From Dreams to Designs: The Rise of “Life Like Mine” Streetwear
"Life Like Mine" is an emerging urban streetwear brand that embodies the resilience and creativity of its founders, K CA$H and FRE$H. The brand, launched in the summer of 2023, is the culmination of years of planning and determination, particularly on the part of FRE$H, who has been incarcerated in the New York State prison system for the past 12 years.
Despite the challenges he faces, FRE$H has pursued his passion for fashion, creating designs that capture the essence of urban culture. His partner, K CA$H, handles the business side of the brand, ensuring that the high-quality apparel reaches their growing audience.
The couple's journey is one of perseverance and unity, having reconnected in 2021 after knowing each other since their teenage years. What started as FRE$H's dream has become a shared vision, with K CA$H fully invested in bringing "Life Like Mine" to the forefront of the streetwear scene.
Together, they have created a line that offers a wide range of clothing for all seasons, including t-shirts, hoodies, sweatsuits, leggings, and dad hats. Their commitment to quality is evident in the heat transfers, embroidery, and custom items that they offer, catering to those who seek unique and personalized fashion statements.
As the brand prepares for its upcoming spring and summer collection, "Life Like Mine" continues to expand its offerings, introducing new items like shorts to complement their existing lineup. The brand's success is a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring strength of its founders' bond.
Through their clothing, K CA$H and FRE$H aim to share their story with the world, inspiring others with a message of hope, resilience, and the belief that dreams can become reality, no matter the circumstances.
LLM is a family brand, based on your love and support of each other. Before we get into the business side of things, how did you two meet?
We met when we were 14 and 16 years old. I used to run with her brother and we’d see each other in passing. She won’t admit it but she had a thing for me. Lol.
At what point did Fre$h’s dream become yours too, K-Ca$h?
My husband’s dream became mine when I seen how serious he was about making this a reality. He wasn’t just talking. He was actually taking steps to make this a reality. He just needed someone in his corner. Not to mention his designs are fly. That’s all I wear.
How do you all celebrate and support each other during the good and not so good times?
This seems like a simple question but I had to really think about it because this isn’t really an ideal situation for a relationship. I picture most couples buying their partners something or taking them on a trip. Because my man is behind the wall we can really just give praise where it's due and just be there mentally and spiritually regardless of the good and bad times.
What has kept you going and hopeful during your time away, Fre$h?
Truth be told; a lot of my motivation was fueled by hate lol. Let me elaborate. A lot of so-called friends and family left me for dead when I got sentenced in 2012 at the age of 21. A lot of people shot down my dreams and didn’t want to help me along the way.
I used all of that as motivation to prove the naysayers wrong. I've been designing clothes since 2013. I didn’t let prison hold me back. Once K linked with me things started happening. I’m blessed to have her. Without her Life Like Mine would still just be an idea.
In what ways has the bond between you two played a role in the success of LLM?
Because of the unbreakable bond we have, we’ll never give up on our dreams or endeavors. It just makes us stronger and more determined for success.
Let’s back up a bit and take it to the beginning. How did you get your start in fashion design, Fre$h?
I’ve always been a fly n*cca. I’ve always been into fashion. Unfortunately, it took for me to come to jail to take it seriously and find my niche. Sometimes it takes certain situations for you to really know what you want to do in life. Better late than never.
If you two had to pick any decade of fashion to relive, which would it be and why?
I feel like fashion gets better over time so I would have to choose the most recent decade. IMO designers are more creative now and it's more put together. When I look at how we used to dress in the 90s and early 2000s, I’m kind of puzzled at how we really thought all the baggy sh*t was even fly.
What do you two admire the most about each other?
I admire my man’s determination. He has a lot of fight in him, and he’ll never give up regardless of the obstacles placed in front of him. He’s gonna figure it out.
I admire K’s loyalty the most. I’ve never met a female more loyal than K-CA$H. Tee Grizzley said it best in his song “How Many”.
“And K-CA$H she the realest dawg/ got that money right cuz she ain’t miss a visit dawg/ she said she gone hold me down and she did it dawg/ how many b*tches can say that?”.
LLM is an ever-evolving brand. But what is your ultimate vision?
My ultimate goal is to make “Life Like Mine” a household name. This is only one of my brands. I’m using this to help bring out my other brands. Sky’s the limit!
Where do you two see yourselves and the brand in 5 years from now?
I’ll be home in the next 2 years. But while I’m waiting we’re doing everything to build this brand. That means more magazines, pop-up shops, podcasts, and anything else that helps get our brand out there.
Once I’m home, I can help wifey promote our brand. It just takes the right person to wear it or promote it. I see the business booming over the next 5 years. Now go get your “Life Like Mine” clothing and stop wearing that bullsh*t. Respectfully!
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