Brian Kim
I believe the motivation to do one’s work is in learning and growth. Personal and technical development are key motivators and it’s in the details and facing challenges that one’s sense of purpose is solidified. Ultimately, I’m a problem solver by nature. And collaboration and working with a team is my strong suit. I have a rare balance of a creative and business mind and find that without balance there is little success. I have a driven personality that doesn’t divide work from life as I enjoy working and building life around it. I am goal orientated and always naturally audit the present state against expectations and projections. Being flexible in the mind is key to growth and being humble integral to improvement and innovation. As a leader I believe my position is to serve and support the team and foster an environment of accountability, creativity, productivity, and community. As an employee I believe my position is to support a vision and deliver upon expectations and strengthen the business and culture of the brand.
Brian Kim studied interdisciplinary arts at SFAI obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Fine arts. He then spent the next 4 years touring the world as a drummer in a band. It was at this point he began to make clothing for himself and other musicians creating durable fashion that could endure the rigors of touring and performing. In 2002 he moved Los Angeles to open a custom jean store in Echo Park where he created bespoke denim for over 300 clients in 3 years. He partnered with Indigo Group and created a readymade line that would be sold to major retailers like Nordstroms, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. He sold the shares of WCJ and went to design for Kill City to sharpen his design skills. After 3 years at Kill City he partnered with his wife Olga Nazarova and launched THVM. For 6 years they built a strong demand that serviced top tier one boutiques and retailers and built a community and culture around the brand. The company also created an internationally distributed magazine, THVM Rag, and worked with hundreds of contributors from around the globe. After closing the company in 2016 Brian went on to work as Creative Director for Comune rebranding it from a young action sports brand to a women’s contemporary brand servicing major retailers and over 2000 specialty boutiques. During his 4 years at Comune he strengthened his management skills and marketing and e-commerce driven business.