Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Mason III.
Hi Robert, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey has been shaped by perseverance, purpose, and personal growth. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University in 2017, where I also joined Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated in 2016. My time in the fraternity instilled leadership, resilience, and a sense of community, which has carried through every stage of my life.
After graduation, I worked in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy from 2018 to 2020. This role allowed me to support children with developmental challenges and deepened my passion for helping others. In 2020, I transitioned into teaching, working as a kindergarten teacher and later teaching 2nd grade in 2021. Teaching was a transformative experience that taught me patience, adaptability, and how to nurture young minds.
During this time, I was also developing my brand, Kulture Kollective, a streetwear line centered on mental health awareness. The brand was born from my desire to break stigmas surrounding mental health, particularly within the African American community. It’s a platform where creativity meets advocacy, empowering others to prioritize their well-being while embracing individuality.
In 2020, my life took a painful turn when I lost my brother Micah. This loss marked the beginning of a series of tragedies. I later lost my grandmother Susan in 2022, my uncle Torey that same year, close friends, and, most recently, my uncle Roy and brother Rashad in 2024. Each loss left a profound impact on me, shaping my perspective on life and deepening my commitment to supporting others through grief and mental health challenges.
In 2021, I earned my master’s degree in Forensic Psychology from Walden University, combining my passion for mental health and the justice system. Shortly after earning my degree, I began working as a Clinician at Journey Through Life (JTL), where I help families access vital resources while teaching skills to improve their emotional and social well-being.
In 2023, I stepped into modeling and acting, something I’ve always admired but never pursued until now. I finally found the courage and confidence to jump into these creative fields, and it has been an exciting journey of self-expression and personal growth.
Every step of my journey—from fraternity life to teaching, launching Kulture Kollective, and working in mental health—reflects my dedication to making a positive impact. Despite the challenges, I’ve remained focused on building a life rooted in perseverance, compassion, and purpose.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. I have lost two brothers; Micah (Jan 2020) and Rashad (Feb 2024), two uncles: Torey (Jan 2022) and Roy (Aug 2024) and grandmother Susan (Aug 2022). All of this happened while trying to finish up my masters program as well as trying to start up my clothing line: Kulture Kollective. I’ve been dealing with grief, anxiety and depression, trying to navigate that battle. This battle came with coping in unhealthy ways, which resulted to isolating myself from those close to me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work as a Clinician for skills therapy at Journey Through Life (JTL), where I specialize in providing therapeutic support to clients, focusing on development through skills therapy. In addition to therapy, I also offer case management services, helping link and refer families to social resources that can meet their specific needs, such as housing, employment or rent/utility assistance. My work is rooted in the belief that mental health is essential to overall well-being, and I help clients navigate challenges through skill-building, emotional regulation, and connecting them with resources that support their holistic growth. I’m currently working toward my LPC and hold a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University, as well as a master’s in Forensic Psychology from Walden University. One of the things I’m most proud of is my perseverance through tough times; I’ve always remained focused on my goals and pushed through challenges. What sets me apart is my patience—it’s a quality that helps me stay present for my clients, particularly in the mental health space, where creating a safe and understanding environment is crucial for progress.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something surprising that most people might not know about me is that I have a clothing line called Kulture Kollective. While many may know me for my work as a clinician and case worker, they might not realize that I also run a streetwear brand centered around mental health. Kulture Kollective isn’t just about fashion—it’s about fostering awareness, breaking down mental health stigmas, and creating a platform for the African American community to prioritize their well-being. The brand’s vision is to empower individuals to embrace their mental health without fear of judgment, and it’s something I’m incredibly passionate about. Another surprising fact is that I’ve recently started pursuing modeling and acting. I’ve always had an interest in the craft, but it wasn’t until recently that I built the courage and confidence to jump in. It’s been an exciting new challenge and a great way for me to explore a creative side I hadn’t fully embraced before.
Pricing:
- T-Shirts and Shorts – $30 each
- Hoodie and Jogger Sweatsuits – Coming soon!!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thekulturekollective.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jug6ernaut/profilecard/?igsh=MWNlejR2Nml5b25ndA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19gJxNpqJk/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmason93?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Twitter: https://x.com/jug6ernaut_?s=21&t=-4UgWShyiTKJxr3I0AOKWw
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@kulturekollective?feature=shared
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/thekulturekollective_/profilecard/?igsh=MXJ2Z3JlOWNqOXg5ag==
Image Credits
Ayodele Olawaiye LLC
