Summer has been off to a hot start for Kelly Houston and Derek Jones, co-founders of the luxury streetwear brand DK Movement.
In addition to multiple radio and television appearances and a feature story in CTFashion magazine, highlighting the brand that urges purchasers to “Become Your Best Self” – they’ve launched multiple initiatives to give back to their local community, including meeting with middle school-age youth earlier this month at a Career Day at the Boys and Girls Club of Bristol (Conn.) and contributing funds to support a local homeless shelter, Agape House in Bristol, Conn.
Giving back is at the heart of the business, reflected across the DK Movement collections with bold, uplifting designs, from Unstoppable to Unknown Voices, Worthy to Movement, said a press release from DK Movement. Fabrics used in producing DK Movement brand products are long-lasting, recyclable and sustainable. Jogger sets, shorts and jackets are soft, lightweight and fully comfortable for skin, exercise, casual and outdoors activities. Quality is never compromised, and Kelly and Derek take particular pride in customer service and being active community members, said the press release.
DK Movement will be showcased at a Small Business Expo in Bristol on July 16, coordinated by the House of Fire Ministries; the Bridgeport Community Festival on July 23; and at Bristol’s Rockwell Summer Festival on Aug. 20.
A summer highlight will be the grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony on Aug. 5, coordinated by the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce, to mark DK Movement’s first in-store collaboration, with Avril’s Boutique in Bristol – which carries high-end authentic sneakers and handbags – and owner Brenda Jules.
DK Movement’s goal is to reach as many people as possible to inspire them to grow as individuals while uplifting others within their communities, said the recent press release. They welcome collaborations with local community organizations, building on their work in Bristol.
“Everyone deserves the opportunity to become a better version of themselves,” Derek and Kelly explained, according to the press release. “Everyone has the strength, fortitude and resiliency to achieve their ambitions, and in doing so, transform not only their own lives but the lives of others within the community.”
As a young child, the release said, Derek experienced homelessness and the countless challenges that resulted. Later in life, those early years manifest new challenges ranging from massive weight gain to addiction. Through perseverance and fortitude, years later, he was able to overcome and navigate a more productive life’s path, becoming a health advocate and acclaimed distance runner, while pursuing a successful career and then, after meeting Kelly, launching with her the DK Movement brand as a means to inspire others to transform their own lives.
Working in the modeling industry for many years, the release explained, Kelly has been featured in various urban and fashion magazines and graced the runway for an array of fashion designers during New YorkFashion Week. She then took a break from the industry to become a mother and started a new career as a lactation consultant. Later, the release said, she returned to the fashion industry as a red carpet hostess, becoming a recognized and sought-after personality. The release said Kelly’s passion is to inspire others to never give up on their dreams, and to focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle through good choices and positive mindset.
With every DK Movement brand purchase, the release said, a portion of proceeds is given back to the community.
Through the “Unknown Voices” collection, as an example, DK Movement amplifies the voices of those who are just trying to stay alive on the streets, said the release. The colorful, poignant logo designed specifically for DK Movement makes a statement and will start conversations, said the release. The goal is to give dignity to those who are overlooked, to make visible those who feel invisible, to share the unknown voices of humanity.
Visit the DK Movement website, dkmovementbrand.com, for up-to-date information on upcoming appearances, special promotions, new community connections, and the full DK Movement brand, as the business continues to expand in and beyond Connecticut.
UPCOMING
Saturday, July 16, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Small Business Expo, Bristol, 136 Riverside Ave., Bristol, Conn.
Saturday, July 23, 12 – 8 p.m. Bridgeport Community Festival, Corner Main and State, Bridgeport, Conn.
Friday, Aug. 5, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Grand Opening, Avril’s Boutique, 912 Terryville Avenue, Bristol, Conn.
Saturday, Aug. 20, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Rockwell Summer Festival, 238 Jacobs Street, Bristol, Conn.