I started this brand because I wanted to build something of my own. Something I can look back on and be proud of. I worked for people, at jobs, building someone else’s dream. It isn’t a bad thing, but at the core, what did I do for myself?
I’ve always felt like I was abandoning myself, this sense of emptiness I couldn’t pinpoint for a long time, until I asked myself these two questions.. what is my dream, what do I really want to do in life?
The answer was simple. I want to build a legacy. Not to impress the world, but to make that little kid in me happy.
I wasn’t a stranger to myself anymore. I finally listened to myself. I pursued my dream. I finally stopped pretending to be someone I’m not. I’ve always had a deep passion for designing, and I wanted to create something where I could infuse my creativity into something tangible. I had the desire to start my own clothing brand for a long time, and this was the perfect time to do it.
So I did.
I started by building a logo and a name. Renegade Apparel Co felt right, and the rest just lined up perfectly. My ideas became a physical manifestation. I turned every concept in my mind into something real.
I didn’t start this because I had everything figured out.
I started it because I didn’t. Wait for the perfect time they say. Nope. Right now is the perfect time. Right now is all there is. If I keep waiting, I’ll be 60 with regrets.
So I started with what I had, a laptop and some design software.
Now with my brand, I never intended to copy any other brands out there. I wanted to build something that connects with me and resonates with who I am, an authentic brand. A brand where I can express myself just by being myself.
And in doing that, I can connect with people.
So I built this brand around one idea, to show people, you reading this, yeah you, to be authentic. Do what you actually want in life, even if it goes against what people expect from you. Follow your heart. Because when you follow your heart, you’re aligned with yourself.
You stop fighting who you are, and you start becoming who you’re meant to be.
How do you connect with someone? By being yourself. Being authentic. No one wants to be around a shady person, right? Yes, not everyone will like you, but that’s the point of it all. Be you.
That’s where you’ll be at peace with yourself. This is your world, be the main character, not a cameo. You are the priority. Always. If you don’t prioritise yourself, you’ll suffer. Simple as that.
You won’t be in a constant battle with yourself because you know you are doing the right thing.
Now you may ask, how would I categorise my brand. Where does it sit. Is it streetwear.
I wouldn’t really call my brand strictly streetwear. It’s more like futurewear to me. I draw from futurism when I design, and that is the direction I go in. If you are wondering why, it is because I have always been a sucker for sci fi, and I like blending that with a bit of contemporary influence so it still feels grounded in reality.
Not only that, I infuse meaning into every piece through the messages they carry. I like the idea that a design can hold something deeper, something that speaks to the person wearing it in their own way. A great design with a great message.
So yeah, I’m not going for the idea of what streetwear should look like, but for how I want it to be.
Something people can connect with on a deeper level.
So to everyone reading this, first of all, thank you for staying till the end.
Now pause for a second.
Seriously.
What is your dream?
Say it in your head right now.
Got it?
Good.
Now here’s the real question. What are you waiting for?
Because if you’re waiting for all the pieces of the puzzle to magically come together, you’ll be waiting forever.
There is no perfect moment coming later.
Right now is the perfect time.
The present moment is the only one that actually exists.
So go and make it happen. You've got this.