Matt's Story
I’ve always gone against the grain. Growing up in the country, I didn’t fit the mold — I dressed different, thought different, rode dirt bikes while others rode horses, and chased hip hop and metal when everyone else blasted country. I liked it that way.
But going against the grain didn’t just stop at style — it bled into every part of my life. I made mistakes. A lot of them. Some hard lessons, some scars, but every one of them shaped who I am today.
I used to battle with my emotions and anger, bouncing between blowing up and shutting down completely. I lost myself trying to please the wrong people, thinking fitting in meant being liked by everyone. That mindset dragged me into a lifestyle filled with drinking, drugs, and self-destruction. I wore the “functioning alcoholic” label like it was normal, even though it was killing me slowly — mentally, emotionally, and physically.
The oilfield became my world early on. At fourteen, I was sweeping shops — which turned into field work, then turned into chasing money all over Alberta. It was all I knew. Make a big paycheck, spend it fast, rack up debt, blow off steam, repeat. It felt like a cycle I couldn’t break. Everyone around me was doing the same — chasing weekends, drowning stress, surviving the grind.
But deep down, I knew I wasn’t built for that life forever. I always dreamed of living life on my terms — riding motorcycles, building something of my own, and making money from my laptop instead of breaking my back in minus-40 weather.
What really woke me up was realizing how short and unpredictable life is. I’ve lost people who didn’t get the chance to truly live. I carry their memory with me every day and let it fuel me.
I also draw strength from the battles I’ve seen firsthand — my parents, who faced brutal challenges with disease and never gave up. Watching them fight through pain, surgeries, setbacks, and come out the other side taught me one thing: you don’t quit, no matter what.
Today, I’m sober. I train daily. I control my habits instead of letting them control me. My relationship with my family is strong. I no longer let people walk all over me — and most importantly, I don’t pretend to be someone I’m not.
Never Backs Down was born from this journey. It’s not just clothing — it’s a mindset. A reminder that no matter what life throws at you, you keep pushing, keep growing, and never let the world break your spirit.
Kayla's Story
I grew up in a single-parent home without much money. My mom worked hard to support my brother and I. When I wanted things that weren't hand-me-downs, it was up to me to figure it out. I got my first job at 13 to buy the things I wanted.
I was on the honor roll, in band, had lots of friends. But after moving to a new town, everything changed. I was bullied and fell in with the wrong crowd. By 15, I was smoking, drinking, and trying to numb everything I felt. What followed was years of chaos—arrests, broken relationships, homelessness, and addiction.
I'd get my shit together, then spiral again. The oilfield brought money but also a cycle of partying, toxic relationships, and self-destruction. I told myself I was fine because I held jobs and paid rent—but deep down, I was angry, hurting, and lost. I ignored grief, avoided healing, and kept running from myself.
After hitting rock bottom repeatedly, I moved away, cut ties, and worked 12–14 hour days and multiple jobs just to stay distracted. But over time, I began doing the real, raw, healing work.
Today, I'm over a year sober. I train daily, invest in my mental health, and show up fully in life with the people I love. I've learned to set boundaries, regulate my emotions, and live with intention.
I wasn't made for a regular rat-race life. I know I'm meant for more, and I want others to know they are too. You can come from nothing and still rise. You can survive heartbreak, addiction, and loss—and still build the life you dream of.
That's what Never Backs Down stands for.
It's not just a brand. It's proof I'm still here, still standing, and still chasing everything I once thought I couldn't have. All while being sober, strong, and fully alive.
Our Story
When we became Matt and Kayla, we were wild. The early years were non-stop partying—we fell hard and fast, and as our love deepened, so did our reputation for throwing unforgettable parties.
But beneath the chaos, life kept moving.
We got engaged after three years, bought our first home, got married, and picked up five acres of land. From the outside, it was picture-perfect: marriage, home ownership, solid careers. We were checking all the boxes society told us to—but deep down, it wasn't enough. We just didn't know it yet.
With every high came lows—struggles, loss, anger, sadness. But through it all, we stayed solid. Side by side. Always.
Those experiences taught us something: We weren't built for average.
That realization sparked a shift—mentally, emotionally, spiritually. We dove into a self-mastery program that cracked our world wide open and showed us what we were truly capable of. The discipline, the drive, the power within us—it had always been there. We just needed to wake it up.
That awakening lit the fire for our legacy—Never Backs Down.
It hasn't been easy. The road's been full of tests. But one thing always held true: we never back down.
Now, we're building a brand rooted in that same energy. Bold designs, high-quality gear, and a message that means something. This is just the beginning of our NBD story—and we're writing the rest with purpose, passion, and power.