The Kyistoofly Q&A

Recently I was privileged to have a conversation with a good friend of mine, Kyistoofly, a positive and free-spirited social media marketing genius, and fashion icon from Dayton, Ohio. In this interview, we cover a variety of topics including self-confidence, influences, passions, struggles, and interesting stories, like being friends with music superstar, Jasiah. If you’re looking for some wisdom on any of these topics, then this Q&A is for you. Check it out below.

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Harrison Freeman: Before we dive into some conversation, I just want to thank you for being a part of this Q&A series. It’s a true privilege to have you on our pages.

Kyistoofly: I’m blessed that you wanted me to be a part of this!

Harrison Freeman: Yeah, I honestly feel like this has been in the making for years now. How’re you doing man?

Kyistoofly: I’m doing great man! can’t complain.

Harrison Freeman: That’s good man. Tell us a little about yourself!

Kyistoofly: Well, my name is Kyree Hoskins! I was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. Recently just graduated from Wright State University with a degree in Finance and now I’m currently pursuing a career in social media marketing, which is my true passion.

Harrison Freeman: Oh wow! Congratulations man! How was life growing up in Dayton?

Kyistoofly: Growing up in Dayton was challenging. Like every city, it has its pros and cons, but the biggest con for Dayton is the lack of creative resources and the inability of people in the city to show love to one another. My biggest mission is to solve both of those issues.

Harrison Freeman: You mentioned that social media marketing is one of your passions, how does the inability of people in the city to show love play a factor in your passion? How do you combat it?

Kyistoofly: It plays a huge role! Social Media is honestly a blessing when used the correct way! It gives you the opportunity to connect and network with people all over the world, (Like how me and you connected). Some of my best friendships started with us connecting online and showing genuine love towards one another! That’s why I’m so passionate about social media because I wanna use it to spread love however I can! We are all special, we are all gifted, we are all unique. If there is anything that i can do or say to brighten someone’s day so they know they are special, unique and gifted then that’s what I’m going to do. I’m not afraid to show love because my intentions are genuine! I wanna see everyone shine. Not only in my city but everyone in the world needs to realize that uplifting one another is the only way our society is ever going to elevate! The world needs more love.

Harrison Freeman: That’s amazing man. More people need to be like you. It’s amazing the wisdom you have applied to your perspective. That leads to my next question. It’s no secret that fashion is a passion of yours as well. How does the city effect your style or willingness to try to new things with your fashion?

Kyistoofly: I feel like the city definitely has affected my style. I get inspiration from anything and everybody, but the key is to find YOUR STYLE and what works FOR YOU! That wasn’t always the case for me. In high school I would always look at what other people wore and what they thought was, “cool,” and tried to apply that to my style so i could fit in! It wasn’t until like 2019 when I realized that I wasn’t put on this earth to fit in – I gotta stand out! So I stopped following trends and looking at what other people thought was cool and just started to wear clothes that I LIKED and started to develop a wardrobe that defined me. This is because, at the end of the day, the clothes don’t make you… you make the clothes. So around this time is when I discovered thrifting and it changed my life forever! The fact that you can go a get a fly outfit for under $20 simply amazed me!

Harrison Freeman: Man, you’re right! Style is readily available for anyone willing to put in the work. My wife and I thrift quite regularly. Who or what are some of your inspirations?

Kyistoofly: My biggest inspiration is my Mom! Without her I honestly don’t know where I would be in life! I watched her struggle…single mother, raising two boys, going above and beyond just so me and my brother could have all our wants and needs! She is truly a blessing and I thank God for her everyday! I wanna make it so bad so I can return the favor.

Harrison Freeman: You’re a genuine dude, Ky. For real. I think one of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to style is that there is a particular trend that has to be followed while it’s popular. With that being said, fashion has slowly become accepted as an art, and with art being subjective, how do we change the narrative of an outfit being “bad” because it isn’t trendy to simply just being another art style? Like how there’s different art styles and genres for painting etc.

Kyistoofly: Fashion should be used as a form of expression! Like how art is used! I will never call someone’s outfit bad because that is simply them just expressing themselves! We are all different and unique and that’s what makes the world so beautiful! It would be boring if everyone dressed the same!

Harrison Freeman:I completely agree. I think it’s important to share a wide acceptance of everyone’s styles.

Harrison Freeman: Let’s change the topic for a second. I know some people aren’t aware, but you actually had a pretty successful run in the music scene for a significant time. Could you elaborate on that some?

