SHOUTOUT LA PRESS

Meet Kyle | Designer and Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kyle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kyle, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
During the pandemic, I started creating uplifting art and graphics as a way to cope – it was honestly my therapy during a really heavy time. I didn’t have a master plan, I just kept creating what felt good. Before I knew it, I had a whole collection of designs and this growing urge to share them with the world. Living in So Cal, I’ve always lived in hats, so it made perfect sense to bring the art to life on something I actually wear. That’s how Soulbyrd was born – a trucker hat company where expressive art meets bold, stylish vibes.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Soulbyrd started as a compilation of unique, uplifting designs and graphics that I eventually brought to life on trucker hats. What began as a creative vision quickly turned into a brand with meaning—something rooted in intention, resilience, and self-expression. I create hats that uplift, inspire, and spark conversation. Soulbyrd isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about creating something real. Every design has a story behind it, and there’s meaning in every detail

It’s important to me to create from a place of originality. I don’t believe in copying what’s already out there. My art is fresh and authentic, and I think that speaks to people. We don’t follow trends—we create them

I’m most proud of how the brand has continued to grow, even after major setbacks. Three years in, I lost my home and all of my inventory in the Pacific Palisades fire. I had been operating everything out of my house, and in an instant, it was gone. It would have been easy to quit—but I didn’t. Instead, I rebuilt. Four months later, Soulbyrd relaunched, this time out of a fulfillment center. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but also one of the most empowering. A special shoutout to Kyrsha, who keeps everything running behind the scenes, and my Sales rep Jacki, who’s out there pushing the brand forward. Their loyalty and energy mean everything to me

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. There were so many learning curves, from sourcing and production to shipping, scaling, and protecting the brand. I’ve had to refine the process again and again, stay fiercely committed to quality, and learn how to pivot quickly. But I’ve also gained confidence, clarity, and a deeper understanding of what Soulbyrd really is: a brand rooted in soul, freedom, and originality.

What I want people to know is this—
Soulbyrd is more than just a hat. It’s a vibe. It’s that hat people always ask about — the one that makes someone smile, turns heads, and gets a “where’d you get that?” Every design has its own character, its own pulse — the colors, the textures, the details are meant to come alive on you. Soulbyrd speaks to you, carries a little piece of your story, and is made to be lived in, loved, and never left behind.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d definitely take them to Malibu—walking the pier and having brunch at Malibu Farm, which serves amazing farm-to-table food and cocktails with the perfect ocean view. The farmers markets in Beverly Hills and Brentwood are also a favorite—on Sundays, they’re great for picking up fresh produce from incredible local farmers.

We’d grab rooftop drinks at Funky Rooftop in Beverly Hills to enjoy the warm Southern California weather, then head to Great White in Brentwood for a laid-back dinner. It’s casual but consistently serves some of the best food and drinks.

And of course, we’d spend time on Abbott Kinney—shopping, exploring, and soaking in the vibe. It’s one of the most fun and inspiring streets in LA.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?I’d love to give a big shout-out to the incredible team at LA Strong, a company doing meaningful work to support those affected by the recent LA fires — including small business owners like myself who lost everything. I was connected to them through a friend, and I’m beyond grateful for their generosity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to helping people rebuild. In moments of crisis, it’s people like this — who step up without hesitation — that remind us of the power of community. Thank you, LA Strong. Your impact is real, and your kindness does not go unnoticed.