We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kofi Boateng Ibsen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kofi, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The birth of BLKSTARUNTD is a profound story deeply rooted in personal history, cultural rediscovery, and a passionate desire to bridge divides and create positive change. It all began in 2016, a pivotal year that would shape the trajectory of my life and lead me to embark on this incredible journey.

The catalyst for BLKSTARUNTD was a bittersweet moment in my life – the passing of my beloved grandfather. My upbringing had taken me far from my Ghanaian roots at the tender age of eight, and it wasn’t until my grandfather’s funeral that I had the opportunity to return to my homeland. This homecoming was a reconnection to my family’s heritage, especially our ties to the Kwahu people of the mountains. It was a revelation of my own history and cultural legacy that had been obscured by time and distance. In the midst of this tragic event, I found inspiration and a renewed sense of curiosity about my heritage. I felt an obligation to honor my grandfather’s memory and to carry forward the traditions and lineage of our people. This was a pivotal moment when I knew I had a unique mission – to share the richness of my culture with the world.

At the same time, the United States was grappling with its own set of challenges, marked by tension, protests against police brutality, and social injustice targeting African Americans. It was a period when my generation needed leaders who could unite, empower, and enlighten rather than divide. Simultaneously, I was transitioning away from our screen printing business, a valuable experience that would serve as a stepping stone for what I do now. I realized that fashion has a unique power – it can be a unifying force and a catalyst for conversations that transcend borders and cultures.

It became my personal mission to use BLKSTARUNTD as a platform to share the symbolism of the “black star of Africa” with the world through fashion, sports, and education. These are realms I am deeply passionate about, and I envisioned them as bridges to connect people, empower our community, and bring about positive change. The core of my vision was clear – I saw a world in need of leadership and connection, and I wanted to fill that void by fostering open communication and dialogue through the medium of fashion.

BLKSTARUNTD isn’t just a clothing brand; it’s a movement born from a profound desire to connect, empower, and inspire. It represents the unity of cultures, the celebration of heritage, and the hope for a brighter, more inclusive future. Through our clothing and our mission, we aim to create a community of the next generation of young leaders who will enlighten the world. Our journey is just beginning, but the path we’ve chosen is clear – one of cultural pride, unity, and empowerment, and we invite you to be a part of this transformative story.

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?

My journey into the world of fashion and clothing is a tapestry woven with cultural influences, creativity, and a strong desire to make a positive impact. Growing up in Ghana, I didn’t have much in terms of material possessions, but I always had a keen sense of style. We would dress in our “Sunday’s Best” for special occasions, and I would meticulously coordinate my outfits, even if the pieces didn’t quite fit. Fashion, to me, was something innate, something I was born with. I gotta thank my momma too, she was always draped in custom Kente pieces when we were coming up.

My introduction into the clothing industry began during my college days when I decided to design T-shirts and hoodies for our baseball team as a way to fundraise for our low-budget team. It turned out to be a successful venture, and it planted the seed of curiosity about starting my own clothing brand. At the time, I didn’t realize the significance of that step, but it was the beginning of my journey.

Fast forward a few years, and I met Eric “Gavin” Barnowski, who would become not only a good friend but also a mentor. Gavin was a visionary and a pioneer in the Bay Area. He brought me into his clothing company, Heroics Clothing, around 2013. Under his guidance, I learned the ropes of the screen printing business and had the opportunity to learn from one of the best in the industry. We branded ourselves as “sports fashion reimagined” and even had a mobile sales truck that we took to tailgates to sell to fans. We signed contracts with a few athletes who represented our brand, and it was a fantastic experience.

However, the turning point in my journey came when I connected with my Guatemalan brothers, Erik and Julio Locon of Emaculate Livin. They were instrumental in inspiring me to dive into cut and sew and create exclusive one-of-a-kind pieces. Their unapologetic celebration of their culture resonated with me, and it aligned perfectly with my vision to celebrate my own heritage. Our shared energy led to a synergy that fueled my passion for what I do.

What I’m most proud of is the evolution of BLKSTARUNTD and it’s alignment with my purpose. I’ve been able to unite the “black star of Africa” with the world through fashion, and it’s a beautiful place to be. This journey has allowed me to stay disciplined in carrying out this vision, uniting cultures, empowering people, and enlightening the world through sports fashion and education.

