How a female CEO of a streetwear brand is changing the game in Toronto fashion and culture

BY SELINA McCALLUM

Usually, the streetwear clothing industry is dominated by males, but this company is completely run by a 24-year-old woman of Trinidad and Tobago decent in the city of Toronto.

Khadejah Chrysostom is the President and CEO of Freshmen Clothing, a brand that doesn’t just focus on keeping everyone fresh in the city but giving opportunities to creatives and giving back to marginalized communities.

The brand sells sweaters, shirts, crewnecks, robes and more. Freshmen consists of different designs each under a special name. Toronto Skyline, Knowledge Seekers, Fresh Prince and The Koi are among the names of the designs.

What is a freshmen? According to the brand, it is anyone who dreams big in believing in what they do and goes the extra mile for success.

“I want you to feel like nothing can break you when you’re wearing Freshmen clothing,” said Chrysostom.

On Saturday, March 11^th, Chrysostom held her event part of Freshmen called Vibe Working where she brings together photographers, models, and entrepreneurs living in Toronto. It was also a fashion show and showcase of the new arrival of Freshmen clothing, a line called Rebirth.

Rebirth includes a t-shirt that says, “Pain births art, so please keep tearing me a part” and a t-shirt that says Freshmen in white, spaced out capital letters with cherry blossoms on top. The purpose behind the name, Rebirth, means a new beginning for the brand and the CEO. In addition, it comes at a perfect time as spring is around the corner.

Vibe Working is a unique idea as the models walk down the runway, pause in a studio set up and photographers take pictures of them until the next model comes along. It gives an opportunity for emerging and established photographers to build on their fashion photography content.

“We cultivate arts, business, fashion and passion,” said Chrysostom.

Moreover, the event includes entrepreneurs who sell sunglasses, who sell jewelry and services such as legal services. The purpose of the event is to have people interact with each other as well as support Freshmen and other brands on the come up.

“From the vendors who attend I always hear, “I made money, I made connections and I had fun,” said Chrysostom.

 Chrysostom’s passion lies in hustling and helping her around those hustling to come together.

“Photographers want to see their photos get over 1000 likes on Instagram. Everyone wants to put themselves out there to make money. Freshmen provides that safe spot, that safe environment for you to create and connect in a positive environment,” said Chrysostom.

The new line of clothing called Rebirth is specifically special to Chrysostom because she turned 24 earlier this year, which was the age that her brother passed away four years ago. Her brother started the Freshmen brand in 2011.

“I get inspired when I look at my life, even if it was left in pain, emptiness and a question mark with no answers to that question mark,” said Chrysostom.

Chrysostom was very close to her brother, Khalid, growing up. She describes her relationship with him as warm, calm and fun. Even when her family was struggling financially, he would always make sure that his siblings were having fun.

When he passed away, Chrysostom took over the Freshmen brand and expanded, but it wasn’t easy for her.

“I kept telling myself I’m doing this for me, and that made me angry and depressed. I wasn’t living for me. That opened up my mind to realize that Freshmen is me. I can connect with him, while I find myself,” said Chrysostom.

She says that on this entrepreneur journey, she knows that Khalid has been right by her side.

“I know that my brother is my guardian Angel. I know that Freshmen has become my guideline, one that is going to mold me to become a woman with purpose,” said Chrysostom.

The President of Freshmen says that she lets working in a male dominated industry inspire her as well.

“Majority of streetwear brands are run by men in Toronto, so I let it inspire me but not let it stop me. It can be intimidating, but don’t let it intimidate you, let it inspire you,” said Chrysostom. “The advice I would give to other females working in male dominated industries is don’t compare yourself to other males and females and focus on you and what your message is.”

Freshmen Clothing’s message consists of catering to those who go the extra mile for success, but it also values the vulnerable.

In December 2019, Chrysostom roamed the streets of downtown with her team to hand out sweaters to homeless folks on the street. In addition, on her recent trip to Trinidad and Tobago, she spent a day with children in a classroom and gave them t-shirts.

“You never know what someone’s going through. Everyone needs that warmth and light when they’re feeling alone,” said the CEO of Freshmen. “If I can give you something that can change your mood, or your spirit, or your life, then that’s going to make me sleep at night. Seeing someone that is happy, is what makes me happy. I feed off of that, my soul takes to that.”

Chrysostom holds community building dear to her heart as she understands that without a community, she cannot grow her brand.

She envisions Freshmen becoming a foundation where people can go for all their needs from recording music to receiving spiritual healing. She dreams of opening up a community centre for people of all ages.

In giving away Freshmen clothing wherever she goes, Chrysostom’s goal is to leave a piece of Khalid everywhere.

“My brother was the visionary. He lit the torch, and passed it to me to run, to continue this marathon,” said Chrysostom. “The goal is to see Khalid everywhere, and I won’t stop until I see him worldwide.”

To learn more about Freshmen or to purchase an item, follow them on Instagram @freshmen.mmxi