Kyler Andrews is a man who, indeed, wears his heart on his sleeve.
As a fourth-year computer science scholar and entrepreneur at Florida A&M University, Andrews has become an uplifting presence, allowing his passions to guide his actions.
He founded BOWYA, a Christian streetwear brand he started on his birthday in 2021. BOWYA is an acronym for Because of who/whom You Are, which contains multiple designs to mix fashion with faith.
Andrews loves to display his style and wanted to create something that takes religious clothing to a different level.
“I feel like most religious clothing is simple and I wanted to make something more complex and use my scheming and creativity so people can wear clothes as a regular fit and still feel fly,” he said.
Andrews is grateful to FAMU for helping him get out of his shell. He began at Georgia Southern University as a college athlete and transitioned to Tallahassee in 2022. Coming from a PWI to an HBCU allowed him to engage with his atmosphere and connect with those around him.
“It has got me out of my comfort zone as far as being social and having one-on-one conversations.”
Ashton Johnson, a third-year broadcast journalism student, discussed what it is like to interact with Andrews daily.
“It is always love when we see each other and it feels good to know that I have a common brother from my home state of Georgia that I can share my accomplishments with,” Johnson said.
Last spring he joined the Godfather chapter of Progressive Black Men, Inc. It is a national organization that uplifts young Black men through community service, professional development and brotherhood. Andrews has contributed over 50 hours of service during the short time he has been involved, along with serving as a leader to the youth through coaching and teaching. He is among the oldest of his 22 initiates and has benefitted dearly due to these connections.
“These are people that I can learn from as well as teach, and I love all of my brothers,” Andrews said.
His class brother, Cameron Bowsky, discussed how meeting Andrews has impacted him and his additions to the chapter.
“Kyler has become one of my favorite brothers in the chapter, as he led bible studies and helped me with my clothing brand while running his own,” he said.
Andrews’ goal is to become a software developer for a Fortune 500 company while still maintaining his brand. Despite being present for only two years, Andrews has left his mark on the campus through his hard work and dedication. He plans to continue this for as long as he is a Rattler.