One of the most significant achievements was our recent trip to Ghana, where we visited my hometown and made a meaningful impact. We fed 300+ kids in 3 different cities, opened an administrative building and library in the village of Nankese, and hosted the inaugural “Take em home festival,” featuring a fashion show and a gathering of artists and creatives. It was a mission fulfilled, and it filled me with immense pride.

In a world where my passion aligns with my purpose, there is no pressure to create – only a sense of fulfillment and an unwavering commitment to continue using sports fashion and education to unite, empower, and enlighten the world. BLKSTARUNTD is more than a brand; it’s a movement, and I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that they are a part of something meaningful, something that transcends clothing and fashion, and serves as a catalyst for positive change.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

Ah, that used mobile clothing truck, what a game-changer it turned out to be! The backstory to that daring move still gives me a rush of excitement and shaking my head when I reflect on it.

I stumbled upon this listing on Craigslist, a used mobile truck going for a price that seemed like a steal, but it was still a substantial amount – around 6-8K. What struck me was the idea that this truck could be our secret weapon, a marketing marvel that no one else in our industry had. It was a chance to take our brand to the next level.

I couldn’t shake the thought of it. The night after discovering the listing, I found myself sleepless, captivated by the possibilities that this truck represented. It was clear in my mind – this could be our ticket to becoming the talk of the town, our brand on wheels, taking our athletes and our products to events and tailgates across the city.

But there was one problem – we didn’t have that kind of cash lying around. That’s when I decided to take a risk that was new and unnerving for me. I knew it was a make-or-break moment for our business, and I couldn’t do it alone. I had to call my pops.

So, with my heart pounding and excitement surging through my veins, I invited my dad to our shop. Together with my business partner, Gavin, we pitched our vision to him. We painted a vivid picture of how this mobile truck could transform our brand, help us reach new heights, and set us apart from the competition. Our plan was to wrap the truck with images of the athletes we sponsored, showcasing them wearing our clothing. It was like a Madden bus, a moving billboard of our brand touring the city, going from one event to another, from tailgate to tailgate.

Somehow, against all odds, we managed to convince him. Till this day, I’m still not sure how we did it. Of course, my dad wasn’t about to invest without a return, and he taxed us with an 18% interest rate. But I didn’t care. I wanted that truck so badly that I was willing to make it work no matter what.

We got the truck, and it turned out to be a brilliant move. It became an instant hit and an integral part of our identity. We were the highlight of every pop-up event, and our brand was recognized everywhere we went. It was a risk that paid off beyond our wildest dreams.

Sure, I had a bit of anxiety about owing my dad such a significant amount of money, but I was absolutely convinced that this plan would succeed. I knew we couldn’t be denied. The truck became more than a marketing tool; it was a symbol of our determination, innovation, and the unshakable belief in our brand. Looking back, it’s a story that reminds me that sometimes taking risks and believing in your vision can lead to the most rewarding and unforgettable moments in business.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

Maintaining a strong connection with our clients and nurturing brand loyalty is paramount for us at BLKSTARUNTD. As a clothing brand deeply rooted in culture and creativity, authenticity is at the core of everything we do. We believe that for a brand to endure, it has to resonate with its audience on a personal level.

One way we strive to foster brand loyalty is by going the extra mile for our customers. We want them to feel a genuine connection to our products and our mission. So, with every order, we include a little something extra – whether it’s a sticker, a pin, or even an additional tee. It’s a token of our appreciation and a way to encourage our customers to proudly showcase our brand to the world. Additionally, we accompany each order with a handwritten note, often including a discount code for their next purchase. It’s a small gesture, but it goes a long way in letting our customers know that we value their support.

In terms of communication, I’ll be the first to admit that I can improve in the email department. Platforms like Shopify have made it incredibly easy to access customer information that they provide you, and it’s time I leverage that capability. I recognize the importance of regular email updates, promotions, and sharing exciting news with our community. It’s a channel that I’m committed to utilizing more effectively moving forward.

Ultimately, building and sustaining a loyal following is a two-way street. We want our customers to believe in us, and in return, we’re dedicated to providing them with exceptional products, meaningful experiences, and a brand they can wholeheartedly identify with. It’s this authentic connection that drives us forward and gives our brand its enduring strength.

Contact Info:

• Website: blkstruntd.com
• Instagram: @blk.star.untd, @blkstruntdgh
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/BLK-STAR-UNTD-100063463213671/?_rdr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldboatengibsen?trk=public_profile_browsemap
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@blkstaruntd9893

Image Credits
Kachiside Madu @make_it_madu and Ronald Essel @pantha.studios