BornXRaised Designer Reminisces on His Past & Shares Behind the Brand (Full) | The Canvas: LA | Fuse

Summary

This video delves into the story of Born and Raised, a brand born from personal struggles, cultural pride, and a desire to preserve the essence of Venice, Los Angeles. The founder reflects on his roots, the evolution of the city, and the impact of gentrification on his community. From humble beginnings, including selling t-shirts from his car trunk, to overcoming personal challenges like terminal cancer, the brand grew into a cultural statement. Through passion and resilience, Born and Raised not only defines a unique style but also serves as a love letter to a fading Venice lifestyle.

Takeaways

• 😀 The creator of Born and Raised started the brand to help his family and community, driven by personal pride and resilience in the face of gentrification.
• 😀 Born and Raised is a love letter to Los Angeles, showcasing a prideful culture that reflects the true essence of the city, beyond the stereotypes.
• 😀 The creator faced challenges, including growing up poor, but considers it a formative experience that gave him strength and identity.
• 😀 He was inspired by his own frustration, with his artistic expression initially channeled into clothing to cope with personal emotions.
• 😀 Venice's gentrification and cultural changes led the creator to fiercely defend the neighborhood's identity against newcomers, who he felt misrepresented it.
• 😀 Born and Raised was founded without a business model or investors; it grew from a personal idea into a successful brand driven by pure passion and frustration.
• 😀 The creator's family had a rich cultural background in art and music, despite financial struggles, which shaped his artistic journey.
• 😀 A major turning point in his life came after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, which didn't stop him from continuing to work on his brand through chemotherapy.
• 😀 The success of Born and Raised grew due to organic support, including celebrities like Kendrick Lamar wearing the brand, and strategic placements in high-profile stores like Union.
• 😀 The creator emphasizes the importance of resilience, explaining that success is a continuous effort, and that struggles and self-doubt are part of the process of being an artist.
• 😀 He advises younger individuals not to view their challenges as obstacles, but as sources of empowerment that can drive personal and creative growth.

Q & A

Why did the speaker start the brand 'Born and Raised'?

The speaker started 'Born and Raised' to help their family and community, with a focus on preserving their roots in Venice, California. The brand was created as a response to gentrification and to maintain a sense of identity and pride in their neighborhood.

How does the speaker describe the impact of growing up in Venice?

The speaker describes growing up in Venice as a formative experience, heavily influenced by diverse cultures and struggles. They reflect on the challenges of living in a gentrifying area, and how it shaped their identity and the pride they feel for the community.

What role does 'Born and Raised' play in relation to gentrification?

'Born and Raised' serves as a response to gentrification, which the speaker sees as erasing the true cultural essence of Los Angeles neighborhoods. The brand is a way to celebrate and preserve the identity of the communities that built the city before it became commercialized.

What does the speaker mean when they say, 'This is me, this is where I'll always be'?

The speaker is expressing a deep sense of belonging to Venice and Los Angeles. They emphasize that no matter how much the area changes or how successful the brand becomes, their connection to their roots will never change.

What was the initial motivation behind starting 'Born and Raised'?

The initial motivation was driven by frustration and a desire to channel negative emotions into something creative. The speaker, feeling frustrated by the changes in their community, started the brand as an outlet for that emotion, using clothing as a form of expression.

How did the speaker's upbringing influence their approach to life and work?

Growing up in poverty, the speaker developed a strong sense of identity and resilience. They learned to express themselves creatively through clothing and art, using these as tools to overcome challenges and share their culture with others.

How does the speaker view success in the fashion industry?

The speaker views success in the fashion industry as a continuous struggle. They believe that success is not a destination but a constant pursuit, where the work never stops. They emphasize the importance of staying humble and persistent, no matter how much success one achieves.

What personal challenges did the speaker face during the growth of 'Born and Raised'?

The speaker faced significant personal challenges, including a period of incarceration and being diagnosed with terminal cancer. Despite these obstacles, they continued to work on their brand, showcasing resilience and determination throughout their journey.

What does the speaker mean by 'artist poor'?

'Artist poor' refers to the kind of poverty the speaker experienced growing up, where material wealth was scarce but cultural and creative wealth was abundant. This distinction highlights the value of artistic expression over financial wealth.

How did the speaker's experience with cancer impact their work?

The speaker’s battle with cancer became a turning point in their life. Despite the challenges of chemotherapy, they continued to work on 'Born and Raised' during their treatment. The brand's development became a source of strength and purpose during this difficult period, helping them stay focused and motivated.