We were lucky to catch up with Christian Wellington recently and have shared our conversation below.
Christian, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?
**Brand Name Inspiration: Billy Jean**
The name **Billy Jean** draws inspiration from the iconic **”Billy” style** by True Religion, renowned for its **bootcut denim and premium aesthetic**. By reimagining this classic silhouette with a fresh, modern twist, **Billy Jean** pays homage to high-quality craftsmanship while establishing its own distinct identity in the world of elevated denim.
The name subtly nods to both **heritage and innovation**—retaining the sophistication of luxury denim while infusing a bold, contemporary edge. With its seamless blend of familiarity and originality, **Billy Jean** is positioned to resonate with discerning consumers who appreciate timeless style with a statement.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
During my enlistment in the **U.S. Navy**, I discovered my passion for fashion by selling curated apparel out of my trunk and to fellow service members aboard my ship. This entrepreneurial experience laid the foundation for my journey in retail, leading me to open my own **boutique clothing store** after honorable service.
Over several years of hands-on experience in the industry—from merchandising to customer engagement—I refined my understanding of style, quality, and market demand. Driven by a vision to create unique, wearable art, I transitioned from retail into **designing my own collections**, blending streetwear aesthetics with premium craftsmanship.
Today, my brand reflects resilience, authenticity, and the discipline instilled by my naval service—proving that innovation thrives at the intersection of diverse experiences.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
**Professional Bio:**
Long before social media became the global force it is today, I recognized its untapped potential. In **2013**, I began carving out a niche in the sneaker customization space, focusing on **Nike Air Force 1s**—a canvas for creativity that would soon define my brand. At the time, I operated with just **2,000 followers on instagram but momentum was building.
The year prior, I had the privilege of crafting **custom pieces for A-list artists like Chris Brown, Justin Bieber, and other high-profile celebrities**, reinforcing my belief in the power of visibility and strategic branding. Eager to amplify my reach, I set my sights on **going viral**—a concept still in its infancy at the time.
The breakthrough came when I designed a pair of **custom Air Force 1s for legendary painter Ron Bass**. The collaboration caught the attention of **Brooklyn rapper Fabolous**, who shared my work with his audience. Overnight, my following **skyrocketed from 2,000 to 25,000**, cementing my place in the sneaker customization world and proving the explosive potential of social media virality.
This pivotal moment wasn’t just about growth—it was validation that **vision, persistence, and strategic creativity** could disrupt industries and redefine success.
Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.
Founded in **2018**, **Billy Jean** emerged as a disruptive force in denim, pioneering the viral **”Stacked Jean”** trend that captured global attention. The brand’s cultural impact was cemented when the late, legendary rapper **Pop Smoke** prominently featured Billy Jean in his hit single *”Dior”*—a defining moment that propelled the brand into the zeitgeist of streetwear and high fashion.
In the early days, every pair was **handcrafted by me**, with each stitch reflecting an uncompromising commitment to quality and innovative design. However, as demand skyrocketed beyond what artisanal production could sustain, I faced the pivotal challenge of scaling responsibly. With no formal manufacturing experience, I navigated the complex world of global production—initially partnering with a **Pakistani vendor** before transitioning to **specialized denim artisans in China**, renowned for their technical precision and premium craftsmanship.
This evolution from a handmade operation to a professionally manufactured brand represents more than just growth—it embodies the **relentless adaptability of self-taught entrepreneurship**. Today, Billy Jean maintains its core ethos of bold, trendsetting design while meeting the standards of a discerning, international clientele.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://KrushedGoods.com
- Instagram: @chrisstylin
