*When Keys Harper, an Atlanta native, decided to launch her clothing line Spoiled Brats in 2016, the endeavor served as a form of therapy for the young entrepreneur who had for years battled with anxiety and depression. Now, she plans to empower others by not only delivering stylish and eye-grabbing fashion selections, but also helping to spread awareness about the importance of mental health.
“Spoiled Brats came about because I really didn’t like much of the clothing that was out, and I wanted something that I could personalize and make my own,” Harper said. “Once I started wearing my clothes out in public, people would always stop me and ask where they could get them. The name was inspired by me being called a spoiled brat growing up…It was catchy and it stuck with me.”
Ranging from T-shirts, joggers, sweatshirts, hoodies, jackets, crop tops, body suits, biker suits and pajamas, Spoiled Brats has something for women and men. Customers of the clothing line extend from across the United States to as far as Asia. The variations in bold logos and patterns are a hit, in addition to the inspirational slogans and empowering messages that are central to the brand’s identity.
As a clothing designer, it is clear Harper has found her passion. However, the adversity she endured along the way is what helped her to realize something much more important and meaningful – her purpose.
“I have dealt with depression and anxiety since I was 18 years old, and honestly, at 27 I am just getting help,” she said, reflecting on a past abusive relationship and other negative experiences. “There are still some open wounds that I haven’t coped with, but I am seeking therapy for it. The therapy has really helped me to get in touch with myself and to more effectively communicate my thoughts and feelings. I recommend for anyone struggling with depression and anxiety to take advantage of therapy.”
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In the Black community especially, mental health counseling has historically been frowned upon and the issue of mental health overall has often been swept under the rug. This is despite the fact that the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health reports that “African Americans are 20 percent more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the general population.” Harper recalls informing her mother of her struggles years ago and being told she was over-exaggerating.
“She would tell me that nothing was wrong with me and I just needed to pray about it. But, once she started dealing with it herself, she recognized that it was serious.”
Harper wants to let her audience know that there is nothing wrong with psychotherapy. As she continues to growSpoiled Brats, she aims to grow her presence at schools, empowerment conferences and other events to expose her clothing, to share inspiration, and to encourage young people to seek help if they are depressed. Harper also hosts a signature Spoiled Brats slumber parties for women and girls with the intention of building a sisterhood, stimulating dialogue and having fun. After all, the brand is about living truthfully, fearlessly and unapologetically.
“I want to let people know that they can be and do whatever they want, but first you have to love yourself,” she said. “That is what Spoiled Brats is all about.”
For more information on the Spoiled Brats clothing line, visit spoiledbratsbrand.bigcartel.com or check out the Instagram page at @spoiledbratsbrand.
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