Philomina Kane Built a Multi Million Dollar Brand with Satin Lined Innovation
KIN Apparel Founder & CEO Philomina Kane, who started the business with $500, has found a way to create her own lane in the fashion industry merging style, beauty, and functionality. KIN Apparel (Keep It Naturally) is a brand that prioritizes hair protection, revolutionizing the way people with natural hair experience fashion. The brand describes itself as “inclusive clothing for hair protection and comfort.”
KIN Apparel is best known for its satin-lined hoodies, a niche product for those who have struggled with hair damage caused by traditional cotton-lined hoods. But the brand doesn’t stop there. It has expanded its offerings to include satin-lined hats, pillowcases, and many other pieces and accessories designed to protect and nurture natural hair, all while maintaining a stylish aesthetic.
A proud Princeton University graduate, Philomina initially gained recognition through her YouTube channel, NaturallyPhilo, where she shared hair care tips, lifestyle content, and her personal experiences as a Black woman navigating academia and business. Her authenticity and passion resonated with her audience, growing her platform and ultimately setting the foundation for her business.
In 2021, Philomina took KIN Apparel to Shark Tank, where she landed a deal with investors Lori Greiner and Emma Grede, a moment that solidified her place in the industry. Since then, KIN Apparel has scaled into the millions in revenue and gained mainstream attention.
She shares more details of her experience on Shark Tank, confirming that she ended up only striking a deal with Emma Grede and that Emma gave her advice that changed her entire outlook on business. “Emma Grede is currently my investor for half the price [and] half the percentage. It was a decision I made just thinking about where I want to see my company and what makes sense.” (CNBC)
That attention has turned into partnerships like the one they have with Chase bank, featuring the brand in a national campaign. It has also turned into controversial moments like when Nike launched a satin-lined hoodie collection in collaboration with WNBA player A’ja Wilson. Philomina took to social media to clear the air and let it be known that KIN Apparel pioneered this lane and was the first to bring the concept to market as a core product, and that they will continue leading in this lane.
Beyond the success of KIN Apparel’s wide variety of products, Philomina wants to empower Black consumers to embrace their natural beauty without compromise. She’s building a community that celebrates and values afrocentric self-care, and she’s serving that community with intention.