We recently connected with Kadrien Yelsom and have shared our conversation below.
Kadrien, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I found my purpose by realizing that it had been chasing me all along. At eight years old, I picked up a camera to make kids’ movies. Even when I stepped away—first into football, where I learned discipline, work ethic, and never cutting corners—the creative spark kept circling back. I shot skate videos for friends, drifted away again, and then in college, on what felt like an ordinary day, I was asked to direct a music video. That moment wasn’t random—it was purpose knocking again. Fashion, film, storytelling… these have always been a part of who I am. Over time, I stopped resisting and started leaning fully into the things that refused to let me go. My purpose found me as much as I found it.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Right now, my life is a blend of storytelling and building. On one side, I’m developing as a filmmaker—crafting narratives that are cinematic, layered, and unapologetically real. My work is inspired by everyday people, high-stakes worlds, and the emotions that tie them together. On the other side, I’m leading Kothello, a luxury streetwear and lifestyle brand that represents the balance of edge and elegance, grit and refinement. It’s not just clothing—it’s a statement about self-expression and living without limits.
What excites me most is that both film and fashion are different canvases for the same purpose: to create experiences that move people. Whether it’s through a scene that lingers long after the credits, or a garment that makes someone feel powerful the moment they put it on—I’m building worlds people can step into.
Looking ahead, I’m focused on expanding Kothello with our upcoming releases and collaborations, while pushing my film projects closer to production. It’s a season of aligning vision with execution. For me, it’s all about taking the ideas that chased me since childhood and scaling them into something that leaves a lasting cultural footprint.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three qualities that shaped my journey are tenacity, discipline, and problem-solving. Tenacity meant never accepting “no” as final, discipline meant showing up every day without shortcuts, and problem-solving meant finding solutions where others saw roadblocks. My degree in International Business gave me a global perspective on fashion, while film has been about self-education and working daily toward mastery. My advice: study those ahead of you, think in decades not days, treat failure as a teacher, and believe in yourself—that belief is what carries you through the toughest seasons.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
Two books that had a major impact on me are As a Man Thinketh by James Allen and Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon Hill. As a Man Thinketh taught me that everything begins in the mind—your thoughts shape your reality, your habits, and ultimately your destiny. It drilled into me that if I wanted to change my life, I had to first master my mindset.
Outwitting the Devil gave me a different kind of wisdom. It’s about discipline, focus, and refusing to “drift” through life. The idea that fear, laziness, and indecision are the real enemies stuck with me. That book reminded me that success requires clarity, persistence, and the courage to think for yourself, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Together, those books reinforced something I live by: your thoughts create your path, but only discipline and courage will keep you walking it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Kothello.co
- Instagram: @kadrienyelsom
Image Credits
@houpicsphotos
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