It All Started With an Idea... How Mike Created Kaldi Clothing Co 🤘🏻

"You had me at coffee mate!"

These six words were the WhatsApp message I received from John after I messaged him one day in 2023 to ask if he fancied starting a coffee and adventure inspired clothing brand with me. He didn’t take much persuading. Now, 2 years later, he's asked me to share with you how we started Kaldi Clothing Co. What lead up to two mates from way back deciding to start a clothing brand with, let’s face it, absolutely no idea what they were doing? Let’s do it…

In 2018, I quit my job, moved to America with my wife, and found myself between jobs while waiting for my work permit to be approved. Rather than going back into a career I had no passion for, I decided life is too short to spend my days doing something mundane that I don’t enjoy, and it was time to make a career out of something I have always been super interested in… that thing was graphic design. 

I’ve always been a brand nerd. I must drive my friends and family mad; I mean I am unable to walk down the street without muttering the words “Ooh nice branding”, “I like that logo!”, or “You’re kidding me… not comic sans!”.  

One of my first projects was a collection of outdoorsy T-shirt design mock-ups that I posted on Instagram. Shortly after posting them, John (now affectionately known as Kaldi John) messaged, saying how much he loved them and that if I ever wanted to sell them, he’d love to help fund the project or even team up as a partner. I said something along the lines of “Sounds good, mate. Let me think about it.” Then… nothing. For years. But the idea lingered...

Fast forward to 2023. I was absentmindedly doodling on an old envelope when I sketched a retro-style coffee cup character – a crampon wearing, coffee overflowing, mountain-bound cup head. A lightbulb flicked on. I thought; There’s something in this. And I knew exactly who to get in touch with.

One message later, Kaldi Clothing Co. was born - built on a shared love for coffee and adventure and a directionless entrepreneurial spirit.

We still have absolutely no idea what we’re doing by the way… but we’re winging it!

Mike