A group skateboards on a street at night, showcasing premium South African streetwear and a vibrant urban atmosphere

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.

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A man wearing a black mask, with blood on his hand, representing the edgy style of South African streetwear A man in a black mask displays his fingers, representing the edgy style of South African streetwear brands

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.

Group of six men with skateboards posing confidently in casual attire. Background features artistic eye posters and an urban setting. Vibrant and energetic vibe. A stylish man confidently holds a skateboard, showcasing Bullyboy grip tape at a vibrant skate event in Cape Town

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.

Buzzcut girl getting dressed in raw, intimate bedroom setting Edgy woman stands in the bathroom looking at herself in the mirror while applying lipstick. She poses seductively while wearing the new Bullyboy star logo fitted tee over a lace dress

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.

A man in streetwear stands confidently on a rooftop at night, showcasing South African fashion against Cape Town's skyline A local artist spray paints a car during Cape Town's First Thursday, showcasing Bullyboy's guerilla marketing artistry

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.

QUALITY AND AUTHENTICITY

At Bullyboy, we're committed to crafting products that not only speak to your sense of style but also stand the test of time. Each piece in our collection is meticulously designed and constructed with a focus on quality, ensuring that every garment and skateboard deck embodies the essence of durability and authenticity.

ANARCHY

We believe in challenging the status quo and defying societal norms. With a penchant for anarchy, we celebrate the spirit of rebellion and encourage our community to question authority, push boundaries, and carve their own path in life. But don't be mistaken – our brand of anarchy isn't about chaos; it's about challenging the system and fostering positive change.

(づ˶•༝•˶)づ♡

Who says rebellion can't be cute? At Bullyboy, we inject a playful and lighthearted touch into everything we do. Our unique blend of "cute anarchy" combines whimsical designs with a rebellious edge, creating a distinctive aesthetic that sets us apart from the rest.

INCLUSIVITY AND ACCEPTANCE

Diversity is at the heart of everything we stand for. We celebrate individuality in all its forms and believe that everyone should feel accepted and valued for who they are. Whether you're a seasoned skater or a fashion enthusiast, you're always welcome in the Bullyboy community.

COMMUNITY

We're more than just a brand; we're a family. We're constantly engaging with our community, listening to their thoughts, and incorporating their feedback into everything we do. From collaborating with local artists to hosting community events, we're dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and giving back to those who support us and our movement. <3

GLOBAL REACH

While our roots may be in Cape Town, our reach extends far beyond. With a growing presence in stores across Indonesia, South Africa, USA, and Germany, we're proud to share our vision with the world and connect with like-minded individuals from every corner of the globe.

At Bullyboy, our mission is to challenge norms and ignite the imagination of today's rebels, misfits, and dreamers. Join our movement as we carve our unique path forward, ushering in a future where creativity thrives without constraints.