Many high school students spend their weekends doing homework, sleeping, or going out with friends. Not junior Cameron Keys. Keys spends his spare time designing.

Just one of the things Keys gained freshman year was his sense of style. He and his stepbrother, Kristopher Austin, became inspired by everyday things. They used what they saw on television, outside, and many other places as inspiration when the young artists began sketching designs. Eventually, they decided to start a clothing line which they named Parachute Pilots.

“Business started off kind of slow,” said Keys. “But it’s starting to take flight.”

When Keys first began Parachute Pilots people interested in purchasing his products had to contact him. Later he developed a website which brought him more customers. He also produced more clothing and new designs. He started off selling crewnecks, hoodies, and t-shirts. Later, Keys added beanies and other items.

“My first few customers were family and friends supporting my creativity but with time more people began to buy my products,” said Keys. “After I made a website, even more people from St. Louis started to like my brand.”

Keys’ clothing line is going pretty well despite its slow start. He now intends to gain more customers, eventually some outside of St. Louis. He is also working on getting his line into a store.

“Parachute Pilots is getting bigger,” said junior Sharee Smith. “More people around Saint Louis are becoming interested in his clothing because it’s something that other people don’t have.”