Young, Black and Professional: Kevin Castel

Kevin Castel, 22, resides in Rockland County, NY. Upon graduating SUNY New Paltz in May 2018 with a degree in Finance and Accounting, he continues to pursue his interests in the business. He launched a fashion luxury brand, Akúlix, in March 2018. Akúlix specializes in creating tracksuits with innovative designs for both men and women.

Recently, Castel started a YouTube channel with his longtime girlfriend and business partner, Marsha. The name of their channel is “Kevin loves Marsha”. Kevin is also a health and fitness enthusiast. He always looks for new and unconventional training styles and techniques and health activities to challenge himself.

Did you always know that you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Yes, I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I didn’t know exactly how I would start or what industry I would be a part of. I just knew it.

Did you ever consider giving up on your dream?

Absolutely not, I am an individual who has known “I will work for myself”. Just like everything else I’ve done in life, I have to and will always make that my reality. Everything takes work and discipline and that’s what I’ve been doing.

What does it mean to me to be a young black businessman?

It means everything, I am very proud of who I am, and I know who I am.

How does it make me feel to know there aren’t a lot of people like you in your field?

I don’t feed into that narrative. There are a lot of people in my field who look like me and are very talented. We just don’t know who they are, because they aren’t mainstream. False narratives are not my reality.

Who has been your biggest mentor and why?

Myself, I believe in myself in a way no one else could.

What does a typical day for you look like?

I don’t have one…that’s the process for growing my business, Akúlix.

Best piece of advice received?

My dad gave me the best advice, which I use every day: “Discipline conquers it all.”

Advice to college student to help achieve dreams?

Start while you are in school, so you can reach the benefits by graduation.

I truly enjoyed talking with Kevin. His clothing line is super cute and fashionable. I loved hearing his story so much becuase I feel like lots of college kids want to start a youtube channel or a clothing line and have done both and are working hard to make them great. His youtube with his girlfriend is sooo cute, #CoupleGoals. With each interview I do I find new reasons to write this column. Check out Kevin on Instagram @k.l.castel and @akulix.