Seventy7’s 7 Movers & Shakers: DK Guwop
Photo of Dk Guwop by Bash Benzo
A’ja: Your brand has grown significantly this year; what do you think you did to help more people discover you and your pieces?
DK: I worked with people that were already on a level that I wanted to reach. Even if it was something that didn't necessarily benefit me. Also my clothing brand is closely tied in with my personal brand so when I did photoshoots for other clothing brands it would bring attention to me and my clothes at the same time. Networking and just meeting people in general put more eyes on my brand. Oh and developing friendships with the models that I've worked with. They'll sometimes put my brand on to other people simply by wearing it or styling it at other shoots.
A’ja: What is the meaning behind your brand?
DK: The overall meaning of my brand is growth. The name Guwop's Garden was first introduced as an alliteration of my nickname, but I really took to the flower aspect of a garden. Similar to how different flowers require different methods to bloom, thats how I see us. My phrase is "we all grow", and I like my brand to represent that.
A’ja: How essential are images for advertising your brand? How do you handle creative direction on photoshoots to ensure that your brand appeals to the consumer in the way you want?
DK: Images are the most important part of the process in my opinion because essentially what you are advertising is supposed to make someone want what they see. For the most part, I will creative direct my own shoots based off something I see in nature, or maybe Pinterest, but lately I have been taking feedback from models, making the photoshoots a collaborative thing.
A’ja: What are some ways you intend to challenge yourself in the future?
DK: In the future, I will challenge myself to do pop-ups. Up to this point I only have sold via online, and some personal shoppers but I have yet to do a pop-up shop. For example, Atlanta Streetwear Market does one of the biggest shops in the city, I am challenging myself to be a vendor. I have helped several other brands in the past, worked their booths but I am ready to work my own table, connect with new customers, and sharpen my customer service.
A’ja: Being in Atlanta provides numerous opportunities for networking and getting into rooms that might lead to great opportunities. How important is it for you to meet people and develop connections in the city?
DK: I love that being in Atlanta, you never know who you may come across. I moved here initially to do music, that alone helped me get into rooms with different people. Even after I got out of my record deal, I kept the same connections, a lot of people that have bigger influence still follow and engage with my fashion content.
Aja: Do you envision yourself ever breaking away from streetwear designs?
DK: Absolutely, I want to introduce a preppy, business casual style to my brand. Maybe design sweater vests, rugby polos, etc. I am educating myself on different fashion styles, like I can dress in different styles but I don't know how to make them or know history about the type of fabrics.
Photo of Dk Guwop by Bash Benzo
Aja: What goals have you achieved this year, and what do you aspire to accomplish in 2025?
DK: One of the goals I accomplished this year was hitting 5,000 instagram followers back in January 2024. Now closing on 10K, I plan on hitting it in before February. I also aspire to do pop ups and scale my brand to where I constantly have inventory and can begin to hire people for help.