In 2022, after a fun night out with friends, we were driving home, reflecting on just how grateful we were for the people in our lives. We realized how rare it was to have friends who truly supported and uplifted each other. That’s when we had a thought: vulnerable, supportive, uplifting love should exist in friendships. It didn’t have to be reserved for family or romantic relationships—our friendships could be a space for this kind of genuine connection too.

We also thought about how, in my culture, it’s common to greet loved ones with a kiss on the cheek—something that’s practiced in many parts of the world. It made us realize how rare it was to show that kind of affection openly in friendships, especially in a culture where friendships sometimes feel more surface-level than they should.

This idea sparked the creation of our podcast, where we talked about bringing that kind of vulnerability and love into friendships. It wasn’t just about words; we wanted a tangible way to express this message. So, we designed a few shirts for the podcast. When we started wearing them, our friends embraced them too. It wasn’t just about the shirts, but the idea behind them—showing love and affection in a simple, genuine way.

From there, we launched Kiss Your Homies, a brand built around the idea that love in friendship matters. It wasn’t just a catchy phrase, but a movement to encourage deeper connections. What started as a podcast turned into something bigger—reminding everyone that love isn’t just for family or romantic partners, it’s for your friends too. And sometimes, that love is as simple as a kiss on the cheek.