Kevin Tillis is a Marietta boy – one of its local sons. He grew up here, attended Hillgrove High School and went on to graduate from the University of Mississippi in 2015. After college with a dream in mind, he landed a great internship for a year, and then set out to get some honest to goodness, real time experience with a retailer where he could learn the men’s clothing business. He launched his Kennedy Gray clothing line in June of 2018. We think you’ll be hearing and (seeing) a lot of him and his clothing in years to come. Here’s a quick look into the “Making of Kennedy Gray”.
What’s in a “Name”?
Kennedy is my middle name and Gray is my mother’s maiden name. Both names are tied directly to my family’s history on Lake Raburn in the North Georgia Mountains. The lake has provided me with a great deal of creative vision and the flag style logo is a tribute to the classic boats I grew up with.
How Does One Begin to Build A Clothing Company?
Once I took the leap of faith, I set out to find a manufacture. This eventually led me to Peru where I began working with a company who produced samples for me with the Kennedy Gray label. I then hopped in my car and spent a few months traveling the southeast showing my samples to Menswear retailers. The experience was exciting and nerve-racking at the same time and was worth every minute of it. That experience has proved to be invaluable.
What’s in a “Line”?
I launched the line with a variety of colors and styles of short sleeve Henley T- shirts and Polo shirts last June. We use the softest fabrics and our shirts are constructed for a comfortable and laid-back style. In December, we released long sleeve Henleys, Hoodies, and Crewneck Sweatshirt styles. As the line grows, my goal is to expand into other areas, but I love wearing and creating Henleys because I think they elevate a man’s casual style so well and so effortlessly.
They Say It Takes A Village
It really does take a village and I can’t tell you how grateful I am for all of the support I’ve received from family and friends. Marietta has been good to me, as well. I played football with some great guys at Hillgrove who have gone on to play for the NFL. Evan Engram, Brandon and Bradley Chubb and Kenyan Drake are all friends of mine. They support me on social media by wearing my clothing and help to spread the word about Kennedy Gray. Riley Green, a rising country music artist, recently wore one of my shirts during a scheduled performance on the Today Show. We’ve got some great photos and videos on our social media sites of that day. It was so cool!
Where Can We See, Purchase and Support the Kennedy Gray Line?
Square Threads located on the Marietta Square carries our line, as well as Miller Brother LTD in Buckhead. It is also carried in boutiques across the southeast and we are growing every day. Your readers can shop online at www. kennedygray.com and check us out on social media pages at FB @Kennedygrayclothing Insta@Kennedygrayclothing.
Email us at customerservice@kennedygray.com with any questions.
Congratulations on your awesome achievements and (great taste, by the way). I see a Henley in many of our readers’ futures J