Meet Colin Hanley | Founder of Kottos Clothing

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

Hi Colin, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I decided to start Kottos Clothing because while I had always liked luxury brands, I didn’t like the high price tags that often come with them. This motivated me to create affordable clothing that is accessible to everyone, without sacrificing style or quality. My goal is to offer designs and messages that reflect the values we see in society, providing people with a way to express themselves through clothing. Ultimately, I wanted to make fashion inclusive, ensuring that anyone, regardless of their budget, could wear items that resonate with their individuality and beliefs.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The journey to where I am today hasn’t been easy. I started while balancing high school and work, then transitioned to college full-time while still working my other job. Along the way, I had to learn everything on my own, from managing finances to running marketing campaigns. There were moments of doubt, especially early on when sales were slow, but I stayed committed, learning from failures and adjusting my approach when needed. The key lessons I’ve learned are to embrace failure as part of the journey, seek feedback constantly, and stay flexible to pivot when things don’t go as planned. Kottos Clothing is more than just a brand—it’s a reflection of my creativity, resilience, and hard work. It’s built on the idea that fashion is more than clothes; it’s about self-expression, individuality, and confidence. I hope my journey inspires others to follow their passions and trust the process, even when the road is tough.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Sushiholic in Arcadia has quickly become my favorite sushi spot, offering a wide range of options that never disappoint. The location is super convenient for me, making it an easy choice for both lunch and dinner. Another favorite of mine is Chelsea’s Kitchen in Scottsdale. This restaurant has been a staple for my birthday dinner every year. The ambiance, combined with their amazing food makes it the perfect place to celebrate.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ve always looked up to Cole Bennett because I’m inspired by the culture/brand image he built around Lyrical Lemonade and the creative vision he developed through it. He didn’t limit himself to just one thing, constantly expanding and evolving his ideas. I’m also inspired by Trevor Gorji of Fugazi Clothing. I respect and appreciate how he isn’t afraid to call out big corporations and brands for being lazy or unoriginal in their craft, which shows his dedication to authenticity and pushing creative boundaries. But I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my parents. My mom and dad have been there for me every step of the way, offering unconditional love, mentorship, and encouragement. They’ve taught me the value of hard work, staying true to myself, and always pushing forward, no matter the obstacles. Their influence and guidance are a big part of the reason I’ve been able to pursue my own creative passions.

Website: https://kottosus.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kottosusa/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-hanley-455b57218/