Reak was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and moved to the U.S. at just two years old, a transition that shaped his resilience and helped form the driven, adaptable person he is today. He’s deeply passionate about music, fashion, and basketball; as a kid, he fell in love with fabrics and styling, music became something he couldn’t live without, and basketball remains his natural high and escape.

People are often surprised to learn he didn’t hit his growth spurt until a year after graduating high school. One of his greatest joys is spending time with his nephew, who brings out the softest side of him. Reak expresses himself through the pieces he wears and the tones he chooses. If his personality had a theme song, it would be “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana.