We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Robert Mason a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Robert, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
At Kulture Kollective, our mission is to break down the stigmas surrounding mental health. This mission is deeply personal to me because growing up, I saw how mental health struggles were often met with silence or shame. This inspired me to create a brand that uses fashion as a platform for awareness. By wearing our designs, people help spark conversations that challenge stigmas and promote openness. I believe that, just like physical health, mental health deserves understanding and support. Kulture Kollective is committed to being part of necessary shift in how we talk about and approach mental health.
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 name is Robert James Mason III. I’m the founder of Kulture Kollective, a fashion brand on a mission to break down the stigmas surrounding mental health. In addition to being a brand owner, I’m also an actor and model, and I’ve always been passionate about using creative platforms to make a difference. With a education in psychology and a background in mental health advocacy, I’ve witnessed how mental health conversations are often avoided or misunderstood, especially in marginalized communities. This personal experience inspired me to create something meaningful that blends my love for fashion, acting, and modeling with my dedication to mental health awareness.
Kulture Kollective is my way of turning passion into purpose. Our motto, “From Stigma to Style,” reflects my goal of using fashion as a tool to transform difficult conversations into powerful statements. Through my work, both in front of the camera and behind my brand, I aim to inspire people to speak openly about mental health and embrace a culture of acceptance. When you wear Kulture Kollective, you’re not just wearing clothes—you’re joining the movement to challenge stigmas and promote mental wellness for all.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
A story that truly reflects my resilience began with the loss of my brother Micah in 2020. Since then, I faced loss after loss, including the passing of another brother, Rashad, my grandmother Susan and Uncles Torey and Roy as well as a few friends. These years have been some of the hardest I’ve ever endured. During this challenging period, I stepped up to support my niece and nephew, providing them with the stability and care they needed after their father’s passing. Balancing this responsibility with my professional roles was demanding. I worked as a Registered Behavior Technician, supporting young children in kindergarten and second grade, and as a social worker, offering crucial support to those in need. At the same time, I completed my master’s degree in Forensic Psychology and began my second master’s program in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling. Managing these duties while navigating personal grief reinforced my dedication to helping others and my commitment to mental health advocacy.
Amidst this period of intense personal and professional growth, I founded Kulture Kollective. The brand emerged as a way to channel my experiences into something meaningful. Our mission to break down mental health stigmas became a personal crusade, reflecting both my journey and my drive to make a positive impact.
This journey through loss, responsibility, and academic achievement has been a testament to my resilience. It has shaped not only my personal growth but also my commitment to advocating for mental health through both my work and my brand.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
I keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty by actively engaging with my audience through various platforms. On Instagram, I share mental health facts and statistics to inform and support my followers, aligning with our motto, “From Stigma to Style.” By being transparent about my own struggles, I aim to create a sense of community and show that no one is alone in their journey. Additionally, I’ve launched a YouTube page where viewers can get an inside look at the process of building Kulture Kollective. This offers a behind-the-scenes perspective that deepens their connection to the brand. I’m continuously working on becoming more consistent with my posts to maintain and strengthen these connections.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thekulturekollective.com/
- Instagram: @thekulturekollective_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robert.mason.1217?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmason93?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Twitter: @jug6ernaut_
- Youtube: @KultureKollective
- Tiktok: @jug6ernaut & @Kulture.Kollective