and feels something—feels powerful, feels seen, feels like their most authentic self—that’s everything. I’m building a brand that stands for something, and every stitch, every detail, every choice I make is with that in mind.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The most important quality to my success is resilience. This journey hasn’t been easy—there have been setbacks, financial struggles, and moments where it felt like things weren’t moving fast enough. But I’ve never let that stop me. I’ve always believed in my vision, even when the road was uncertain. That’s why For Believers Only is more than just a slogan—it’s a mindset. This brand is for the people who move with conviction, who trust the process, who don’t need validation to know they’re on the right path.
Beyond that, I’d say authenticity. I’m not out here trying to chase trends or fit into what’s popular at the moment. Everything I create is a direct reflection of who I am—my experiences, my roots, my perspective. People connect with Rebellious Chic because it’s real. It’s not mass-produced, watered-down fashion; it’s raw, intentional, and made with purpose.
That combination of resilience and authenticity is what keeps me going. No matter how big Rebellious Chic gets, I’ll always stay true to that.
Pricing:
- Currently we are focusing on our Guard Your Heart Jacket which ranges in price from $150 – $200 depending on materials and design details.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Rebelliouschic.com
- Instagram: Rebellious.chic
- Facebook: Rebellious Chic llc
- Youtube: Rebellious Chic
- Other: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rebelliouschic/rebellious-chic-presents-the-blackout-collection
