
About Bullyboy
ESCAPE THE ORDINARY
Welcome to Bullyboy, where we invite you to Escape The Ordinary and embrace a lifestyle rooted in individuality, rebellion, and creativity. Established in 2021 and based in the vibrant city of Cape Town, South Africa, Bullyboy represents more than just a skate and streetwear brand; we're a movement dedicated to breaking free from the constraints of conformity.



How Bullyboy Started
In late 2020, Francesco, the founder of Bullyboy, was online shopping for his own Christmas gift: a skateboard. Every part of the setup was sorted. The deck, trucks, wheels, and bearings were all chosen. But one detail was missing: the grip tape.
He wanted something bold, graphic, and unique. But every South African skate shop only offered cringe-worthy superhero designs clearly made for kids. There was nothing that matched his taste or personality. Instead of settling, he decided to design his own.
He found a factory with a minimum order of 100 custom grip tapes. He planned to keep 10 and try to sell the rest to local shops. What started as a fun holiday project quickly turned into something much bigger.


The Name and Launch
If he was going to sell them, he needed a name. After weeks of brainstorming, Bullyboy was born. A name that was gritty yet playful. "Bullyboy" literally means a rough, aggressive man, which symbolized the grip tape’s texture. But the double "B" gave it a punchy, almost comforting sound. That contrast captured the brand’s essence: raw, rebellious, and unorthodox.
Graphic grip tape was already controversial in core skateboarding circles. Starting a skate brand with that as the flagship product instantly put Bullyboy in its own category. And that was the point.
By early 2021, the first products landed. Bullyboy’s Instagram went live. Shops started ordering. And skaters actually loved it. What was once a one-off side hustle had officially become a brand.


Our Mission and Growth
In 2022, Bullyboy solidified its identity with the slogan: “Escape the Ordinary.” It wasn’t just a tagline. It was a mission.
Since then, the brand has evolved far beyond grip tape. We now manufacture skateboards, run a full apparel line (launched in 2024), and host regular community events. We sponsor local and international contests, support a growing team of skaters, and collaborate with a tight-knit crew of creatives, including graffiti artists, videographers, designers, and photographers.
Everyone skates. Everyone contributes. Everyone pushes each other forward.
We’re not here to blend in. We’re here to build something unforgettable.


Marketing and Culture
Francesco always believed in guerilla marketing. Inspired by Shepard Fairey, Basquiat, and Banksy, Bullyboy’s presence grew through massive wheatpasted posters across Cape Town, targeting skate parks, Bree Street, Loop Street, Observatory, and beyond.
From spray-painted cars to fake “missing dog” flyers with QR codes and meme humor, to well-directed viral videos, everything we do is designed to catch you off guard and leave a mark.
Bullyboy is more than a brand.
It’s a creative rebellion.
It’s skate culture reimagined.
It’s for those who want to escape the ordinary.