From Our Founder and CEO - Kym

"I was a victim of sexual assault for most of my younger years and at school, I was bullied badly, beaten up simply because I was skinny and didn’t fit in. I had to face torment at school, only to come home to more abuse, both physical and mental.

At 16, I left home and spent time couch-surfing, only to fall into three bad relationships where I suffered more domestic violence and abuse.

By 18, I thought I had found someone who loved me and would protect me when I got married. But instead, I faced years more of domestic violence.

Later, I joined the military, hoping to rebuild my confidence and ensure I’d never again accept abuse from a man. While deployed overseas, I experienced and witnessed things no one should ever have to endure. The trauma became so heavy that I reached a point where I no longer wanted to live.

When I returned, I was consumed by anger and emotionally broken. I didn’t understand why, until I saw a Combat Stress advert listing the signs and symptoms of PTSD. For the first time, I felt relief in having an explanation.

I went through Combat Stress’s six-week programme. In some ways, it helped. I discovered coping strategies, took up painting, poetry, and photography. But psychologically, I was still struggling, and in some ways, it made me worse.

So why didn’t I launch BattleScarred when I first thought of it 8.5 years ago? Two reasons:

1. I was too scared of failure. I didn’t have the confidence or strength to follow through.
2. I didn’t have the funding, and I feared that someone with more money would take my idea and use it.

Now, 8.5 years later, I finally have the confidence and the resources to protect and build my vision.

Why the name BattleScarred?

Our motto is “One Day at a Time.” At first, I wanted the brand to focus only on serving or retired veterans. But then it hit me: it shouldn’t be just for soldiers. I was a victim of abuse and domestic violence, so this brand should be for anyone who has faced trauma, illness, PTSD, or personal battles of any kind.BattleScarred is for:

• Survivors of abuse, domestic violence, and stalking
• Those battling illnesses, cancer, or obesity
• People overcoming bullying, name-calling, or physical changes
• Veterans and service members living with TBI, PTSD, or life-changing injuries
• Survivors of acid attacks, burns, and other traumas
• Anyone carrying scars, physical or emotional from the battles life has thrown at them

And it’s not just for humans. Military and police animals. Dogs, horses can suffer PTSD and trauma too, even if they can’t speak it. BattleScarred represents them as well.

This brand is more than a name or a logo. It’s about making an impact for those who have suffered in silence. It’s about empowering individuals on their journey of healing and resilience. Together, we can build a community that embodies strength, support, and understanding.

When you wear BattleScarred, you are making a statement:
It’s okay not to be okay, but I’m taking it one day at a time.

Inside every garment, you’ll find crisis helpline numbers, because nobody should have to go through their battles alone.

BattleScarred hears you. BattleScarred sees you. And together, we rise."

 

 

We are all BattleScarred.

Some scars are visible. Others are hidden deep within. At BattleScarred, we believe that every scar tells a story of survival, of resilience, and of strength.

Our brand was born from the idea that life itself is a battlefield. From the front lines of military service to the everyday struggles of mental health, trauma, and personal challenges, battles are fought in countless ways. We created BattleScarred to give people a way to wear their strength proudly, uniting warriors from all walks of life under one banner.

For veterans and service members, our Military Edition pays tribute to the sacrifices and courage of those who serve. For the everyday fighter, our Originals Collection symbolizes the silent wars such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, loss, and the challenges life throws at us.

Every garment we design is more than fabric, it’s a reminder that scars, whether seen or unseen, are proof of survival. By wearing BattleScarred, you stand for awareness, resilience, and hope. You stand for yourself and for everyone still fighting their battles.

We’re not just building a clothing brand. We’re building a community. A place where scars are honored, voices are heard, and strength is shared.

BattleScarred... Wear Your Scars With Pride.