Self Validation w/Renowned LA Founder John Dean

This week's guest John Dean is the founder of Renowned LA, one of the hottest streetwear brands out right now. The young CEO shares his journey from Akron, OH to Los Angeles and from being voted class clown in high school to being featured in Forbes magazine. Listen in as he speaks to the importance of storytelling through fashion, learning the ins and outs of running a business and collaborating with hometown hero LeBron James. 1:20 - Dean talks about how he got into fashion growing up in Northeast Ohio. He cites Pharrell and "Pink Polo" Kanye as his inspirations growing up. He also talks about how he starting doing business directly with Chinese warehouses when he was still in middle school. 7:20 – The Renowned boss speaks on the moment that it clicked that he had a legitimate business and brand, thanks to Chris Brown's stylist and a magazine cover. 14:00 - Dean talks about why he chooses to tell stories through his collections and why he focuses on Black culture while doing that. 16:10 – After years of politicking, Dean talks about finally doing a collaboration with LeBron James' store Unknown that benefits youth where he and 'Bron are from. 19:00 Dean breaks down the inspiration behind his last collection "Against All Odds." He also speaks on how he approaches using his designs to speak on social injustices and Black tragedies. 26:00 - Dean speaks on Black people supporting Black luxury and high-quality independent brands. He also gives advice to up-and-coming designers wanting to make a name for themselves. 30:00 - Dean reveals how he goes about picking what companies he wants to collaborate with, some of his future plans with Levi's and getting placed in a major department store. Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio