Many students walk around Florida A&M’s campus wearing their natural crown. But how do they keep their crown secure at night and ready for the next day?
Third-year engineering student Khaysaun Vanterpool came up with a solution by designing a natural hair protector for students while they sleep. He is the founder of Lowkey VI, which is a durag and bonnet online business.
Vanterpool is from St. Thomas, which is why he indicated it in his brand’s name – VI, for Virgin Islands.
Vanterpool wanted to be different in the clothing business, and wanted to design and sell head gear instead of actual clothing.
“It’s popular to start a clothing business based on shirts, pants or hats, but I wanted to do something different,” Vanterpool said. “I wanted to get out of the mix of doing what I see on daily, and pursue Lowkey VI as a headgear business to be my prime highlight.”
Lowkey VI has been in business since February, and is growing each day. Vanterpool promotes his business on the Instagram page for the business, @low.keyvi.
Vanterpool designed his logo, and also has a great source for the production of his silk material. His cousin, who lives in Miami, owns a clothing production factory where he also manufactures clothes for other businesses. It was natural for Vanterpool to fall into this field.
Vanterpool has a loyal set of customers who have been promoting his business through modeling and proudly wearing their gear every night. He also has a growing audience among the Florida and St. Thomas areas. His business is being networked in the Caribbean and in America, so that is also a great business move for Lowkey VI.
“There are new stuff that will be coming soon, other than durags and bonnets because I do want to upgrade but keep my business based on how I started,” Vanterpool said. “Lowkey is a reminder to manifest your pure potentiality as well as your intentions and any type of desire that you seem to seek out.”
Kiarra Scott, a sociology major at FAMU, is one of Vanterpool’s loyal customers who religiously wears his bonnets for a good night’s rest.
“I really love Lowkey VI and the product’s quality,” Scott said. “I have the bonnet, and I was very impressed by the quality. Very silky and smooth with a double layer which is very helpful for 4C hair. Hands down the best bonnet that I own, and I wear it every night!”
Another student, Shaquan Frederick, who is a musician and artist, has been friends with Vanterpool since they were kids. He’s been in full support of Lowkey VI, and lives by the brand’s motto: “To manifest your true potential.”
“I bought his durag not too long ago and I have to say it’s pretty comfortable, stylish, and honestly you can flex it on a regular,” Frederick said. “Honestly I have high hopes that Lowkey VI is on the come up to being a well-known brand that everyone will know soon.”
For more on Lowkey VI, visit the Instagram page: @low.keyvi, where you can DM to place an order.