Behind BRÛLÉ 04: Trusting the Process

WOW everything led me here!

Yesterday was one of those days that felt significant, but not in the way you might expect. Nothing externally spectacular happened—no massive celebrations, no fanfare. But internally? It was different. It felt like everything finally clicked into place. There was this sense of peace and alignment that I hadn’t felt in a while. It was like the pieces I’ve been working toward were finally starting to make sense.

I spent the day shooting for Issue No. 2, the next drop for BRÛLÉ. I had spent the past week working closely with Francisco at the factory, perfecting the final samples, fine-tuning the designs. I was fully immersed in the creative process. But when it came time to shoot, I knew I wanted to start learning how to do it myself. I ordered a new film camera, trading in my old Leica, and decided to personally shoot the collection along side my new photographer. I really want to be able to fully shoot a campaign myself (in all film) if need be. So, I am learning! Everything just flowed. But there was no stress. No forcing anything. I texted the model: “Natural makeup, however you feel organic and comfortable, bare feet.” That was it. Simple. Authentic. Real. And it felt perfect

The pieces for Issue No. 2—a tank top, boxers, and the same pants and button-downs as the linen, all now made in organic cotton (perfect for summer)—came to life with such ease. Seeing them on the model and through the lens of my camera made me feel like I was truly stepping into something I’ve worked so hard for. It wasn’t just about clothes. It was about seeing my vision fully realized. This is what I’ve been working toward. This is me.

And it’s not just about the clothes. It’s about the process behind BRÛLÉ.

At BRÛLÉ, every piece is now made to order. The store opens, the store closes, and production begins—entirely by hand, overseen by me at the factory. I’m there for every step, from design to production. There’s no middleman. Once each piece is finished, I personally pack and ship it out.

There are many reasons I run BRÛLÉ this way now, but the biggest is simple: no waste. BRÛLÉ will never have sales or excess stock. Each drop is unique—different colors, different pieces. And when you see something you love, it’s meant for you. This isn’t about excess. This is slow, sustainable, intentional luxury that’s built to last.

I design, direct, oversee production, create content, handle customer service, and ship every order myself. This opening and closing cycle allows me to focus fully on each phase of the process—design, production, and release. I control the pace, the quality, the story. This is my new business model, I did not do this before, but it is what I always wanted. And that brings me back to something I’ve been reflecting on deeply—is that everything happens for a reason.

So much of my life is starting to make sense now. For years, I’ve been asking myself why things weren’t falling into place. Why was everything so hard? But now, I see how every step led me to where I am today. And the more I reflect, the more I understand how everything happens for a reason. Sometimes you just have to trust the process, even when it feels chaotic.

Take me getting Real Controversial and “Gone Rogue” for example. Last fall, I made those hats, and I knew it would cause a stir. It was controversial. It was political. But for me, it was more than that. It was about standing in my truth. And if I’m being honest, if I hadn’t made those hats, I wouldn’t have met the guy who embroidered them. And I wouldn’t have met Francisco.

The guy who made the hats was a huge supporter of the political stance I was taking. He is an embroiderer in LA, and when he saw me standing in my truth, he was moved. He told me it was so bold and brave, and as a young woman in LA, I was making waves. He offered to help me with anything I needed. So, I told him: “What I really need is a good manufacturer for BRÛLÉ.” He made a call, handed me Francisco’s card, and the rest is history.

That connection? It was everything. It’s one of those moments where I look back and think, “That’s why I did what I did.” If I hadn’t made those hats, if I hadn’t stood firm in my beliefs, I wouldn’t have been led to Francisco. And now, with Francisco, I have a manufacturing partner I trust deeply. Someone who listens. Someone who works with me, not just for me.

What stands out the most about working with Francisco is that he truly listens to me. And I mean, he really listens. I’ve worked with others before who, no matter how much I explained my vision, would push their own ideas or make changes based on their interpretation of what I wanted. It’s frustrating when you feel like it’s not fully yours. But with Francisco, that’s not the case. He doesn’t impose his own ideas; he takes my vision and brings it to life, exactly how I want it. There’s no questioning, no suggesting changes just because “it could be better.” He respects my direction and executes it with precision. It’s rare to find someone who truly aligns with your creative vision, especially in the manufacturing space, and that’s why this relationship is such a big deal.

And through Gone Rogue, I also met Courtney. And through her, I was introduced to church—and ultimately to Jesus. That connection? It has been life-changing. When I gave myself over to Him, my life felt lighter. It stopped feeling like it was all on my shoulders, and I felt this deep sense of peace I’d been missing. It wasn’t all on me anymore. And that has made all the difference in how I’m moving through life now. I’ll share more on this journey with Courtney and my faith another time (or just listen to our show we talk about it), but for now, I’m beyond grateful for how everything came together through this process.

The last year has taught me so much. One of the biggest lessons is trust. Trust the process. Trust that the universe is guiding you, even when you can’t see where it’s taking you. I’m also learning to let go of the weight I’ve carried for so long. There was a time when I felt like everything was on my shoulders, like I had to control every outcome, every decision. But now? I know it’s okay to let go, to trust, and to let things unfold.

Take my move, for example. I have to move out of my place by May 1, and let me tell you—this move has been a process. It’s been trial and error, trying to figure out where in SOCAL I’m going next, what feels right. It’s been a roller coaster of figuring out where to land. But here’s the thing: even though it’s been stressful, even though I’ve been on this crazy ride, I’ve started to find peace. That wild ride I was on a few weeks ago that was driving me crazy? That led me to a really clear place. A place I’m so ready to step into. And that? That’s a huge sign. It’s not just about the destination; it’s about trusting that the process is guiding you exactly where you need to be.

So, as I look at Issue No. 2, I see how it’s all connected. This collection isn’t just about the clothes. It’s about everything that’s led to this point. Every decision. Every challenge. Every connection. Everything happens for a reason. And when you trust that, when you trust the process, the right things will come to you. I’m not rushing anymore. I’m allowing it all to unfold as it should.

BRÛLÉ isn’t just about creating timeless pieces. It’s about the journey. It’s about trusting that everything will fall into place when it’s meant to. And that’s the story of BRÛLÉ. Every drop is a reflection of that journey. Every piece made to order, intentional, with no waste. It’s a capsule in time. It’s an investment in something real.

So when Issue No. 2 drops, know that it’s not just about the clothes. It’s about everything that has led me here—the lessons, the faith, the trust. It’s about knowing that when you invest in something you love, you’re investing in a piece of your own story. A story that’s meant to last.

Not to mention…the new tank and boxers are seriously the best thing I have ever put on my body. Also in organic materials. But I will share more on that later.

Happy Saturday. I love Substack.

X,

KB