Kyistoofly: Yeah, so I started making music out of high school with my homie Phree, more commonly known as Jasiah. It was just something fun to do with my friends because we all love music. I made my first song in October of 2016 and it was dedicated to my homie Tyler Johnson, who had just won a state meet for track & field! It was a blessing seeing all the positive feedback for my first song ever and I knew I had to keep it going! Being an artist was one of the best things that ever happen to me because I connected with so many people off my music and that has allowed me to elevate my overall brand!

Harrison Freeman: Jasiah, that man is finally getting all of the recognition he deserves. Could you tell us about your and his friendship? I remember us three would always be in group chats together back in the day.

Kyistoofly: I actually met Jasiah in high school! We both went to this Art School called Stivers in Dayton, but we didn’t get real close until I graduated because he was a grade ahead of me! Jasiah was making music in high school and I found his music on SoundCloud and always thought he was so talented! The summer I had graduated I had shared a video of me listening to one his songs on Snapchat and he had seen it and showed his appreciation for me rocking with his music! We had started to chat and I mentioned how I always wanted to make music but never knew where to go to record! He had offered to record my first song for me and the rest is history! Bro been my dawg ever since! He has played a big role in who I am today and for that i’m forever grateful!

Harrison Freeman: Is that where the name, “Kyistoofly,” originated from?

Kyistoofly: Before i was Kyistoofly, my Instagram name was, “lildude_flexin.” Before that I was “kyreepoloswag247.” Very embarrassing, I know, but I always liked my usernames to be centered around clothes because my passion for fashion! My Sophomore year of high school, it was an upperclassman that went to my school who’s username was, “Flyguytyty,” and he was one of the flyest dudes at school at the time and naturally I looked up to him because i wanted to be the flyest in the school! So thats where the “Fly” part came from. Plus “Ky” and “Fly” rhymes so it was a perfect fit. Then i added the “is too” in between because I would always say (and still do) that, “this is too hard,” or “this is too crazy,” so it made sense to be like “Ky is too fly.”

Harrison Freeman: Yeah, I got to say, I remember coming across your music back in 2017. I still bump your “Toofly 2” tape to this day! Would you say music was essential in gaining your confidence to explore different avenues of fashion?

Kyistoofly: It 1000% was! I use to be very shy and just stay to myself but music allowed me to open up more and not be afraid to shine this light that God gave me! Music gave me the confidence to try new things and to be proud about my creative decisions because as long as I am being myself and making MYSELF happy… that’s all that matters. And people will ultimately respect the artistry because you’re not trying to be like someone else. And I try to apply that same thought process into my style. As long as I’m wearing what I LIKE, thats all that matters.

Harrison Freeman: Your discography includes a single dedicated to the late artist, Lil Peep. I was wondering what he meant to you personally, and did his unique style serve as an inspiration for you to dress in a way that makes you comfortable with who you are?

Kyistoofly: Lil Peep definitely was an influential artist for me! He was not afraid to be himself and was not shy about experimenting with blending rap/hip hop music with rock and punk music! He definitely had his own sound and did things his way and I respected that so much as an artist! I try to apply that same mindset into my style by taking different pieces fashions, blending them together and making it my OWN! I believe that everything I put on is a masterpiece and that comes from within! Knowing that as long as I love what I’m doing, everything else will fall into place. Lil Peep’s death, along with many other young deaths, hit me hard because I want everyone to live a long lasting life and to be able to attain all their dreams and aspirations! But legends never die so his impact and influence will live on forever

Harrison Freeman: For sure man. He touched many types of artists with his music and personality. When it comes to the marketing aspect of the business, what are some ways that music and fashion differ, if any? Can you elaborate some on that?

Kyistoofly: Actually, it’s really no difference! What a lot of artist fail to realize is that from a marketing standpoint, they are a brand. Fans not only care about the music but they care about the lifestyle that these artist have! Some people fall in love with the artist without even caring about their music because of how well that artist has marketed their image to the public! Being someone that the fans can relate to and make personal connections with beyond music is the influence that ever artists needs to attain!

Harrison Freeman: I think you’re absolutely right. It’s all about personal resonation.

Harrison Freeman: Well, I just want to personally thank you for this conversation. You’ve actually taught me a few things and shared some great wisdom with me, personally. You’re a genuine dude and I’m thankful for you man!

Kyistoofly: It was a blessing that you even wanted to interview me man! Thankful for you and keep doing your thing!! Nothing but Love this way

Harrison Freeman: With all that being said, is there any advice you want to give to our readers?

Kyistoofly: BE YOU! your literally 1of1 and was put on this earth to do great things! Your’e special and don’t be afraid to show love and let others know they are special as well!

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Here is a look at some of Kyistoofly’s latest work!