BE HEARD Vol. 7
LaVie Factory’s Riq:
The Blueprint Behind the Brand
Meet Riq—co-owner of Distorted Kicks and founder of LaVie Factory—a creator whose vision started long before the storefronts and success. Back in high school, he was already flipping hoodies, bleaching fabrics, and dreaming bigger than his surroundings. While others were just getting through the day, he was building a path.
That same energy never left. What began as creative curiosity turned into a focused mission, carried by patience, purpose, and trust in the timing of things. Riq didn’t rush his journey. He moved with intention, stayed consistent, and allowed growth to unfold at its own pace. Everything he’s building now still traces back to the quiet blueprint he started years ago.
The Foundation: McKinley Roots and a Bigger Dream
Riq’s journey into the arts began at McKinley High, where he spent his time dyeing, bleaching, and playing with fabrics. His first brand, Grinding Never Stops, was already about movement and mindset. “Everything I said then is what I’m doing now. I wasn’t gonna change my goals just because I didn’t see it right away,” he said. From the beginning, he wasn’t in it for fast results—he had a bigger vision in mind.
Education, Sneakers, and Self-Taught Hustle
After high school, sneakers became a new outlet, and college came into the picture. Though he studied business, it wasn’t just classroom learning that shaped him. “Some teachers just taught from the book. Others had actual business experience,” he said. “But honestly? YouTube was my teacher.” That balance of traditional education and independent learning helped Riq craft a path that worked for him—one that respected his pace and process.
Distorted Kicks: From Backyard to Main Street
Distorted Kicks started with backyard photo shoots and basement drop-offs. Riq and his partners started snapping pictures, flipping shoes, and doing drops straight out of the basement. From there, they started making regular trips to New York and Boston, grinding and growing the brand. Eventually, they found their first space. That evolved into what we now know as Distorted Kicks, which officially became a business in 2023
“It took time,” Riq reflected. “There were ups and downs, but I’m still happy about it—it taught me how to really move like a businessman.” From handling orders to opening the Main Street storefront, every step was earned—not rushed. The growth came because they trusted the work and stayed grounded in their lane.
LaVie Factory: Creating with Intention
LaVie Factory is where Riq gets to explore his solo creative side. The brand is personal—rooted in craftsmanship, culture, and legacy. He draws inspiration from UK and NYC fashion of the ’80s and ’90s, channeling that influence into clean, elevated pieces. “I’m a piece guy,” he said. “I don’t like uniforms.”
His designs include flared pants made from upcycled thermals, silk-scarf stitched hats, and reworked Levi’s—often detailed but never overdone. “Luxury doesn’t have to be loud,” he added. “I had to learn to be minimal.” That’s what makes LaVie Factory feel different. It’s not performative—it’s purposeful.
The Work Beyond the Brand
Riq’s commitment goes far beyond clothing drops and curated collections. Over the years, he’s contributed to his community in ways that don’t always make it to social media. From school supply drives to sneaker giveaways through Distorted Kicks, he’s made it a point to create access—whether that means helping kids start the school year off right or giving someone their first fresh pair of shoes. He’s taken part in fashion events not just to showcase his work, but to help other creatives get visibility and resources.
He’s also the kind of person people reach out to when they need help sourcing materials, learning screen printing, or getting guidance on how to build something from scratch. “A lot of what I do for the community doesn’t get recorded. I just do it,” he said. And that’s exactly what separates him. The work isn’t performative—it’s purposeful. For Riq, community impact isn’t a campaign. It’s a natural extension of who he is and how he chooses to show up.
Staying in His Lane
Buffalo’s creative scene continues to evolve, and while Riq is part of that wave, he isn’t chasing attention. “I’m just in my lane,” he told me. “If I can help somebody—connect them to screen print, sourcing, whatever—cool. If not, I’m still going to do me.” That kind of focus allows him to remain clear-headed even as the scene grows more active.
He knows what he brings to the table. He’s not forcing a moment—he’s letting his work create it.
The Drive Behind It All
When asked how he stays motivated, Riq kept it simple: “The inner child in me. As long as I can keep dreaming and have that inner child with me, I can do any dream I believe in.” That quiet fire—the type that doesn’t burn out—is what keeps him going. He’s already checked off major milestones like Buffalo Fashion Week, designing for the Sabres, and live screen printing events, but he’s not done.
What’s Next: A Factory for the People
The future of LaVie Factory stretches beyond the seams of fashion—it’s rooted in legacy and learning. Riq envisions a physical space in Buffalo, one where creativity meets community. More than just a studio or showroom, this factory will serve as an open workshop where people can learn to sew, screen print, and bring their visions to life. “I want a space where you can come learn and actually make your clothes,” he explained. “LaVie Factory isn’t just a brand. It’s a movement.”
This isn’t about exclusivity or gatekeeping knowledge. It’s about creating access—especially for the young dreamers who may not know where to start. Whether you’re new to the craft or already deep into design, Riq wants this space to feel like a launchpad. The goal is to make the tools of creation more accessible, helping others build their ideas with guidance and intention. It’s mentorship without the mic. Resources without restrictions. A space where progress is stitched by hand, one piece at a time.
Final Thoughts
Riq’s story reminds us that there’s power in letting things unfold naturally. His path hasn’t been loud or overly promoted—it’s been grounded, steady, and rooted in a strong belief in self. “You gotta be delusional with your dream,” he said. “Not everybody’s gonna get it. But that’s not your job to worry about.” That mindset has carried him through the uncertainties and kept him aligned with what matters: the work, the vision, and the people he wants to uplift.
His journey isn’t about chasing trends or proving something to the world—it’s about building something that lasts. Something real. Each step he’s taken has been intentional, guided by a sense of purpose that doesn’t waver. And while his name continues to rise, he remains grounded in the same principles he started with: patience, authenticity, and community.
He’s not just creating clothes. He’s building culture. Intentional. Unshakable.
Follow the Creator
More to come. Stay locked in.
We are the creators of now. Let’s create with intent.
