Deven Fuqua is no stranger to entrepreneurship. From a young age, Fuqua remembers seeing his parents start their own business which ultimately inspired him to start KETCH, the clothing company.
The name “KETCH” stands for “Keep Elevating Through Challenging Hardships.” This is a motto Fuqua has continued to use throughout his life.
Fuqua was inspired to start his business by his pastor.
“My pastor always preaches about elevating through tough times, and it’s always been something that has just stuck with me,” he said.
Fuqua is a freshman at IUPUI majoring in accounting. Unlike many of his friends who go out often to play basketball or hang out around each other, in his free time, he finds his happy place designing new clothes.
Fuqua recently received second runner-up in his school’s Diversity, Enrichment, and Achievement Program (DEAP) GEICO pitch competition. Students were given the opportunity to pitch a business idea to a panel.
Even though KETCH is a new brand, Fuqua recalls how the business stems all the way back into his childhood.
“It actually started way back when my dad would call me ‘Ketch’ because I loved ketchup so much,” Fuqua said, smiling.
Fuqua is passionate about social justice and sees himself as a light for his community. He is an active member of his college and participates heavily in many social justice activities on campus.
“My biggest goal for this company is for people to see black people differently,” Fuqua said.
Fuqua plans to give back to the community through his business. In the future as his business grows, he intends to give a portion of his profits to local nonprofit organizations as well as provide products for homeless individuals.
“Thats what I’ve been taught growing up, always give back, so I’ll continue to do that as I get older,” he said.
Zachary Wise is a frequent customer of KETCH who appreciates the feeling he gets when wearing the brand.
“The hoodie makes me feel good, not only the material, but the meaning behind the hoodie is the part I really love,” Wise said.
“KETCH is a day-to-day thing, it’s about positivity,” Fuqua said.
Contact intern Kamya Williams at kamyaw@indyrecorder.com. Follow her on Twitter @Kamya_Williamss.
